BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of washing machine accessories and
more particularly to a fabric support device for use in a wash basket of an automatic
washer.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Automatic washers are widely used to clean clothes and laundry items. Washers are
typically designed to flex and move cloth items such that mechanical energy is applied
to the cloth items which are to be cleaned. The way in which mechanical energy is
applied to cloth items varies according to the type of automatic washer. One type
of conventional vertical axis automatic washer employs an agitator which rotates back
and forth within a wash basket to apply mechanical energy to the clothes items loaded
therein. Another type of vertical axis automatic washer includes a vertical axis wash
basket having a bottom impeller or pulsator, provided along the bottom of the wash
basket, for moving cloth items and fluid within the wash basket. In horizontal axis
automatic washers, cloth items are tumbled within a horizontally aligned wash basket
and thereby undergo mechanical action.
[0003] For most fabric items, the mechanical action or force applied during a wash cycle
is not detrimental or unduly damaging. However, for a small portion of laundry items
which are particularly delicate, the application of the mechanical energy by either
an agitator, bottom impeller or through tumbling can be damaging. As a result, delicate
cloth items are frequently dry cleaned or hand washed rather than being washed in
an automatic washer. Unfortunately, dry cleaning is relatively expensive and does
not always provide a desirable fabric care result. Moreover, hand washing is time
consuming and likewise does not always provide a desirable fabric care result.
[0004] There have been some efforts in the past to provide an accessory for an automatic
washer which would allow the automatic washer to wash delicate fabric items. For example,
it is known to provide a small, inner basket which may be mounted onto an agitator
within a large wash basket. Delicate fabric items may be placed into the inner basket
and are subject to a relatively gentle wash action during the operation of the washer.
[0005] It is also known to place delicate clothes within a mesh container which can then
be rolled up or folded and placed within a conventional washer. The mesh container
has sufficient rigidity to support the clothes and prevent twisting and excessive
motion. In this manner, delicate clothes items are constrained and protected from
the strong currents and movement of wash liquid within the washer. However, delicate
clothes item mesh containers which have been used in the past tend to move around
within the wash basket of the automatic washer in which they are used such that cloth
items within these mesh containers are exposed to mechanical forces. Moreover, past
delicate cloth item mesh containers are relatively unsuited for use in automatic washers
employing center agitators.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a fabric support device for supporting
delicate fabric or clothes items within an automatic washer in a manner which allow
the fabric items to be washed but minimizes wear and shrinkage of the delicate fabric
items.
[0007] It is further an object of the present invention to provide a fabric support device
which is compatible with any type of automatic washer having a wash basket. More particularly,
it is an object of the present invention to provide a fabric support device which
may be used in a vertical axis automatic washer having either a center agitator or
a bottom impeller or in a horizontal axis or tilt axis washer.
[0008] It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a fabric support
device which may be easily inserted and removed from within the wash basket of an
automatic washer.
[0009] It is also an object of the present invention to provides a fabric support device
which supports clothes items within a wash basket such that wash liquid currents may
readily pass through and around the clothes items while minimizing the twisting, flexing
and excessive motion of the clothes items.
[0010] These and other objects are achieved by the present invention where a fabric support
device is provided for use in a wash basket of an automatic washer. In a first embodiment,
the fabric support device includes an elongated bag having a generally rectangular
shape, the bag is formed from a mesh material which allows fluid to pass therethrough.
The bag has an opening such that delicate fabric items can be inserted into the bag.
At least one spring member extends longitudinally along the bag wherein the bag may
be rolled into a generally cylindrical shape against the bias of the spring and inserted
into the wash basket.
Alternatively, the bag may include a wall having sufficient rigidity and flexibility
that the wall provides the necessary spring resiliency. Upon release of the fabric
support device within a wash basket, the bag is biased radially outwardly against
the inner wall or surface of the wash basket such that delicate fabric items are supported
within the wash basket for washing but are not subject to the twisting, flexing and
excessive motion caused by the action of the agitator, the bottom impeller or from
the action of tumbling - depending on the type of automatic washer in which the fabric
support device is used.
[0011] In a second embodiment, the fabric support device includes an elongated bag having
a generally rectangular shape. The bag has an open side edge such that delicate fabric
items can be inserted into the bag. A plurality of rods are attached to the bag and
extend transversely across the bag for preventing collapse of the bag. A pair of spring
members extend along the longitudinal edges of the bag. The spring members are generally
formed in a C-shape such that the bag is arranged in a generally cylindrical shape
having a longitudinal slit or gap. The fabric support device is inserted into the
wash basket by compressing the springs to reduce the diameter of bag such that the
fabric support device fits through a top opening into the wash basket. Upon release
of the springs, the fabric support device is outwardly biased such that the bag is
positioned adjacent the inside surface of the wash basket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine, partially cut away.
FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a first embodiment of a fabric support device of
the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross section through the tub, basket and agitator of the washing machine
shown in FIG. 1 and illustrates the placement of the fabric support device into the
wash basket of a vertical axis washing machine having a center agitator.
FIG. 4 is a cross section though an automatic washer having a tub, basket and bottom
impeller which illustrates the placement of the fabric support device into the wash
basket of a vertical axis washing machine having a bottom impeller.
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross section through a horizontal axis automatic washer having
a tub and wash basket which illustrates the placement of the fabric support device
into the wash basket of a horizontal axis washing machine.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the fabric support device of
the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the fabric support device of
the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the fabric mesh used in forming the fabric
support device of FIG. 7.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] The description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be made
in conjunction with various different automatic washer configurations and in particular,
the present invention is shown as used in a vertical axis automatic washer having
a center agitator, a vertical axis automatic washer having a bottom impeller and a
horizontal axis automatic washer. However, it should be understood that the fabric
support device of the present invention may be used in any type of automatic washer
having a generally cylindrical wash basket. Moreover, the fabric support device may
be used in clothes dryers which have a generally cylindrical drum.
[0014] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, there is shown a washer
10, illustrative of a type of washer in which the invention may be used, having an
outer cabinet 11 and an inner wash tub 12. A wash basket 14 is located within the
wash tub 12. A center agitator 16 is disposed within the wash basket for oscillation
therein. The wash basket 14 includes a cylindrical side wall 18, a bottom wall 19
and an open upper end 20. A top member 22 having a center opening 24 is connected
to the upper end of the wash tub 12 and is disposed above the open upper end 20 of
the wash basket 14. In this manner, clothes are placed into the wash basket by passing
them through the opening 24. A lid 26 is hingedly supported by the cabinet above the
wash basket open end 20. A console is provide having controls for initiating a plurality
of wash cycles.
[0015] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a first embodiment of the fabric support device of the present
invention. The fabric support device 30 comprises a container having perforate walls
for supporting delicate clothes items annularly within a wash basket or drum. Specifically,
the fabric support device comprises a mesh bag 32 having a generally elongated, rectangular
shape. The bag has closed transverse edges 32a, 32b and a closed longitudinal edge
32c. An opening is provided along the longitudinal edge 32d and is provided with a
closure device 34 such as a zipper or a zip-lock® type device. Alternatively, the
longitudinal edge 32d may be open and may be provided with a closure device. In this
manner, delicate clothes items 36 may be inserted into the bag and retained therein.
[0016] The mesh bag 32 has a front wall 38 and a back wall 39. The front wall 38 is preferably
a relatively light netting material. The back wall 39 is a more rigid plastic mesh.
The back wall 39 is still flexible but has enough rigidity to support the fabric support
device 30 in an upright orientation when the device 30 is rolled into a cylindrical
shape. As seen in FIG. 3, the front and back walls 38 and 39 are joined along their
side edges while the closure device 34 is provided in the front wall 38 along the
top longitudinal edge 32d. The size of the mesh openings in the front and back walls
38, 39 are sized to allow as much water as possible through the mesh material for
the purposes of cleaning the clothes items placed within the mesh bag 32 but yet small
enough to avoid catching clothing trim such as buttons. The mesh openings may preferably
be 6.35 mm (0.25 in.) diameter openings.
[0017] The fabric support device 30 includes a plurality of springs 40, 42 extending longitudinally
along the length of the bag. The springs 40, 42 may be elongated, resilient plastic
members formed from a suitable material such as Celcon. These springs are preferably
attached to the bag 32 by, for example, insertion into corresponding, elongated pockets
formed into the bag 32. Alternatively, the springs 40, 42 may be adhered to the bag
32 or connected in any other known method. The springs may be attached to the back
wall 39 or alternatively, the springs may be attach to the front wall 38.
[0018] As best shown in FIG. 3, after delicate fabric or cloth items 36 are placed into
the fabric support device 30, the fabric support device 30 may be rolled into a generally
cylindrical shape and inserted into the wash basket 14. Upon release of the fabric
support device 30, the springs bias the mesh bag 32 against the inner cylindrical
wall 18 of the wash basket 14. In this manner, delicate fabric or cloth items 46 may
be supported within the wash basket 14 and washed without having the fabric items
undergoing substantial stretching, twisting, flexing and other movement or agitation.
[0019] The size of the mesh bag 32 can vary but is dictated, to a degree, by the size of
the wash tub. The length of the mesh bag 32 preferably is such that when the device
30 is rolled into cylindrical shape, the shape of the device is capable of fitting
within the open upper end 20. Moreover, the height of device 30 is limited by the
height of the wash basket into which the device 30 is to be inserted. Preferably,
the fabric support device 30 is sized to have a volume capable of receiving several
delicate clothes items. For best wash performance, the clothes items placed in the
device 30 should be evenly distributed within the device and spread out as much as
possible.
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates the use of the fabric support device of the present invention
in a vertical axis washer 100 having a bottom impeller 102 located at the bottom of
a wash basket 104. The device 30 is designed to fit within the wash basket 104 in
a similar manner as described above with regard to FIG. 3. As can be seen, the fabric
support device 30 can readily conform around corner gussets 106 in the wash basket
104. In a like manner, the fabric support device 30 may fit within wash baskets provided
with different side ribs or baffles. The fabric support device 30 may also be used
in horizontal axis washers as shown schematically in FIG. 5.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the fabric support device of the
present invention. In this embodiment, the fabric support device 50 includes a mesh
bag 52 having a generally elongated, rectangular shape. The bag has opposed transverse
edges 52a, 52b and opposed longitudinal edges 52c, 52d. Edges 52a, 52b and 52d are
closed or sealed edges while edge 52c is open. A closure device 54, such as a zipper
or zip-lock® type device, is located along the longitudinal edge 52c such that fabric
items may be placed within the mesh bag 52 and maintained therein. Alternatively,
the longitudinal edge 52c may be open with no closure device provided. In such a configuration,
the cloth items placed in the fabric support device 50 are secured within the mesh
bag by the operation of gravity and friction and the natural resiliency of the mesh
bag.
[0022] A plurality of support rods 56, 58 and 60 are attached to the mesh bag 52 and extend
transversely across the bag 52. A pair of spring members 62 and 64 are located along
the opposed longitudinal edges 52c and 52d. The spring members 62 and 64 are resilient
and are generally formed into a C shape. The rods and spring members are preferably
attached to the bag 52 by for example, insertion into corresponding pockets formed
into the bag 52.
[0023] As can be readily understood, the rods 56, 58, 60 and the spring members 62, 64 form
a frame work for giving structure to the mesh bag 52 and for conforming the bag 52
into a generally cylindrical shape having a longitudinal gap 66. Delicate items which
need to be washed may be placed within the bag 52 through the open edge 52c and secured
therein by closing the closure device 54.
[0024] Washing the delicate fabric items is accomplished by placing the fabric support device
within the wash basket 14. The spring members 62, 64 are sized such that in a relaxed
position they form a circular shape having a diameter which is slightly larger than
the inner diameter of the wash basket 14. To place the fabric support device 50 within
the basket 14, the springs 62, 64 are compressed/bent such that the diameter of the
support device 50 is reduced to less than the diameter of the opening 24. In this
manner the support device 50 can pass through the opening 24 and upon release of the
springs 62, 64 the support device is biased outwardly to press up against the inner
surface of the wash basket 14.
[0025] In this manner, the bag 52 is supported adjacent the inner surface of the wash basket
14 and the delicate fabric items are secured within the bag 52. The delicate items
are exposed to the water, detergent and wash currents within the wash basket but are
not subject to excessive mechanical action in a manner that would cause the delicate
fabric items undue wear.
[0026] FIG. 7 illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention. A fabric support
device 110 is shown which includes a central, mesh body 112 and a right end member
114 and a left end member 116. The mesh body 112 comprises two mesh walls or panels
joined along their outer periphery for forming a generally rectangular bag having
a bottom edge 118 and a top edge 120. The bottom and top edges may be sealed together,
sewn together or joined in any known manner. Alternatively, the mesh body 112 may
be formed as a tubular structure with ends joined to the right end member 114 and
the left end member 116.
[0027] The end members 114, 116 are preferably formed from a plastic material and are attached
to the mesh body 112 by any know method including welding, adhesives, insert molding
or other methods. The end members 114, 116 may be provided with handle openings 122.
Additionally, at least one end member may be provided with a curved slot 124 such
that the fabric support device can be hung up on a hook.
[0028] The mesh body 112 is provided with an opening 128 for allowing cloth items to be
placed within the fabric support device. The opening 128 is provided adjacent the
top edge 120 and may be an elongated slit or may be a flap type opening with a portion
of mesh material laying over the opening. Alternatively, the opening 128 may be provided
with a closure device such as Velcro® material, a zipper or any other know closure
system.
[0029] As described above, the fabric support devices of the present invention are designed
to be rolled into a cylindrical form and then inserted into a wash basket of an automatic
washer. The first and second embodiments shown above each contained longitudinally
extending spring members that provided the needed resiliency for the fabric support
devices to radially expand after the device has been inserted into a wash basket.
The third embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, illustrates a fabric support device wherein
the mesh material which forms mesh body 112 has a structure which provides the needed
resiliency without requiring additional spring elements. FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged
view of the mesh material which may be used to fabricate a fabric support device of
the present invention. The mesh material comprises a plurality of relatively large
strands 130 and a plurality of relatively thin strands 132. The large strands 130
in effect are spring elements and provide the mesh fabric with substantial strength
and resiliency such that the mesh material has sufficient internal structure to be
used to fabricate a fabric support device which does not require separate spring elements
added to the fabric support device. To give the fabric support device 110 sufficient
vertical and horizontal strength, one wall of the fabric support device may be formed
with the large strands 130 oriented in a diagonal orientation with the large strands
running upwardly while the other wall may be formed with the large strands 130 oriented
in a diagonal orientation with the large strands running downwardly.
[0030] Table 1, shown below, illustrates the performance that can be achieved using the
fabric support device of the present invention to wash delicate cloth items as compared
to dry cleaning, handwashing, and a horizontal washer.
Table 1
Shrinkage Performance (%): Post wash size/original size |
Treatment |
Wool Garment |
Wool Swatch |
Silk Garment |
Silk Swatch |
Rayon Garment |
Rayon Swatch |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dryclean |
3.3% |
5.4% |
3.3% |
4.4% |
6.2% |
4.7% |
Handwash |
2.0% |
4.9% |
7.6% |
10.9% |
13% |
17.9% |
Horizontal Axis Washer (HAW)-special cycle (high end) |
3.0% |
5.6% |
5.0% |
11.6% |
18.0% |
19.1% |
Present invention used in HAW (low end) |
0.3% |
4.8% |
8.3% |
11.7% |
9.6% |
17.5% |
[0031] It can be clearly seen that the fabric support device of the present invention allows
delicate items, particularly woolen items, to be washed while minimizing shrinkage.
In fact, as shown in FIG. 1, for wool garments, the present invention performs better,
from a shrinkage standpoint, than dry cleaning.
[0032] The present invention, therefore, is directed to a novel fabric support device for
delicate clothes items for use in a washing machine. The fabric support device supports
the clothes within a wash basket in a manner which minimizes cloth stretching, twisting
and excessive movement such that cloth item damage is prevented. The present invention
may be used in a vertical axis or horizontal axis washer. Less delicate cloth items
may be cleaned in the automatic washer, outside of the fabric support device, at the
same time that the delicate items are being washing in the device of the present invention.
[0033] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments,
those of skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made thereto without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended
claims. For example, while the above described embodiments disclose a mesh bag construction,
the fabric support device could also be a molded plastic member. In a molded plastic
configuration, the fabric support device could be formed with natural resiliency such
that spring elements would not be required.
1. A fabric support device (30, 50, 110) for use in an automatic washer having a wash
basket, the fabric support device comprising:
a relatively flat, mesh structure (32, 52, 112) having a generally elongated shape,
the mesh structure having two adjacent mesh walls joined at their outer periphery
for forming an enclosure, the mesh structure further having an opening (32d, 52c,
128) such that fabric items may be placed therein,
wherein the mesh walls (38, 39, 40, 42, 62, 64, 130) are resilient and may be flexed
such that the fabric support device may be rolled into a generally cylindrical shape
and inserted into the wash basket such that the mesh structure radially expands against
the side wall of the wash basket when released supporting the fabric items placed
in the mesh structure in a relatively fixed position within the wash basket.
2. The fabric support device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one spring
member (40, 42, 62, 64, 130) provided longitudinally along the mesh structure (35,
52, 112).
3. The fabric support device according to claim 2, further wherein the fabric support
device is for use in an automatic washer having a top opening providing access to
the wash basket and the mesh structure may be rolled into a generally cylindrical
shape against the bias of the at least one spring member (40, 42, 62, 64, 130) and
inserted through the top opening and released such that the mesh structure is biased
against the inside surface of the wash basket.
4. The fabric support device according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of end members
(114, 116) which connect to the mesh structure (112) along the longitudinal ends,
at least one of the end members having a handle opening (122).
5. The fabric support device according to claim 1, further comprising a first flexible
member (62) disposed along a first longitudinal edge (52c) of the mesh structure (52)
and a second flexible member (64) disposed along a second longitudinal edge (52d)
of the mesh structure (52).
6. The fabric support device according to claim 1, further wherein the mesh walls are
formed from a mesh material comprising a plurality of relatively thick strands (130)
joined by relatively thin strands (132) wherein the thick strands (130) form a plurality
of spring elements giving the fabric support device resiliency.
7. The fabric support device according to claim 6, further wherein the mesh structure
further comprises a first wall and a second wall,
wherein having the plurality of thick strands (130) in the first wall extend along
a first direction and the plurality of thick strands (130) in the second wall extend
along a second direction such that the thick strands of the first wall and the thick
stands of the second wall cross each other to form a crisscross type pattern.
8. The fabric support device according to claim 1 wherein the mesh structure further
comprises a first wall formed from a plastic mesh material; and a second wall formed
from a plastic mesh material which is relatively more rigid than the first wall, the
second wall being rigid enough to support the fabric support device in an upright
manner when the mesh bag is rolled into a cylindrical shape.
9. The fabric support device according to claim 1 wherein the opening has a closure device
(34, 54).
10. The fabric support device according to claim 1, wherein the mesh structure further
comprises an elongated bag (30, 110) having a generally rectangular shape, the bag
being formed from a mesh material which allows fluid to pass therethrough, the bag
having an opening (32d, 128) such that clothes can be inserted into the bag, at least
one rigid member (130) extending transversely across the bag for preventing collapse
of the bag, and at least one resilient spring (40, 42, 130) extending longitudinally
along the bag, wherein the at least one resilient spring (40, 42, 130) can be compressed
such that the bag (30, 110) can be inserted into the wash basket and upon release
of the spring (40, 42, 130), the spring outwardly biases the bag such that the bag
is positioned adjacent the inside surface of the wash basket.
11. The fabric support device according to claim 10, further comprising a closure device
(34) disposed along the opening (128) for securing clothes within the elongated bag
(30, 110)
12. The fabric support device according to claim 10 wherein the elongated bag (30, 110)
includes an elongated side edge (32d, 128), the side edge being provided with a closure
device (34) such that clothes may be inserted into the bag and secured therein.
13. A method for washing delicate fabric items in an automatic washer having a wash basket
using a fabric support device (30, 50, 110), the fabric support device having an elongated,
relatively flat shape which is formed from a mesh material, the fabric support device
being resilient such that it can be rolled into a cylindrical shape, the method comprising
the steps of:
placing delicate fabric items into the fabric support device;
rolling the fabric support device into a cylindrical shape;
inserting the rolled fabric support device into the wash basket;
releasing the fabric support device to allow it to radially expand within the wash
basket and press out against the inside wall surface of the wash basket;
initiating an automatic washer wash cycle.
14. The method of washing delicate fabric items in an automatic washer wherein the delicate
fabric items are supported within the wash basket in a manner which minimizes the
flexing, stretching and excessive movement of the fabric items.