Washing apparatus and method utilizing flexible container to improve cleaning efficiency and minimize space occupancy
US6219871A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F15/02
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An automatic laundry washing machine that is suitable for use in living units having no area set aside for laundry facilities is achieved by replacing the heavy bulky parts of the currently popular automatic washing machine design with a light flexible bag. A large portion of the volume of any washing machine is the vessel for containing the laundry solution and articles to be washed. That vessel is a flexible bag made of modern durable material so as to be collapsible both while in use and for storage. The method of use includes the complete process of washing, rinsing, and extracting excess water in an automatic cycle analogous to standard automatic washing machines popular today. The vessel containing the items being laundered is a waterproof laundry bag with automatic washing apparatus attached. Items are automatically washed in that bag. The automatic process includes cycles of filling, washing, rinsing and extracting such that the clothes are ready for a drying process such as hanging out to dry or putting into a tumble dryer. The agitating of the washing and rinsing cycles is accomplished without the familiar bulky agitator thereby reducing the volume requirements and the tr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.