System and method for organizing clothing

Abstract

The invention is directed toward a system and method for folding and organizing clothes. The system comprises a support base, a securing strap, and a roller. The securing strap is placed on the top surface of the support base. Clothing is placed on the top surface over the securing strap. The roller is rolled over the clothing and the clothing is wrapped around the roller. The roller engages the securing strap and causes the securing strap to wrap around the clothing and securely maintain the clothing in an organized roll. The support base may have a pair of foldable wings to permit a user to fold the sides of the clothing in prior to rolling up the clothing.

Claims

1. A system for folding clothes comprising a) a support base i) said support base having a top side and a bottom side; ii) wherein said top side of said support base is planar; iii) wherein said top side of said support base comprises one or more strap guides; b) one or more securing straps i) wherein said one or more securing straps may be placed over said one or more strap guides; ii) wherein said one or more securing straps have a first configuration and a second configuration; (1) wherein in said first configuration (a) one or more securing straps is planar along the length of said one or more securing straps; (b) said one or more securing straps has a curved shape along the width of said one or more securing straps; (2) wherein in said second configuration (a) said one or more securing straps is spiral along the length of said one or more securing straps; (b) said one or more securing straps has a planar shape along the width of said one or more securing straps; c) a cylindrical roller having a plurality of protrusions extending radially from a cross-sectional profile of said roller.

2. The system as in claim 1 wherein said roller further comprises handles positioned at each end of the roller.

3. A system for folding clothes comprising a) a support base i) said support base having a top side and a bottom side; ii) wherein said top side of said support base is planar; iii) wherein said top side of said support base comprises one or more strap guides; iv) wherein said support base further comprises a right edge and a left edge; v) wherein said right edge is hingedly connected to a right foldable wing; (1) said right foldable wing having a top side and bottom side opposite said top side; (2) wherein said right foldable wing is configured to hingedly rotate around said hinged connection to position said top side of said right foldable wing within proximity of said top side of said support base; vi) wherein said left edge is hingedly connected to a left foldable wing (1) said left foldable wing having a top side and bottom side opposite said top side; (2) wherein said left foldable wing is configured to hingedly rotate around said hinged connection to position said top side of said left foldable wing within proximity of said top side of said support base; b) one or more securing straps i) wherein said one or more securing straps may be placed over said one or more strap guides.

4. The system as in claim 3 wherein said support base has an internal perimeter defining a support base handle opening.

5. The system as in claim 4 a) wherein said right foldable wing has an internal perimeter defining a right foldable wing handle opening; b) wherein said left foldable wing has an internal perimeter defining a left foldable wing handle opening; c) wherein when said left foldable wing is positioned in a closed position over said support base said left foldable wing handle is in substantial alignment with said support base handle opening; d) wherein when said right foldable wing is positioned in a closed position over said support base said right foldable wing handle is in substantial alignment with said support base handle opening.

6. The system as in claim 5 a) wherein said one or more securing straps have a first configuration and a second configuration; b) wherein in said first configuration i) one or more securing straps is planar along the length of said one or more securing straps; ii) said one or more securing straps has a curved shape along the width of said one or more securing straps; c) wherein in said second configuration i) said one or more securing straps is spiral along the length of said one or more securing straps; ii) said one or more securing straps has a planar shape along the width of said one or more securing straps.

7. The system as in claim 6 further comprising cylindrical roller.

8. The system as in claim 7 wherein said roller has a plurality of protrusions extending radially from a cross-sectional profile of said roller.

9. The system as in claim 8 a) wherein said support base further comprises one or more feet; b) wherein said one or more feet protrude from a surface of said bottom side of said support base.

10. The system as in claim 9 wherein said roller further comprises handles positioned at each end of the roller.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the system;

(3) FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the support base;

(4) FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the support base;

(5) FIG. 2c is a perspective view of the support base;

(6) FIG. 3 is a top view of the support base;

(7) FIG. 4 is a top view of the support base;

(8) FIG. 5a is an end view of the support base;

(9) FIG. 5b is an end view of the support base;

(10) FIG. 6a is a perspective view of the securing strap;

(11) FIG. 6b is an end view of the securing strap;

(12) FIG. 7a is a side view of the securing strap;

(13) FIG. 7b is an end view of the securing strap;

(14) FIG. 8a is a perspective view of different embodiments of the roller;

(15) FIG. 8b is an end view of different embodiments of the roller;

(16) FIG. 9 is a side view of the system;

(17) FIG. 10 is a schematic showing the method of utilizing the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(18) The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without any combination of these specific details, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and the claims.

(19) The invention is directed toward a system for folding and rolling clothes. Referring to FIG. 1 the system comprises a support base 100, a securing strap 200, and a roller 300. The support base 100 is a substantially rigid, planar surface over which clothes are placed while being folded and rolled. The support base 100 comprises a central support base 102. The central support base 102 provides the substantial support for the clothing, the securing strap 200, and the roller 300, during the rolling process. The central support base 102 has a trap 108. The trap 108 is a recessed area within the central support base 102. The trap 108 is configured such that the securing strap 200 sits transversely over the trap 108 during use. In the preferred embodiment, the central support base is substantially rectangular in shape with a right edge and a left edge. In the embodiment shown the right edge terminates into a right hinge 112a, and the left edge terminates into a left hinge 112b. The right hinge 112a is connected to a right foldable wing 104a and the left hinge 112b is connected to a left foldable wing 104b. The right hinge 112a and left hinge 112b may be any type of hinge permitting the rotation of the right foldable wing 104a and the left foldable wing 104b. The right hinge 112a and left hinge 112b may be a metal hinge, a plastic hinge, a flexible material, or any other type of device or material permitting the right foldable wing 104a and left foldable wing 104b to hingedly rotate over the central support base 102.

(20) In one embodiment, the right foldable wing 104a has a right foldable wing handle opening 110a, the left foldable wing 104b has a left foldable wing handle opening 110b, and the central support base 102 has a support base handle opening 110c. When the right foldable wing 104a is hingedly rotated over top of the central support base 102 and the left foldable wing 104b is hingedly rotated over the top of the central support base 102, the right foldable wing handle opening 110a and the left foldable wing handle opening 110b align with the support base handle opening 110c to form a single handle 110, as shown in FIG. 4. The handle 110 permits a user to easily carry the support base 100 by hand from one location to another.

(21) Referring to FIG. 2a-2c, the folding of the right foldable wing 104a and the left foldable wing 104b are displayed. As shown in FIG. 2a, when in the open configuration, the right foldable wing 104a and the left foldable wing 104b are in a substantially planar alignment with the central support base 102. As shown in FIG. 2b, the right foldable wing 104a hingedly rotates along the right hinge 112a so that the top surface of the right foldable wing 104a may come in contact with top surface of the central support base 102. The left foldable wing 104b hingedly rotates along the left hinge 112b so that the left foldable wing 104b may come in contact with top surface of the central support base 102. Lastly, as shown in FIG. 2c, the right foldable wing 104a and left foldable wing 104b are both folded in on top of the central support base 102. In the embodiment displayed the right foldable wing 104a is positioned on top of the left foldable wing 104b. In other embodiments the left foldable wing 104b may be positioned on top of the right foldable wing 104a. An end view of the unfolded configuration is displayed in FIG. 5a. An end view of the folded configuration is further displayed in FIG. 5b.

(22) Referring to FIG. 3, a top view of the support base 100 is displayed. In the embodiment displayed, the central support base 102 may further comprise a strap guide 106. The strap guide 106 is a section of the central support base 102 on which the securing strap is configured to be positioned during use. The strap guide 106 may be a recess in the top surface of the central support base 102 or may be a design on the top surface of the central support base 102 designed to guide a user in the proper positioning of the securing strap 200. In the displayed embodiment the strap guide 106 transversely crosses the trap 108. In other embodiments the strap guide 106 does no cross the trap 108 but guides a user in the proper positioning of the securing strap 200 over the trap.

(23) Referring to FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, the preferred embodiment of the securing strap 200 is displayed. In the preferred embodiment the securing strap 200 is self-locking strap more commonly known as a snap-bracelet. In the preferred embodiment the securing strap 200 has a first configuration and a second configuration. As shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the first configuration of the securing strap 200 is displayed. In the first configuration, the securing strap 200 is substantially planar along the length of the securing strap 200, as displayed in FIG. 6a. The securing strap 200 also has a substantially curved shape along the width of the securing strap 200, as displayed in FIG. 6b. FIGS. 7a and 7b display the second configuration of the securing strap 200. In the second configuration, the securing strap 200 is substantially spiral along the length of the securing strap 200 as shown in FIG. 7a. As shown in FIG. 7b, the securing strap 200 has a substantially planar shape along the width of the securing strap 200 in the second configuration.

(24) Different configurations of the roller 300 are displayed in FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b. The roller 300 is substantially cylindrical, as displayed in FIG. 8a. The configurations displayed differ in the profile shapes of the rollers, as displayed in FIG. 8b. In the preferred embodiment, the roller 300 has a plurality of protrusions 302. The protrusions 302 extend radially from the cross-sectional profile of the roller 300. In the preferred embodiment each of the protrusions 302 extend along the entire length of the roller 300. In other embodiments the protrusions 302 may extend in a sections along the length of the roller, with gaps between each protrusion section. The roller may have any size, number, or shape of protrusions 302. For instance, in the embodiment designated 300a, the cross-sectional profile of the roller 300 is a five-pointed star with five protrusions 302 equally spaced radially. In the embodiment designated 300b, the cross-sectional profile of the roller 300 has nine protrusions 302 equally spaced radially. In the embodiment designated 300c, the cross-sectional profile of the roller 300 has three protrusions equally spaced radially. When in use the ends of the roller 300 may extend beyond width of the clothing, forming handles for use by the user. In another embodiment, each opposite longitudinal end of the roller 300 may terminate in a separate handle which is distinct from the body of the roller 300. The body of the roller 300 may rotate about its central axis while the handles are stationary while in use.

(25) Referring to FIG. 9, a side view of the operation of the system is displayed. The support base 100 has a plurality of feet 114 extending from the bottom surface of the support base 100. The support base 100 rests on the feet 114 while in use. The trap 108 also protrudes down from the bottom surface of the support base 100. A user places a securing strap 200 on the top surface of the support base 100. A user then places clothing on the top surface of the support base 100, covering the securing strap 200. The user may use the right foldable wing 104a and the left foldable wing 104b to fold in the sides of the clothing to make the clothing substantially rectangular. The user then applies the roller 300 to the proximal end of the clothing. The user wraps the proximal end of the clothing around the roller 300 and proceeds to roll the roller 300 along the clothing, continually wrapping the clothing around the roller 300. The roller 300 then engages the securing strap 200. The securing strap 200 is then wrapped along with the clothing around the roller 300. The securing strap 200 may then be fastened to itself or the clothing to firmly secure the clothing in a tight cylindrical shape for storage. If the securing strap 200 is snap bracelet type of securing strap 200, the securing strap 200 is in the first configuration when first placed on the support base 100. The roller 300 compresses the securing strap 200, causing a middle section to distend into the trap 108. The compression causes the securing strap 200 to change from the first configuration to the second configuration. The spiral shape of the second configuration causes the securing strap 200 to automatically wrap around the outer circumference of the clothing. The securing strap 200 maintains its second configuration, holding the clothing tightly in a rolled cylindrical shape.

(26) Referring to FIG. 10, a flow diagram of the preferred method of utilizing the system is displayed. First the user places the securing strap on the support base 400. The user ensures the securing strap is in its planar first configuration 402. The user places the clothing on top of the support base, covering the securing strap 404. The user then folds in the sides of the clothing with the foldable wings 406. The user applies the roller to the clothing 408. The user wraps the clothing around the roller 408. The roller engages the securing strap, causing the securing strap to change to a spiral configuration and wrap around the clothing 412.

(27) Once the clothing is rolled up into a cylinder shaped unit, the roller 300 may be removed by the user for use on another piece of clothing. Optionally the user may leave the roller within the rolled up clothing unit. The clothing unit may be easily stored within a dresser drawer or on a shelf with other clothing units. Preferably the clothing units can be set parallel to each other. To wear an item a user removes the clothing unit from the storage, removes the securing strap 200, and unrolls the clothing.

(28) There may be several different embodiments of the system. In one embodiment the securing strap 200 may further have a means for securing the securing strap to itself or to the clothing. The securing means may consist of hook and loop tape, a snap, a button, a fastener, a hook and eye, a buckle, a zipper or any other means for removeably securing two components together. In other embodiments the securing means may permit the user to connect the securing strap 200 of one unit of clothing to the securing strap of a second unit of clothing.

(29) In one embodiment of the invention the support base 100 is solely the central support base 102 without the right foldable wing 104a or the left foldable wing 104b. In another embodiment, the support base 100 may fold along a horizontal hinge that can be a crease, seam, or hinge extending across the central support base 102, the right foldable wing 104a, and the left foldable wing 104b so that clothing may be folded in half lengthwise prior to applying the roller 300.

(30) The support base 100 can be constructed of any rigid or semi-rigid material, for example wood, plastic, metal, fabric with a rigid inserts, or other suitable material. The roller 300 can be constructed of any rigid or semi-rigid material, for example wood, plastic, metal, fabric with a rigid inserts, or other suitable material. The securing strap 200 can be constructed out of any type of flexible material, such as metal, plastic or fabric or a combination of said materials. In other embodiments, the securing strap 200 is not a snap bracelet type of securing strap 200 but is instead completely flexible, such as a string, a ribbon, or a band of fabric.

(31) What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.