Systems and Methods for Preventing Laundry Tangles

This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 18/769,190 filed Jul. 10, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/635,510 filed Apr. 15, 2024 (now U.S. Pat. No. 12,043,951), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/236,176 filed Aug. 21, 2023 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,982,043), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/074,910 filed Dec. 5, 2022 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,732,400), which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 18/071,213 filed Nov. 29, 2022 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,649,584), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/367,904 filed Jul. 6, 2021 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,608,585), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/850,546 filed Apr. 16, 2020 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,078,621), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/844,041 filed May 6, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/949,403 filed Dec. 17, 2019. The content of each of the above filings is incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods for coupling one section of a laundry item with another portion of the laundry item, so as to prevent or inhibit the laundry item from twisting, tangling, balling, and/or wadding in the clothing washer and/or dryer. Particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to the laundering of bedding such as sheets, duvet covers, blankets, quilts, and/or comforters, as well as tablecloths, sleeping bags, shower curtains, and shower curtain liners. More particularly, either one or multiple large laundry items can be laundered alone or together and still not twist, tangle, ball or wad with itself or other large articles throughout the process allowing all articles to clean and dry efficiently. Embodiments of the present invention additionally reduce the likelihood of small articles becoming lodged in the larger articles throughout the washing and drying process. Further, embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for preventing the twisting, tangling, balling, and wadding of long-sleeve shirts and long pants in the clothing washer.

Large laundry items often twist, tangle, ball, and/or wad with themselves or each other in either or both the washing machine or the clothing dryer, preventing the articles from getting as clean as possible and/or from drying properly, resulting in wrinkled articles and/or wet spots. Consumers must often manually manipulate their laundry loads to eliminate the twists, tangles, balls, and wads. Often the consumer's washing machine becomes off-balance due to a large mass of large articles getting twisted, tangled, balled and/or wadded, and the large articles must be repositioned for the washing cycle to complete. Often the consumer has to stop the dryer several times per load in order to manipulate the articles before their articles will fully dry. The load often takes several cycles to completely dry. The consumer spends time, energy, and money on these maneuvers in order to ultimately achieve clean and dry articles.

Some consumers additionally have a problem with their long-sleeve shirts and long pants twisting, tangling, balling, and wadding in the clothing washer, which can send the load off balance as well as set in wrinkles in the clothes.

As appliance manufactures have increased the capacity of dryers, consumers are experiencing greater problems with twisting, tangling, balling and wadding. Additionally, consumers are reporting increased problems with high-efficiency washing machines going off-balance. Varied and contradictory advice reduces the problem sporadically; however, an effective solution to wash and dry these articles consistently without twisting, tangling, balling and wadding does not exist. Conflicting advice for addressing these issues ranges from laundering the bedding alone, to laundering the bedding with other articles, to laundering the bedding one sheet at a time, to laundering the bedding with tennis balls, and/or laundering the bedding with dryer balls. There is no available method to effectively prevent the problem in the washing machine. Currently, the only known method that is guaranteed to solve the problem in drying sheets is to hang the articles on a clothes line, which many modern consumers cannot or will not do.

In order to reduce wadding, many consumers have taken to running smaller loads, equating to more total loads of laundry. More laundry loads consume more water, more energy, more detergent, more bleach, more fabric softener, more dryer sheets, and more time. More loads also lead to more wear-and-tear on the appliances, resulting in more frequent service calls and decreased life-span of appliances. Additionally, off-balance washer loads create great stress on the appliance, creating greater wear-and-tear, increasing service calls, and decreasing the life of the washer.

Therefore, a need exists for novel systems and methods that will prevent large articles from becoming twisted, tangled, balled, or wadded throughout the entire laundering process. A need also exists for novel systems and methods that will prevent long-sleeve shirts and long pants from becoming twisted, tangled, balled, or wadded in the washing machine. There is also a need for the systems and methods to be simple, easy to use and/or operate, affordable, gentle on the fabric, gentle on the appliances, easily stored, tolerant of hot and cold water, tolerant of hot and cold air, tolerant of a tumbling action, tolerant of common laundry detergents, tolerant of common laundry stain removers, and tolerant of common laundry disinfectants. Finally, there is a need for the systems and methods to be effective on a variety of fabrics, sizes, and thicknesses of large laundry articles, and to be effective for preventing or inhibiting smaller articles from becoming lodged in the larger articles during the laundry process. Embodiments of the present invention provide solutions for at least some of these outstanding needs.

Embodiments of the present invention encompass a novel laundry device having a center base with an attachment system to gather, contain, and hold a number of corners (e.g. up to four) and/or portions (e.g. sides) of a large laundry article such as a sheet. In some cases, a novel laundry device can include a center base with an attachment system to gather, contain, and hold a number of points (e.g. up to three or more) and/or portions (e.g. sides) of a sheet or any other laundry article. For example, an attachment system can operate to secure three points (e.g. two sleeves/legs and the bottom hem/waistband) for long-sleeve shirts and long pants. Based on the physics and mathematics of knot theory, the probability of large laundry items twisting, tangling, balling and wadding is greatly reduced in this configuration. The probability of long-sleeve shirts and long pants is also reduced when in this configuration. Laundry devices disclosed herein can also operate to prevent or inhibit smaller laundry articles from becoming lodged in the larger laundry articles during the laundering process.

In some cases, laundry devices for use with large laundry items such as sheets, blankets, and duvet covers, may include an attachment system having four to eight evenly spaced male elements configured to press into corresponding female elements with the large laundry article draped between the male and female elements, then the male element can be slid into a channel in the female element in order to lock, capture, and contain or secure the fabric of the laundry item. A similar male/female configuration can be provided for three points of contact for long-sleeve shirts and long pants. A laundry device's attachment system may also or alternatively include gripper clasps, clips, elastics, bands, or cords to help accomplish the goal of gathering and containing the corners and/or edges or other portions of the large laundry article to a center base. The device's attachment system may be permanently affixed to the center base, or may be separate until clipped through the large laundry article.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention encompass laundry devices for attaching large articles of bedding such as bed sheets, blankets, duvet covers, comforters, and quilts, as well as other machine-washable large items such as sleeping bags, tablecloths, shower curtains, and shower curtain liners, in order to prevent or greatly reduce said articles from twisting, tangling, balling and/or wadding either independently or with each other in either or both the automatic washing machine or automatic clothes dryer. In some embodiments, laundry devices include an attachment system to affix the laundry articles to a center base structure made of silicone, plastic, rubber, nylon, fabric, mesh, or a combination of these, by buttons, clips, bands and/or cords made of silicone, plastic, nylon, rubber, elastic, fabric, mesh, and/or metal or a combination of these, which are either mounted directly on the device or as separate pieces designed to work with the center base of the device. In some embodiments, laundry devices include a center base structure and buttons, clips, bands, and/or cords constructed of materials that withstand hot and cold water, hot and cold temperatures, the tumbling of the laundering process, and common laundry cleaning agents. In some cases, laundry devices include a center base structure and buttons, clips, bands, and/or cords that will be gentle on the laundry articles so as not to cause damage to them. In some cases, laundry devices include a center base structure and buttons, clips, bands, and/or cords that will be gentle on the washing machine and dryer so as not to cause damage to them. In some cases, laundry devices include a center base structure and buttons, clips, bands, and/or cords that will be colorfast so as not to alter the color of the laundry articles. In some cases, laundry devices include a center base structure and buttons, clips, bands, and/or cords which will be reusable.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention encompass laundry devices for attaching large articles of bedding such as bed sheets, blankets, duvet covers, comforters, and quilts, as well as other machine-washable large items such as sleeping bags, tablecloths, shower curtains, and shower curtain liners, in order to prevent or greatly reduce said articles from twisting, tangling, balling, and/or wadding either independently or with each other in either or both the automatic washing machine or automatic clothes dryer as well as reducing the likelihood that smaller laundry articles become lodged in the larger laundry articles in either or both the automatic washing machine or automatic clothes dryer. Embodiments also encompass laundry devices for attaching long-sleeve shirts and long pants in order to prevent or greatly reduce said articles from twisting, tangling, balling and/or wadding in the automatic washing machine. In some embodiments, laundry devices include an attachment system to affix the long-sleeve shirts and long pants to a center base structure made of silicone, plastic, rubber, nylon, fabric, mesh, or a combination of these, by buttons, clips, bands and/or cords made of silicone, plastic, nylon, rubber, elastic, fabric, mesh, and/or metal or a combination of these, which are either mounted directly on the device or as separate pieces designed to work with the center base of the device. In some embodiments, laundry devices include a center base structure and buttons, clips, bands, and/or cords constructed of materials that withstand hot and cold water, hot and cold temperatures, the tumbling of the laundering process, and common laundry cleaning agents. In some embodiments, laundry devices include a center base structure and buttons, clips, bands, and/or cords will be gentle on the laundry articles so as not to cause damage to them. In some embodiments, laundry devices include a center base structure and buttons, clips, bands, and/or cords will be gentle on the washing machine so as not to cause damage to it. In some embodiments, laundry devices include a center base structure and buttons, clips, bands, and/or cords will be colorfast so as not to alter the color of the long-sleeve shirts and long pants. In some embodiments, laundry devices include a center base structure and buttons, clips, bands, and/or cords which will be reusable. Embodiments also encompass laundry devices for attaching long-sleeve shirts and long pants in order to prevent or greatly reduce said articles from twisting, tangling, balling, and/or wadding either independently or with each other in the automatic washing machine reducing the likelihood that small laundry articles become lodged in the long-sleeve shirts and long pants.

In still another aspect, embodiments of the present invention encompass fabric securing devices and methods. An exemplary fabric securing device includes a rigid base having a first keyhole, a first slit-hole located next to the first keyhole, a second keyhole, and a second slit-hole located next to the second keyhole, a first flexible tongue having a neck, a crescent-shaped beveled edge, a top surface, a bottom surface, a hollow post protruding from the top surface, and an opening in the bottom surface opposite the hollow post, and a second flexible tongue having a neck, a crescent-shaped beveled edge, a top surface, a bottom surface, a hollow post protruding from the top surface, and an opening in the bottom surface opposite the hollow post. The first keyhole is configured to receive the hollow post of the first tongue and the first slit-hole is configured to receive the beveled edge of the first tongue, thereby providing a reversible coupling between the base and the first tongue. The keyhole is configured to receive the hollow post of the second tongue and the second slit-hole is configured to receive the beveled edge of the second tongue, thereby providing a coupling between the base and the second tongue. The fabric securing device is configured to attach with an article of fabric when the hollow post of the first tongue is located in the first keyhole of the base and a first section of the article of fabric is positioned between the hollow post of the first tongue and the first keyhole of the base, and when the hollow post of the second tongue is located in the second keyhole of the base and a second section of the article of fabric is positioned between the hollow post of the second tongue and the second keyhole of the base. In some cases, the first keyhole of the base has a circular portion and a narrow portion, wherein the narrow portion is connected to the circular portion and is most narrow where the circular portion and narrow portion join and the width increases from where the circular portion and narrow portion join to the end of the narrow portion. In some cases, the hollow post of the first tongue is configured to compress when sliding from the circular portion into the narrow portion of the first keyhole of the base and expand when sliding along the narrow portion away from the circular portion of the first keyhole of the base. In some cases, the hollow post of the second tongue is configured to compress when sliding from the circular portion into the narrow portion of the second keyhole of the base and expand when sliding along the narrow portion away from the circular portion of the second keyhole of the base. In some cases, a fabric securing device further includes a third flexible tongue having a neck, a crescent-shaped beveled edge, a top surface, a bottom surface, a hollow post protruding from the top surface, and an opening in the bottom surface opposite the hollow post. The rigid base further includes a third keyhole, and a third slit-hole located next to the third keyhole. The third keyhole is configured to receive the hollow post of the third tongue and the third slit-hole is configured to receive the beveled edge of the third tongue, thereby providing a reversible coupling between the base and the third tongue. The fabric securing device is configured to further attach with the article of fabric when the hollow post of the third tongue is located in the third keyhole of the base and a third section of the article of fabric is positioned between the hollow post of the third tongue and the third keyhole of the base. In some cases, the third keyhole of the base has a circular portion and a narrow portion, wherein the narrow portion is connected to the circular portion and is most narrow where the circular portion and narrow portion join and the width increases from where the circular portion and narrow portion join to the end of the narrow portion. In some cases, the hollow post of the third tongue is configured to compress when sliding from the circular portion into the narrow portion of the third keyhole of the base and expand when sliding along the narrow portion away from the circular portion of the third keyhole of the base. In some case, the fabric securing device further includes a fourth flexible tongue having a neck, a crescent-shaped beveled edge, a top surface, a bottom surface, a hollow post protruding from the top surface, and an opening in the bottom surface opposite the hollow post. The rigid base further includes a fourth keyhole, and a fourth slit-hole located next to the fourth keyhole. The fourth keyhole is configured to receive the hollow post of the fourth tongue and the fourth slit-hole is configured to receive the beveled edge of the fourth tongue, thereby providing a reversible coupling between the base and the fourth tongue. The fabric securing device is configured to further attach with the article of fabric when the hollow post of the fourth tongue is located in the fourth keyhole of the base and a fourth section of the article of fabric is positioned between the hollow post of the fourth tongue and the fourth keyhole of the base. In some cases, the fourth keyhole of the base has a circular portion and a narrow portion, wherein the narrow portion is connected to the circular portion and is most narrow where the circular portion and narrow portion join and the width increases from where the circular portion and narrow portion join to the end of the narrow portion. In some cases, the hollow post of the fourth tongue is configured to compress when sliding from the circular portion into the narrow portion of the fourth keyhole of the base and expand when sliding along the narrow portion away from the circular portion of the fourth keyhole of the base. In some cases, the hollow post of the first tongue has an indented bowl-shaped top. In some cases, the hollow post of the second tongue has an indented bowl-shaped top. In some cases, the hollow post of the third tongue has an indented bowl-shaped top. In some cases, the hollow post of the fourth tongue has an indented bowl-shaped top. In some cases, a cap of the hollow post of the first flexible tongue has a peripheral face that is flush with a peripheral face of a stem of the hollow post of the first flexible tongue, and the stem of the hollow post of the first flexible tongue has an inner face that is disposed peripherally to an inner face of the cap of the hollow post of the first flexible tongue. In some cases, a cap of the hollow post of the second flexible tongue has a peripheral face that is flush with a peripheral face of a stem of the hollow post of the second flexible tongue, and the stem of the hollow post of the second flexible tongue has an inner face that is disposed peripherally to an inner face of the cap of the hollow post of the second flexible tongue. In some cases, a cap of the hollow post of the third flexible tongue has a peripheral face that is flush with a peripheral face of a stem of the hollow post of the third flexible tongue, and the stem of the hollow post of the third flexible tongue has an inner face that is disposed peripherally to an inner face of the cap of the hollow post of the third flexible tongue. In some cases, a cap of the hollow post of the fourth flexible tongue has a peripheral face that is flush with a peripheral face of a stem of the hollow post of the fourth flexible tongue, and the stem of the hollow post of the fourth flexible tongue has an inner face that is disposed peripherally to an inner face of the cap of the hollow post of the fourth flexible tongue.

All illustrations of the drawings are to be describing selected embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. All references of user or users pertain to either individual or individuals who would utilize embodiments of the present invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification, specially the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

A laundry device for preventing twisting, tangling, balling, and wadding of large articles in the clothes washer and/or dryer is discussed herein. A laundry device for preventing twisting, tangling, balling, and wadding of long-sleeve shirts and long pants in the clothes washer is also discussed herein.

The present disclosure is provided for purposes of exemplification of the invention only, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, materials, or processes illustrated by the figures or description contained herein.

The present invention will now be described by referencing the appended figures. Turning now to the drawings,depicts a top perspective view of one example of a center basewith four female attachment channels (A,B,C,D) and four slits (A,B,C,D). In this example, the center baseis square with rounded corners. In other embodiments, a center base may have a different shape. As discussed elsewhere herein, the center basecan be configured to receive one or more attachment mechanisms (e.g. a male element such as a male button or tongue). In some cases, one or more attachments mechanisms can slide into or otherwise operationally engage one or more corresponding female channels (e.g.A,B,C,D). An attachment mechanism may also be a clip which can be attached with the center base, a clip that is fixedly attached with the center base, an attachment for a cord, and/or an attachment for an elastic member. An attachment mechanism may optionally include or be a different type of fastener. A center basecan include or be constructed of any of a variety of materials, including, without limitation, plastic, silicone, rubber, fabric, nylon, and/or mesh, or a combination of these materials. In some embodiments, one or more components of a center base many be molded from a single piece of material such as plastic, silicone, or rubber however the type of material is not limited to these materials.

depicts a top perspective view of one example of a center basewith three female attachment channels (A,B,C) and three slits.

depicts a top perspective view of one example of a center basewith eight female attachment channels (A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H) and eight slits.

depicts a top perspective view of one example of a male attachment mechanism or button. In some embodiments, a male attachment mechanismcan include a strapand a button. An attachment mechanism (e.g. strap with button) may include or be constructed of any of a variety of materials, including, without limitation, plastic, nylon, metal, and/or silicone, or a combination of these materials.

depicts a substantially top perspective view of one example of a male attachment button or tongue. In some cases, male attachment mechanismmay be referred to as a strap with a tab. In some embodiments, a male attachment mechanismcan include a strapand a first engagement mechanism, tab, or button. First engagement mechanismincludes a stemand a cap.depicts a top plan view of a male attachment elementaccording to embodiments of the present invention. As shown here, male attachment elementincludes a first engagement mechanism, which in some embodiments may be a button, and a second engagement mechanism, which in some embodiments may be a strap. Second engagement mechanismincludes a neck or taper, and a flap or flexible tonguehaving a beveled edge. In some cases, the beveled edgeis a crescent-shaped beveled edge.

depicts a side view of a male attachment elementaccording to embodiments of the present invention. As shown here, male attachment elementincludes a first engagement mechanism, which in some embodiments may be a button, and a second engagement mechanism, which in some embodiments may be a strap. Second engagement mechanismincludes a top, a bottom, and a beveled edgeon the top. The first engagement mechanismis configured to engage a female attachment channel, such as a keyhole of a central base. The second engagement mechanismis configured to engage a slit, such as a slit of a central base. First engagement mechanismincludes a stemand a cap. According to some embodiments, the stemmay be provided as a hollow post. According to some embodiments, the capmay be provided as a top of the hollow post. In some cases, the top is an indented bowl-shaped top. In some cases, the top of the hollow post of the male attachment element or tongue is offset such that one side of the hollow post is flush with the top of the hollow post and a lip hangs over a second side of the hollow post. As shown here, the peripheral faceof the stemis flush with the peripheral faceof the cap, and the inner faceof the stemis disposed peripherally to the inner faceof the cap. Advantageously, because the peripheral faceof the stemis flush with the peripheral faceof the cap, the peripheral faceof the stemis able to more efficiently and safely compress a portion of an article of fabric against a peripheral edge of a base keyhole (e.g. against peripheral edgeof female attachment channel depicted in). Hence, a post can be flat on the side that touches the base. In this way, that flat side reduces friction to ensure there is no damage done to the fabric. If there were an undercut all around the button, the fabric could encounter more friction as it wraps around the post.

depicts a bottom perspective view of a male attachment elementaccording to embodiments of the present invention. As shown here, the bottom surfaceincludes a divot or recessthat extends into the first engagement mechanism. When the first engagement mechanismis compressed, as depicted by arrows A and B in, the presence of the divot or recess within the first engagement mechanismfacilitates collapse or compression of the first engagement mechanism. In this way, the width W of the first engagement mechanism can be reduced, which allows the first engagement mechanism to slide or move within a female attachment channel of a base, which may be in the shape of a keyhole, or otherwise have a narrow waist. First engagement mechanismincludes a stemand a cap. First engagement mechanismalso includes a top depression. In operation, a user can place the tip of their finger or thumb into the depression, which can help the user to slide the first engagement mechanismalong a female attachment channel of a base.

In some embodiments, a system or fabric securing device includes a rigid base keyholes and slits, such as the base shown in. For example, a base can have a first keyhole, a first slit-hole located next to the first keyhole, a second keyhole, and a second slit-hole located next to the second keyhole. Other keyholes and slits may be present. An assembled system can also include male attachment element such as the element shown in. A male attachment element can include a first flexible tongue having a beveled edge, a top surface, a bottom surface, a hollow post protruding from the top surface of the tongue, and a divot in the bottom surface of the tongue opposite the hollow post. In some cases, the first keyhole of a base is configured to receive the hollow post of the first tongue and the first slit-hole of the base is configured to receive the beveled edge of the first tongue, thereby connecting the base with the first tongue. In some embodiments, a system or fabric securing device is configured to attach with an article of fabric when the post of the first tongue is located in the first keyhole of the base and a first section of the article of fabric is positioned between the hollow post of the first tongue and the first keyhole of the base.

depicts a top perspective view of one example of an assembled systemhaving a central baseand multiple male attachment buttons. As shown here, a male attachment buttoncan mate with a female attachment channelof the central base. As shown here, a keyhole or female attachment channelcan have a central circular or widened portion, a peripheral circular or widened portion, and an intermediate narrowed portiontherebetween. Accordingly, the width of the channelcan increase as the distance from the intermediate narrowed portionincreased toward the periphery. A hollow post or stem of the male attachment elementis configured to compress when sliding from the central widened portionto the peripheral widened portionor from the peripheral widened portionto the central widened portion, due to the decreased width of the intermediate narrowed portion(e.g. the edges of the intermediate narrowed portionpress upon the stem of the male attachment element, as depicted by arrows A and B in). In some cases, the male attachment elementand/or the basecan include or be fabricated from polypropylene.

depicts a substantially top perspective view of one example of a piece of fabricinserted into an assembled system, with a male attachment buttonin the process of capturing the fabric into a female attachment channelof a central base.

depicts a substantially top perspective view of one example of a piece of fabricinserted into an assembled system, with a male attachment buttonin the process of capturing the fabric into a female attachment channelof a central base. With reference to, aspects of a method for coupling a laundry

item with a laundry device can be described as follows. To begin, as depicted in, a male element (e.g. button) can be moved from a first position (e.g.′, a locked position) within a female element (e.g. female attachment channel, which may also be referred to as a keyhole) to a second position (e.g.″, an unlocked position) within the female element, as indicated by arrow A. Once the male element is in the second position (e.g.″), it can be engaged with a portion of an item of laundry or an article of fabric or other flexible sheet-like material. For example, as depicted in, a portionof a piece of fabric (which may be a laundry item such as a sheet or t-shirt) can be draped about the male element (e.g. button). Next, with the portion of the piece of fabric draped over (or otherwise contacting) the male element, the male element can be moved from the unlocked position (e.g.″) and returned to the locked position. For example, as depicted in, a male element (e.g. button) can be moved from a second position within a female element (e.g. female attachment channel, which may also be referred to as a keyhole) and returned to a first position (e.g.′) within the female element, as indicated by arrow B. In this way, a portionof a piece of fabriccan be pinched between the male elementand the female element.

Hence, the male elements and female elements are able to temporarily secure to each other through a laundry article by a slider key hole design that engages or disengages upon a sliding motion depicted by the arrows in. In this example, the center base is configured with four female elements, and the four male elements are depicted on detachable straps that are inserted into a slit above the female element. The male elements and female elements, or any other attachment mechanism, is not limited to this number, shape, design, or material. The female elements, in this example rounded keyholes, are configured to receive and temporarily secure the male elements, in this example raised, rounded and buttons on a flexible strap. The female elements can include a round, oval, square, or rectangular open space or aperture surrounded on all sides by a continuous curved or straight sidewall and with an opening at one end to accept male elements (e.g. unlocked position), and channeled to secure when pulled closed (e.g. locked position), but the female elements are not limited to these shapes. In some embodiments, the female element's continuous curved or straight sidewall may contain one or more grooves or channels located in its inner surface/inside to accept male element. The male elements may be textured, grooved, rounded, and/or over-molded with a material such as silicone to provide ease of grip for the user. In some embodiments, a cord, elastic member, or gripper clip may replace or supplement the male/female grasping system.

depicts a top view of one example of a center baseaccording to various embodiments of the present invention. As shown here, a center baseincludes a plateand one or more male elements (e.g. buttons).

depicts a top view of another example of a center baseaccording to various embodiments of the present invention. As shown here, a center baseincludes a plateand one or more male elements (e.g. buttons).

depicts a top perspective view of a center basecorresponding to the center base example depicted in. As shown here, a center baseincludes a plateand one or more male elements (e.g. buttons).

depicts a top view of one example of a clipaccording to various embodiments of the present invention described herein. The clipincludes a female portion or openinghaving a first endand a second end. Clipcan be used in conjunction with a central base (e.g. such base) which has male elements. In use, a portion of a piece of fabric can be draped over or contacted with a male element of the base, and the male element can then be placed within second end(e.g. unlocked position) and then slid to the first end(e.g. locked position), in a manner analogous to the procedure discussed herein with reference to.

depicts a top view of one example of a clipaccording to

various embodiments of the present invention described herein. The clipincludes a female portion or openinghaving a first endand a second end. Clipcan be used in conjunction with a central base (e.g. such base) which has male elements. In use, a portion of a piece of fabric can be draped over or contacted with a male element of the base, and the male element can then be placed within second end(e.g. unlocked position) and then slid to the first end(e.g. locked position), in a manner analogous to the procedure discussed herein with reference to.

depicts a top view of another example of a clipaccording to various embodiments of the present invention described herein. The clipincludes a female portion or openinghaving a first endand a second end. Clipcan be used in conjunction with a central base (e.g. such base) which has male elements. In use, a portion of a piece of fabric can be draped over or contacted with a male element of the base, and the male element can then be placed within second end(e.g. unlocked position) and then slid to the first end(e.g. locked position), in a manner analogous to the procedure discussed herein with reference to.

depicts a top view of an assembled systemhaving a central basewith multiple male attachment elements (,,,) and multiple female attachment elements (,,,). The respective male/female element combinations depict various steps in a process of attaching a portion of a piece of fabric with the system.

For example, to begin, male attachment elementis disposed in a locked position at a first endA of an apertureof female attachment element. The female element or clipcan then be moved in a direction indicated by arrow A, so that the male elementis subsequently positioned at a second endB of the aperture. The male/female element combination/depicts the subsequent configuration, where the male elementis positioned at a second endB of an apertureof the female element.

The male/female element combination/depicts the following configuration, where a portionof a piece of fabricis draped over or placed in contact with the male element, and the male elementis positioned at the second endB of an apertureof the female element. The female element or clipcan then be moved in a direction indicated by arrow B, so that the male elementis subsequently positioned at a first endA of the aperture. In this way, for example, a portion of a bed sheet can be placed on the center base, the clipcan be placed on the bed sheet, and then the clip can be moved, so that the male element or buttonslides up the channel or openingof the clip to lock therein.

The male/female element combination/depicts the subsequent configuration, where the male elementis positioned at a second endB of an apertureof the female element. In this way, the portionof the piece of fabriccan be pinched between the male elementand the first endA of the apertureof the female element. In this way, for example, a portion of a bed sheet can be placed on the center base, and the clipcan be moved so that the buttonslides up the channel of the clip opening, so as to lock the bed sheet to the center base. With a sheet having four corners, each corner can be coupled or attached with a respective male/female element combination (/,/,/,/). Hence, one or more clips can be used to mount a large laundry article, such as a sheet, to a center base.

After the laundering is finished, the piece of fabric can be released from the systemby removing the clips in the opposite sequence (e.g. change from configuration/to configuration/) and then removing the piece of fabric. The system can then be reassembled for storage (without the piece of fabric) by reattaching the clips to the base, for example by placing each clip in the/configuration (e.g. a clip placed on the center base before being slid up the channel to lock) and then moving each clip to the/configuration (e.g. a clip placed on the center base after being slid up the channel to lock).

depicts a top plan view of an assembled system. As shown here, systemcan include a central basehaving multiple (e.g. eight) male attachment elements, such as buttons. The system can also include multiple (e.g. eight) corresponding female attachment elements, such as clips. The male attachment elementscan operate in cooperation with corresponding female attachment elementsin a manner similar to that which is described with reference to.

depicts a top plan view of an assembled system. As shown here, systemcan include a central basehaving multiple (e.g. four) male attachment elements, such as balls. The system can also include multiple (e.g. four) corresponding female attachment elements, such as elastic loops. In use, a portion of fabric can be draped over or placed in contact with a male attachment element, and a corresponding female attachment element can be wrapped around the fabric and male attachment element, thus reversibly securing the portion of fabric with the system by compressing it between the male and female attachment members. In this way, elastics, such as elastic loops, can be used with balls to affix a laundry article to the base.

depicts a top plan view of an assembled system. As shown here, systemcan include a central baseand an elastic band. The basecan have a spool shape. The base and the elastic band can operate together so as to affix a laundry article to the base.

depicts a top plan view of an assembled system. As shown here, systemcan include a central baseand an elastic band. The basecan have a tube shape. The base and the elastic band can operate together so as to affix a laundry article to the base.

depicts a top plan view of a one-piece systemhaving a central basewith multiple male attachment elements (e.g.) and multiple female attachment elements (e.g.). The male attachment elementscan operate in cooperation with corresponding female attachment elementsin a manner similar to that which is described with reference to. However in this embodiment, the female attachment elementsdo not detach from the base. Instead, a center portion (e.g.) of a female attachment elementis fixed or continuous with the base. A peripheral portion (e.g.) of a female attachment elementcan be pulled away or otherwise disengaged from the male attachment element, a portion of a piece of fabric can be draped over or contacted with the male attachment element, and the peripheral portion can again be placed over or otherwise engaged with the male attachment element, so as to secure the portion of the piece of fabric between the female attachment element and the male attachment element.

depicts a top plan view of a one-piece systemhaving a central basewith multiple male attachment elements (e.g.) and multiple female attachment elements (e.g.). The male attachment elementscan operate in cooperation with corresponding female attachment elementsin a manner similar to that which is described with reference to. However in this embodiment, the female attachment elementsdo not detach from the base. Instead, a peripheral portion (e.g.) of a female attachment elementis fixed or continuous with the base. A central portion (e.g.) of a female attachment elementcan be pulled away or otherwise disengaged from the male attachment element, a portion of a piece of fabric can be draped over or contacted with the male attachment element, and the peripheral portion can again be placed over or otherwise engaged with the male attachment element, so as to secure the portion of the piece of fabric between the female attachment element and the male attachment element.

depicts a top plan view of a one-piece systemhaving a central basewith multiple male attachment elements (e.g.) and multiple female attachment elements (e.g.). The male attachment elementscan operate in cooperation with corresponding female attachment elementsin a manner similar to that which is described with reference to. In some embodiments, the male and female components may be permanently attached as one unit with four attachment channels.

depicts a top plan view of a one-piece systemhaving a central basewith multiple male attachment elements (e.g.) and multiple female attachment elements (e.g.). The male attachment elementscan operate in cooperation with corresponding female attachment elementsin a manner similar to that which is described with reference to. In some embodiments, the male and female components may be permanently attached as one unit with eight attachment channels.

depicts aspects of an assembly process for assembling a laundry system or fabric securing device, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown here, a first male attachment memberA can be coupled with a central baseby inserting a beveled flapA of the first male attachment memberA through the first slitA of the base(e.g. so that the beveled flapA is disposed on a top side of the base, as depicted in) and by inserting a capA of the first male attachment memberA through a central circular or widened portionA of a first female attachment channelA of the base, and then moving the capA in a peripheral direction, so that a stemA of the first male attachment memberA is squeezed or compressed as it passes through an intermediate narrowed portionA of the first female attachment channelA and into a peripheral circular or widened portionA of the first female attachment channelA (e.g. so that the capA is disposed on a top side of the base, as depicted in). Likewise, a second male attachment memberB can be coupled with a central baseby inserting a beveled flapB of the second male attachment memberB through the second slitB of the base(e.g. so that the beveled flapB is disposed on a top side of the base, as depicted in) and by inserting a capB of the second male attachment memberB through a central circular or widened portionB of a second female attachment channelB of the base, and then moving the capB in a peripheral direction, so that a stemB of the second male attachment memberB is squeezed or compressed as it passes through an intermediate narrowed portionB of the second female attachment channelB and into a peripheral circular or widened portionB of the second female attachment channelB (e.g. so that the capA is disposed on a top side of the base). Third and fourth male attachment members (not shown in) can be coupled with the basein a likewise fashion. According to some embodiments, the top portion of the male member tapers before it gets to the flattened portion of the cap so that the process of inserting it into the slit is easier for assembly; the taper allows for the male member to be rotated slightly, making the flap come through the slit with little effort. The reverse process is more difficult, which is why the male members stay securely in the slit unless the user purposely maneuvers it to remove it.