Laundry sorter attachment

Abstract

The Present invention is the only universal attachment known, which is able to be attached to any existing laundry collection device, and allow for the presorting, separation, and maintaining of matched or grouped items throughout the wash and dry cycles without the need for repetitive matching and sorting. The invention accomplishes the desired goals of sorting, separating, mating, and preventing odor accumulation in the laundry collection bin, during the collection and storage phase of the laundry duty. Additionally, during the wash and dry cycles the present invention prevents the loss of smaller articles being laundered such as socks and hosiery and also protects more delicate articles from the machines rigorous wash cycle. The User of the invention saves both real energy in terms of saving drying time, and also personal energy by cutting out the repetition of mating and sorting. Additionally, the invention at hand is extremely easy to use, and since the detachable mesh pouch components ( 15 ) of the invention hang on the inside of the laundry collection bin, the invention requires no extra external living space in addition to the collection bin that it is attached to. The present invention is inexpensive to store and manufacture, and takes up little retail shelf space, which ultimately leads to a more inexpensive product for the consumer. The Universal attachment feature of the present invention allows the owner of an existing laundry hamper to easily attach the invention to their present laundry collection device and enjoy the benefits that it provides immediately.

1 . What is claimed is in combination an apparatus comprising: 
 a. an elongated band of sufficient length to be able to be adjusted to fit the outside of a container    b. a means for attaching said band around said container    c. A plurality of porous pouches large enough for the containment of a few items, but small enough so as to adequately allow for air movement and water movement throughout said pouch and it's contents.    d. a Means for closing said pouches whereby the contents are contained during the wash and dry cycles.    e. a means for connecting said pouches to said band    
   
   
       2 . The band of  claim 1  wherein, said band is of an elastic or equivalent stretch material allowing a tight fit around the collection device  
   
   
       3 . The attachment device in  claim 1  wherein said attachment device has a male end and a female end that interlock to make the band of  claim 1  continuous.  
   
   
       4 . The attachment device of  claim 3  further including a slotted buckle like feature which allows for the adjustment and tightening of said band of  claim 1 .  
   
   
       5 . The band of  claim 2  having a looped feature that holds the slack of said band after the attachment of said band to the collection device.  
   
   
       6 . The Pouches of  claim 1  wherein said pouches resemble or replicate a mesh woven pattern having holes large enough to allow sufficient air and water flow through them, but small enough to not allow escape of the articles contained within  
   
   
       7 . The means for connecting of  claim 1  being permanently affixed to said band of claim one.  
   
   
       8 . The means for connecting of  claim 7 , further including a temporary fastening mechanism on the end that is not permanently attached to said band of  claim 1 .  
   
   
       9 . The Pouches of  claim 6  further including a snap, Velcro, keyhole, or other temporary, but strong closing means.  
   
   
       10 . The pouches of  claim 9  being made of nylon or an equivalent material, which does not absorb water readily, dries quickly, and is of tough construction.  
   
   
       11 . The Pouches of  claim 10  further including a temporary fastening means located on the back side of said pouches, enabling said pouches to be attached and detached from the connecting means of  claim 8 .  
   
   
       12 . The Means for connecting of  claim 8  said pouches of  claim 11  to said band of  claim 5 , wherein the said connecting means is a strap of material long enough to allow suspension of the pouches inside the collection device, but short enough to keep said pouches near the top of said collection device.  
   
   
       13 . The means of connecting of  claim 12 , wherein said connecting means is a strap of material being made of nylon or a substantially equivalent material.  
   
   
       14 . The Means for connecting said pouches of  claim 11  to said connector strap of  claim 12 , wherein said pouches attach to the connector straps fastening mechanism via a corresponding fastening mechanism located on the back side of said pouches.  
   
   
       15 . The temporary fastening mechanism of  claim 11 , wherein, said fastening mechanism is Velcro tm, or it's equivalent, keyhole, or other temporary means of attachment, which is permanently affixed, to the backside of the pouch.  
   
   
       16 . The connecting means of  claim 14 , further including a receiving Velcro tm, or other means of attachment, wherein said receiving Velcro or other means of attachment must be located on the said connector strap of  claim 14  so that the connector strap forms a temporary fastened state to the said pouches so that the pouch can be attached when desired and the pouch can be removed when desired.