Container with integrated dispensing chute

Abstract

A laundry basket incorporates a feature that allows an individual to deposit clothing directly from the basket into a washing machine, such as a front-loading washing machine, via a molded chute. The chute is integrated into the basket and is the correct size to allow it to be inserted into the typically round opening in the front of the appliance, hooked over the edge by the lip/handle, and the opposite end lifted up to deposit the clothing directly into the appliance with very little effort.

1 . A laundry basket comprising:
 a base member;   interconnected side members extending from the base member; and   a dispensing chute formed in at least a portion of one of the side members.   
     
     
         2 . The laundry basket of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle formed in one of the side members opposite the dispensing chute. 
     
     
         3 . The laundry basket of  claim 1 , further comprising a dispensing chute hook extending from the dispensing chute, the dispensing chute hook adapted to support at least one side of the laundry basket from an opening of an appliance. 
     
     
         4 . The laundry basket of  claim 1 , further comprising a container rim formed along an outer periphery of the side members. 
     
     
         5 . The laundry basket of  claim 1 , further comprising ventilation cutouts formed in the side members. 
     
     
         6 . A laundry basket comprising:
 a base member;   interconnected side members extending from the base member;   a dispensing chute formed in at least a portion of one of the side members;   a handle formed in one of the side members opposite the dispensing chute; and   a dispensing chute hook extending from the dispensing chute, the dispensing chute hook adapted to support at least one side of the laundry basket from an opening of an appliance.   
     
     
         7 . The laundry basket of  claim 6 , further comprising a container rim formed along an outer periphery of the side members. 
     
     
         8 . The laundry basket of  claim 6 , further comprising ventilation cutouts formed in the side members. 
     
     
         9 . A method for transferring clothing into a laundry appliance, comprising:
 placing the clothing into a laundry basket, the laundry basket having a dispensing chute formed in at least a portion of one side member of the laundry basket;   resting a dispensing chute hook on an opening of the laundry appliance; and   lifting an end opposite the dispensing chute to direct the clothing down the dispensing chute and into the laundry appliance.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising grasping a handle located on the end opposite the dispensing chute to lift the end opposite the dispensing chute.