Clothes catcher

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a clothes catcher for facilitating movement of clothing and other goods during the laundering process. A user can transfer clothes or other goods between the clothes catcher and the washer or dryer much more easily than present day loading or unloading. The clothes catcher of the present invention includes a means for attaching to the opening created by an open door to a washer or dryer and also includes a basket.

1 . An apparatus for facilitating transfer of goods during a laundry cycle comprising:
 a basket element for containing goods and   a frame structure for said basket element, said frame structure comprising a back plate and a frame assembly;   wherein said frame assembly includes a plurality of collapsible hooking components for hooking said apparatus to an opening of a laundry machine; said basket element is sized to receive goods being removed from said laundry machine;   and said apparatus is adaptable to be positioned in alignment with said opening so as to facilitate a user's movement of goods between said basket element and said laundry machine.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus is additionally collapsible such as for storage. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said basket element is comprised of a water repellant material. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said frame structure comprises a plurality of connecting elements including a plurality of hinges, wherein said frame structure is configurable so that said basket element is configured for acceptance of goods and is configurable so that said basket element is in a closed state. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said frame structure includes a locking element for locking said frame structure in an open position. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus further includes a cover for said basket element. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said cover is in two sections which mate using connecting devices on each section. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said sections mate by way of a zipper. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said basket element is formed of a mesh material. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said basket element is formed of a water proof material. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said basket element is formed of nylon. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said frame structure includes a plurality of elements comprised of aluminum. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said back plate includes a solid backing. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein said backing is comprised of a hard plastic. 
     
     
         15 . A laundry basket comprising:
 a basket element for containing goods and   a frame structure for structuring said basket element, including a back plate and a frame assembly, for attaching to a door frame of a laundry machine;   wherein said frame assembly includes a plurality of collapsible hooking components for hooking said apparatus to said door frame; said basket element is sized to receive goods being removed from said laundry machine; and said apparatus is adaptable to be positioned in alignment with an opening formed by said door frame so as to facilitate a user's movement of goods between said basket element and said laundry machine.   
     
     
         16 . The laundry basket of  claim 15 , wherein said apparatus is collapsible such as for storage. 
     
     
         17 . The laundry basket of  claim 15 , wherein said basket element is comprised of a water repellant material. 
     
     
         18 . The laundry basket of  claim 15 , wherein said frame structure comprises a plurality of connecting elements including a plurality of hinges, wherein said frame structure is configurable so that said basket element is formed for acceptance of goods and is configurable so that said basket element is in a closed state. 
     
     
         19 . The laundry basket of  claim 15 , wherein said frame structure includes a locking element for locking said frame structure in an open position. 
     
     
         20 . The laundry basket of  claim 15 , further including a cover.