Washing apparatus and method utilizing flexible container to improve cleaning efficiency and minimize space occupancy

Abstract

An automatic laundry washing machine that is suitable for use in living units having no area set aside for laundry facilities is achieved by replacing the heavy bulky parts of the currently popular automatic washing machine design with a light flexible bag. A large portion of the volume of any washing machine is the vessel for containing the laundry solution and articles to be washed. That vessel is a flexible bag made of modern durable material so as to be collapsible both while in use and for storage. The method of use includes the complete process of washing, rinsing, and extracting excess water in an automatic cycle analogous to standard automatic washing machines popular today. The vessel containing the items being laundered is a waterproof laundry bag with automatic washing apparatus attached. Items are automatically washed in that bag. The automatic process includes cycles of filling, washing, rinsing and extracting such that the clothes are ready for a drying process such as hanging out to dry or putting into a tumble dryer. The agitating of the washing and rinsing cycles is accomplished without the familiar bulky agitator thereby reducing the volume requirements and the traditional wear and tear on the garments. By eliminating the bulky agitator and the spin water extraction method, the heavy transmission is also eliminated. The water extraction cycle is done in a much less violent way than the conventional spin cycle by allowing atmospheric pressure to collapse the washing vessel and press the water from the articles as the water and air are pumped from the vessel in the draining portion of the cycle. The cleaning ability of the water is enhanced by built in ionic processing of the water thereby reducing the required amount of laundry detergent. The agitating in the non-electrically conductive vessel generates static electric charges in the process and ions thus produced further enhance the cleaning ability of the water. Cavitation produced in a multi-frequency washing action further enhances the washing ability of the water. The washing machine is light, compact and collapsible and is as portable as a piece of luggage. The set up procedure is simple and no assembly is required beyond attaching a quick connect fastener to a water faucet and plugging in a power cord. The washing machine is light and takes little storage space. It can be put in a small closet or on a shelf when not in use. The minimum capacity of the washing machine is a single garment. The normal capacity of the washing machine is comparable to that of a standard household washing machine.