Field of Search:
206/47R,65E,65C 220/21,23,102,8,23.6 217/19 229/52BC
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a carrier of the type which includes an outer housing with a plurality of containers, removably carried therein, with caps and measuring dispensers on the containers and a handle on the housing.
2. Description of the Prior Art
This invention has been developed to provide an inexpensive, handy carrier for the various essential laundry needs normally required when using coin-operated washing machines at laundry centers.
The use of coin-operated washing machines at laundry centers is becoming more and more popular, with a steady increase in the number of users. The regular users, normally, in addition to carrying the clothes to be washed, also take with them their preferred detergents, fabric softeners, soaps, bleaches, etc. These items are carried in boxes, baskets, and in various makeshift ways, most of which are bulky, unhandy and difficult to carry along with an armful of clothes.
This problem is overcome with the use of the present laundry kit which offers a "tote box" for the laundry essentials, such as detergents, bleach, fabric softener, etc. The kit permits carrying of such items in a neat, compact manner, while allowing for selective, measured use of any of the items. Thus, with this handy kit, wash day is made much easier for the user of the coin-operated washing machines. In addition, the kit allows the washing materials to be compactly stored at home, ready for the next trip to the Laundromat, eliminating the need for searching, packing, etc., before each trip.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A carrier is provided which includes an outer housing, and a plurality of containers removably carried within the housing accessible for readily dispensing measured quantities of their contents.
The principal object of the invention is to provide a carrier that is convenient for use by an individual at coin operated washing machines.
A further object of the invention is to provide a carrier that securely holds a plurality of containers.
A further object of the invention is to provide a carrier wherein its containers are provided with caps and covers that may be used for dispensing measured quantities of the container's contents.
Other objects and advantageous features of the invention will be apparent from the description and claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The nature and characteristic features of the invention will be more readily understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming part hereof, in which:
FIG. 1 is a view in perspective illustrating the carrier of the invention ready for use;
FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken approximately on the line 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken approximately on the line 3--3 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the carrier of FIG. 1 and
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view, enlarged, in partial section illustrating one of the containers used with the carrier of FIG. 1.
It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are illustrative merely and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structure disclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the carrier 10 includes an outer housing 11 of square configuration which can be formed of any suitable material with molded polyethelene plastic being one of the preferred materials.
The housing 11 has a front panel 12, rear panel 14, and side panels 15. The panels 12, 14 and 15 are of one piece construction with rounded corners 18 where they join. A bottom panel 19 closes off the housing at its bottom joining the front panel 12, rear panel 14 and side panels 15 with rounded corners 20 at their points of intersection.
The housing 11 is open at the top, and is illustrated as being divided into four compartments 21 by a vertical panel 22 which joins the sides 15 midway of their length and a vertical panel 23 which joins the front and rear panels 12 and 14 midway their length and is perpendicular to panel 22.
The panel 22 terminates at the same height as panels 12, 14 and 15 and the panel 23 extends above the panel 12, 14 and 15, and is provided with an opening 25 suitable for hand hold for transporting. Containers 27 which may be used with the carrier 10 are shown in place in FIG. 1 to 4 and one container 27 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 5. The containers 27 are of rectangular bottle like shape with a neck 28 having a large opening 30. The neck 28 has external screw threads 31 with which a screw cap 32 is engaged.
Measuring dispensers 33 are provided removably engaged with the screw caps 32 and may be of predetermined size which may be in ounces or cups. Suitable indicia (not shown) may be placed on the dispensers 33 to indicate their capacity.
The containers 27 may be formed of blow molded polyethlene plastic preferably of the clear variety so that the level of the contents is visible and are of a size such that they have a snug fit in the compartments 20 but may be removed if desired. Such containers 27 are resistant to shock, are not subject to breakage if dropped and are waterproof and moisture proof.
It will thus be seen that apparatus has been provided with which the objects of the invention are attained.