US20050193500A1

US20050193500A1 - Equipment washer

Info

Publication number: US20050193500A1
Application number: US11/123,187
Authority: US
Inventors: Randall Rhode; Margie Rhode
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-08-18
Filing date: 2005-05-06
Publication date: 2005-09-08

Abstract

A washing machine includes a processor, a scanner cooperating with the processor and adapted for reading machine-readable coding on articles of apparel, a tub, and an equipment container selectively rotatably mounted inside the tub. Means are provided for selectively rotating the tub, the means cooperating with the processor. The equipment container is advantageously adapted to hold a plurality of flexible articles separated from each other and substantially immobile against, and relative to, the equipment container while it is being rotated in the tub.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/880,479 filed Jul. 1, 2004 which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/699,842 filed Nov. 4, 2003, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/098,466 filed Mar. 18, 2002, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/376,319 filed Aug. 18, 1999, which issued Apr. 23, 2002 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,644 which claim priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/096,841 filed Aug. 18, 1998 entitled Equipment Washer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of devices and methods for washing and tracking clothing or other flexible or semi-rigid articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Anyone who has played sports, or lived with a person who plays sports such as football or hockey or like sports requiring the wearing of protective armour such as helmets, boots, shoulder pads and the like, is aware that, although the manufacturer of the equipment likely allows for the washing of such equipment, such equipment is only infrequently washed by hand due to the bulky nature of the pieces of equipment and hard armour which make using a conventional residential washing machine or Laundromat washing machine tedious, difficult and in some cases impossible. Further, in some instances sports apparel, such as ballerina's shoes, cannot be washed in conventional washing machines due to the nature of the apparel, for example, due to fragility of the material, or otherwise. Other flexible articles such as harnesses for lifting bed-ridden invalids often become soiled and require washing. Due to their construction washing of such harnesses has in the past been done by hand. Reference herein to equipment is intended to encompass sports equipment, harnesses, other forms of protective gear or clothing. All of which share the same problem: they are cumbersome or difficult to wash and dry, for example without balling of the equipment which is flexible, especially that having hook and loop fasteners, or without damage to equipment having a hard shell and padded liners.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and in a preferred embodiment a cooperating mesh bag, or air and liquid porous container, or the like, into which equipment, for example most if not all of a flexible sports apparel equipment outfit, and protective gear may be placed therein and subsequently removably secured within the generally cylindrically shaped washing cage or basket of a washing machine, wherein the cage or basket is selectively closable and, once closed, agitatable within a water tight enclosure such as a washing machine tub. Specifically, it is an object to hold the articles of equipment to be washed fixed in the cage or basket, and to move the entire cage or basket relative to the enclosure to obtain the flushing of water in and around the articles.
Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device and in a preferred embodiment a cooperating mesh bag, or otherwise air and liquid porous container, or the like, into which flexible sports apparel equipment outfit, and protective gear may be removably positioned within the generally cylindrically shaped cage or basket of a washing machine tub where the mesh container has rigid, generally rectangular perimeter stiffeners pivotally hinged together along one common edge thereof. The mesh bag is securely fastened to the stiffeners. The stiffeners are designed to reflect the dimensions of the generally cylindrically shaped cage or basket of a washing machine so that the container may be nested in a generally vertical aspect within the washing machine basket and not protrude beyond the level of the opening of the basket and when spread apart about the hinge will be brought into contact with the vertical inner surface of the washing machine basket so as to engage retainers which retain the container in the basket.
The mesh bag when constructed from a flexible fabric, may in one instance, have a perimeter frame which rigidly supports opposed generally rectangular first sides of the mesh bag in a predetermined angular separation and second sides of the bag in a curve of predetermined radius so as to conformally fit within the cylindrical basket. Alternatively, the mesh bag may be constructed from rigid material having a suitable configuration conforming to the diameter of the interior surface of the washing machine basket.
The interior surface of the washing machine basket may be provided with either longitudinal clips, channels or partitions which serve as the retainers, positioned generally parallel to the axis of rotation about which the washing machine cage or basket is agitated. The retainers, again, cooperate with the stiffeners to secure the mesh bag within the basket during the operation of the washing machine. Alternatively the interior of the washing machine cage or basket may be suitably partitioned so as to removably secure one or more garment retaining mesh bags.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and procedure to use the device, and in one embodiment the cooperating mesh bag, or other air and liquid porous container, or the like, to wash, rinse and dry clothing or other flexible and semi-rigid articles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a washing machine, and a corresponding method, for tracking and cleaning flexible articles. The washing machine includes a processor, a scanner cooperating with the processor and adapted for reading machine-readable coding on articles of apparel, a tub, and an equipment container selectively rotatably mounted inside the tub. Means are provided for selectively rotating the tub, the means cooperating with the processor. The equipment container is advantageously adapted to hold a plurality of flexible articles separated from each other and substantially immobile against, and relative to, the equipment container while it is being rotated in the tub.
The method includes the step of scanning, with the scanner, machine-readable coding on articles of apparel, and processing, with the processor, the coding, once scanned by the scanner, and making a record corresponding to a particular article of apparel for tracking of at least one unique characteristic, for example a characteristic and unique identity, identified in the coding corresponding to the particular article of apparel being tracked. The method further includes the sequential steps of:

- (a) mounting the flexible articles into the equipment container so as to be held separated within, and substantially immobile against and relative to, the equipment container,
- (b) rotating the equipment container relative to the tub at a washing speed so as to pass the flexible articles through washing and rinsing fluids in the tub when the tub is at least partially filled with washing or rinsing fluids,
- (c) at least partially filling the tub with washing fluid,
- (d) at least draining the washing fluid from the tub,
- (e) partially filling the tub with rinsing fluid,
- (f) continuing to rotate the equipment container relative to the tub so as to pass the flexible articles through the rinsing fluid,
- (g) draining the rinsing fluid from the tub,
- (h) rotating the equipment container at a spin-drying rotational speed which is greater than the washing speed and sufficient to centrifugally drain fluid from the articles.

The equipment washing machine according to the present invention may also be characterized as having: a frame, a tub rigidly mounted to the frame, a supply means for supplying washing fluid, rinsing fluid and drying air cooperating with the tub, a porous basket rotatably mounted inside the tub, the basket selectively rotatable by selective rotation means, at least one porous-sided equipment container releasably mountable into the basket, each equipment container of the at least one equipment container adapted for holding flexible articles positioned within the container, by means for securing the articles, for flow of the washing and rinsing fluids and drying air therethrough and for holding the flexible articles mounted to and substantially separated from each other, and stationary relative to the container as the basket is rotated relative to the tub in the sequential presence of the washing fluid, the rinsing fluid, and the drying air.
The method according to one aspect of the present invention again includes washing, rinsing and drying clothing or other flexible or semi-rigid articles, the step of scanning with the scanner machine-readable coding on articles of apparel, and processing with the processor the coding, once scanned by the scanner, and making a record corresponding to a particular article of apparel for tracking of at least a unique identity identified in the coding corresponding to the particular article of apparel being tracked. The method may also include the sequential steps of:

- (a) rotating the basket so as to pass the articles through the washing fluid at a first rotational speed;
- (b) supplying the washing fluid to the tub;
- (c) draining the washing fluid from the tub;
- (d) supplying the rinsing fluid to the tub;
- (e) rotating the basket so as to pass the articles through the rinsing fluid;
- (f) draining the rinsing fluid from the tub;
- (g) rotating the basket at a second rotational speed greater than the first rotational speed so as to centrifugally spin dry the articles.

The method may include one or more sequential repetitions of the above steps (a)-(e) before step (f).
Another aspect of the present invention may be characterized as a computer program product for use in an equipment washing machine. As before the washing machine includes a processor, a scanner cooperating with the processor for reading machine-readable coding on articles of apparel, a frame, a tub rigidly mounted to the frame, a supply means for supplying washing fluid, rinsing fluid and drying air cooperating with the tub, and a porous basket rotatably mounted inside the tub. The basket is selectively rotatable by selective rotation means. The selective rotation means cooperates with the processor. At least one porous-sided equipment container may be releasably mountable or mounted into the basket. Each equipment container may be adapted for holding flexible articles positioned within the container, by means for securing the articles, for flow of the washing and rinsing fluids and drying air therethrough and for holding the flexible articles mounted to and substantially separated from each other, and stationary relative to the container as the basket is rotated relative to the tub in the sequential presence of the washing fluid, the rinsing fluid, and the drying air.
The computer program product according to the present invention includes:

- (a) computer readable program code means for retrievably storing records which are the result of the scanner scanning the machine-readable coding on articles of apparel,
- (b) computer readable program code means for causing scanning with the scanner machine-readable coding on articles of apparel, and processing with the processor the coding, once scanned by the scanner, and making a record corresponding to a particular article of apparel for tracking of a unique characteristic such as at least a unique identity identified in the coding corresponding to the particular article of apparel being tracked,
- (c) computer readable program code means for causing the rotation of the basket at a first rotational speed so as to pass articles held in the basket through the washing fluid in the tube once at least partially filled, for the duration of a timed first wash iteration;
- (d) computer readable program code means for causing, once the basket is rotating at the first rotational speed the supply of washing fluid into the tub;
- (e) computer readable program code means for causing the draining of the washing fluid from the tub,
- (f) computer readable program code means for causing the supply of rinsing fluid to the tub;
- (g) computer readable program code means for causing the draining of the rinsing fluid from the tub;
- (h) computer readable program code means for causing one or more repetitions of the supplying washing fluid to the tub, the draining washing fluid from the tub, the supplying rinsing fluid to the tub, and the draining the rinsing fluid from the tub;
- (i) computer readable program code means for causing rotation of the tub at a second rotational speed greater than the first rotational speed for centrifugally spin drying the articles in the tub;
- (j) computer readable program code means for causing a supply of drying air into the tub to dry the articles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is, in partially cut away plan view, the equipment washer according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view along line 2-2 of the equipment washer of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an isometric view, partially cut away, of the equipment washer of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 a is an isometric view of one embodiment of an equipment container.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the equipment washer according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway isometric view of the washer of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a partially exploded isometric view of the washer of FIG. 4 showing the equipment container removed.
FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the equipment washer according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a partially exploded partially cut away isometric view of the equipment washer of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of one rigid-frame equipment container of FIG. 8 with one side opened to receive articles of equipment FIG. 10 is a plan view of a further alternative embodiment of the equipment washer of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an isometric view of one rigid-frame equipment container of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a flow chart of one preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawing figures, wherein similar characters of reference denote corresponding parts in each view, a typical washing machine 10 has an exterior frame 12, a watertight tub 14 rigidly mounted to frame 12, and a basket 16 rotatably mounted inside tub 14. Tub 14 is closable by a lid 18. Washing machine 10 may be agitated by a motor 20 about axis A, which may be positioned either vertically as illustrated or horizontally as found in my presently pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/098,466 and seen in my issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,374,644, both of which incorporated herein by reference.
Basket 16, as may be seen in FIG. 3, is provided with elongated clips such as channels 22 a and 22 b which are mounted vertically to the inside surface of basket 16 and extend generally parallel to axis A.
Mesh equipment container 30 which may in one embodiment be in the nature of a garment bag, is provided for securely holding the articles of sporting equipment Advantageously the bag will hold all of the equipment for a single player. Container 30 is placed in basket 16. The use of container 30 may prevent sporting equipment from becoming intermingled or lost. Container 30 may be readily and efficiently loaded with garments or other equipment and then placed into basket 16. An equipment container 30 for articles of apparel or protective gear for a hockey player, for example, will of necessity be quite large. FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a washing machine compatible for a single equipment container 30, FIG. 3 a illustrating an example of a container 30.
Equipment container 30 may, as illustrated, take the form of a garment bag having mesh construction, mounted on a first side 32 of which to, so as to extend across, rigid, opposed facing, generally rectangular, perimeter stiffeners 34 a and 34 b pivotally mounted or hinged to one another, for example by rings 36 along their sides 38. The second side 40 of mesh bag 30 defines a voluminous interior cavity between it and first sides 32. Second side 40 has a perimeter edge which extends contiguously around the perimeter edge of first side 32 second side 40 may be conformably curved so as to conform to the shape of equipment to be immovably held within container 30. The voluminous interior cavity is shown by way of example as side compartments 42 formed intermediately of first side 32 and second side 40. The side compartments are readily accessible through flexible hatches or flaps 44 or the like which may be releasably closed by means of fasteners known in the art such as zippers or strips of hook and loop fasteners or the like. Flaps 44 close corresponding openings which are conveniently large. Flaps 44 may be opened to access the interior cavities of side compartments 42.
Side compartments 42 may themselves be further compartmentalized to accommodate specific articles of equipment such as sports equipment (not shown). When such equipment has been inserted into compartments 42, and flaps 44 closed and fastened, the mesh equipment container 30 may then be placed into a basket 16 where the container is designed for a particular application so that the number of compartments matches the number of separate items to be washed for that application, loading of a transport using the container reduces the worry that a piece of equipment has either been left out or may be left behind. Container 30 when gripped medially of the long sides of stiffeners 34, for example sides 38 b, may then be elevated above tub 14. By slightly unhinging, that is, angularly separating stiffeners 34 a and 34 b, the distal ends 39 of the stiffeners may be brought into vertical alignment with channels 22 a secured to the inside surface of basket 16, and sides 38 may vertically align with channels 22 b so that container 30 may be dropped into place inside basket 16.
As may be seen in FIGS. 4 through 6, basket 16 may be modified so as to be capable of accepting a plurality of containers 30 such as the two large mesh equipment containers 30 illustrated. Basket 16 is supported by upper and lower radial supports 48 and an axial spindle 50. Support channels 52 for equipment containers 30 are positioned radially of spindle 50 on the inner face of basket 16. In illustrated example, not intended to be limiting, each equipment container 30 is secured within basket 16 in a similar drop down manner to that illustrated in FIG. 3.
As seen in FIG. 4, plates 56 secured to each end of axial spindle 50 have indents 58. Indents 58 are aligned radially of spindle 50 with corresponding channels 52 on the inner face of basket 16. In that embodiment, when only a single equipment container 30 is utilized, baffle 60 may be inserted to equalize the rotational loading as basket 16 is agitated through washing fluid in tub 14.
FIGS. 7 through 9 depict a further variation wherein basket 16 is modified by internal baffles 64 placed medially within basket 16 so as to create between baffles 64 and basket 16 two outer compartments into which equipment containers 30 can be placed. In this aspect the containers 30 may preferably be rigid containers where the frame 70 is a rigid perimeter frame, as illustrated in FIG. 9, with a open mesh covering, or alternatively container 30 may have a frame with perforated mesh like areas integrally moulded from rigid plastic or the like. Frame 70 has divergent generally rectangular bases 72 and 72 a, which between them include an angle of generally 90 degrees. Side compartments 76, which may be further compartmentalized, are generally arcuate and comprise in section a circular segment whose radius permits ready insertion within a basket 16 of washer 10. Each compartment 76 is accessible by way of hatch 80, which is hinged to compartment 76 as at 82. Hatch 80 is securable in a closed position by means of spring latches 84 or the like.
As seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, side compartments 76 of equipment container 30, illustrated in FIG. 9, may alternatively be designed as separate equipment containers 90. This design will permit up to four of such containers 90 to be inserted into a suitably compartmentalized washer.
As seen in FIG. 12, the method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention begins with rotation step 12 a in which the user may set the direction of rotation of basket 16, and the duration and speed of such rotation. The direction of rotation may be clockwise, counter-clockwise, or alternatively sequentially both clockwise and counter-clockwise. The duration of continuous rotation in one direction may be up to 250 seconds, with up to 100 seconds of waiting time between sequential rotations. The speed of rotation may be up to 30 rpm. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, basket 16 rotates clockwise or counter-clockwise at 14 rpm for 30 seconds, then stops rotating for 10 seconds, then rotates in the opposite direction for 30 seconds. The rotation procedure then begins anew and continues for the duration of the steps outlined in FIG. 12.
In one embodiment, the process steps are controlled by a programmable digital processor. The processor is programmed to execute steps according the logic flow chart of FIG. 12 a. The process of FIG. 12 may involve a looping, that is, repeating steps 12 b to 12 f illustrated diagrammatically by loop 12 i. First, basket 16 is brought up to its washing rotational speed approximately 30 rpm. Rotating the basket before adding washing fluid keeps down the weight of the basket when loaded with articles because they are still dry, and thus reduces the power required to accelerate the basket and reduces also the time to bring the basket up to speed for the equivalent motor driving the rotation, keeping in mind that the basket may weigh in the order of fifty pounds. Cold or hot water, or both, are then injected in step 12 b into the washing machine. The temperature of the water may be set by a user adjusted amount in a range from 10° C. to 99° C. A temperature regulator adjusts the relative proportion of hot and cold water flowing into the washing machine. In one embodiment, the washing machine of the present invention may hold up to 450 litres (L) of water before overflowing. In the method of the preferred embodiment, the water temperature of the wash cycle is set at 50° C. using a preferred water volume of 270 L per iteration of loop 12 i.
The next step is chemical injection step 12 c wherein various chemicals are injected through one or more pumps into the washing machine. In the preferred embodiment, successive iterations of loop 12 i include successive injections of an enzyme-based solution and a deep cleaning detergent to facilitate stain removal, a sanitizer for neutralizing odour and germs, and lastly a fragrance solution to provide a fresh and pleasing scent to the clothing or other material being washed.
In step 12 d, the length of the run time for an iteration of loop 12 i may be set by a user or pre-programmed to a maximum of 255 minutes. In the preferred embodiment, a wash iteration in which the stain removal chemicals are injected lasts 40 minutes, followed by a rinse iteration lasting 5 minutes and a sanitizing iteration lasting 10 minutes.
After each iteration of run step 12 d, drain step 12 e occurs wherein the used water is drained from the washing machine over one or more two minute intervals. This step completes an iteration of loop 12 i, after which either a new iteration commences with the addition of water in step 12 b or, loop 12 i ends and the method continues with water-extraction or spin step 12 g.
In extraction step 12 g, basket 16 is spun at a maximum speed of 200 rpm for a maximum length of time of 255 minutes. In the preferred embodiment, the parameters are set at 150 rpm for approximately 15 minutes.
Following extraction step 12 g, a drying step 12 h completes the process. In this step, the variable parameters are drying or heating time, fan time and temperature. The drying or heating time may be set up to 255 minutes, and in the preferred embodiment lasts 45 minutes. The drying time is followed by fan time, which may last up to 255 minutes but in the preferred embodiment lasts at least as long as the drying time and is typically set at 50 minutes. The temperature may be set as high as 99° C. and in the preferred embodiment is set at 55° C.
In a preferred embodiment, a bar code scanner or reader 8 or other scanner for reading machine-readable coding on an article of apparel is mounted on the front of the housing, in cooperation with a digital processor 6. Thus for example, for use in fire fighting, so-called fire turn-out gear is managed and/or tracked (collectively herein referred to as tracking) by scanning and processing bar code identification on the gear. The scanner reads the bar codes which allows the processor to track which garment or article was washed, and washed using what program of the machine, and to record what chemicals and procedure was being used on that wash. What location washed the garment and what date may also be recorded by the processor. This information, uniquely identified to a particular piece of apparel, may be used to create or update a corresponding history for the apparel (or other gear being washed). The information, data, history, etc may be transmitted via a communications network (for example, via the internet, etc) to a central digital processing server or other processor for centralized management of a number of articles of apparel being washed.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the object of immobilizing items of equipment in, and relative to, an equipment container, and rotating the entire equipment container within a bath of washing fluid prior to rinsing and spin drying.

Claims

1. In a washing machine having a processor, a scanner cooperating with the processor for reading machine-readable coding on articles of apparel, a tub and an equipment container selectively rotatably mounted inside the tub, means for selectively rotating the tub cooperating with the processor, wherein the equipment container is adapted to hold a plurality of flexible articles separated from each other and substantially immobile against, and relative to, the equipment container,

a method of tracking and cleaning the flexible articles comprising the step of

scanning with said scanner machine-readable coding on articles of apparel, and processing with said processor said coding, once scanned by said scanner, and making a record corresponding to a particular article of apparel for tracking of at least a unique identity identified in said coding corresponding to the particular article of apparel being tracked,

the method further comprising the sequential steps of:

(a) mounting the flexible articles into the equipment container so as to be held separated within, and substantially immobile against and relative to, the equipment container,

(b) rotating the equipment container relative to the tub at a washing speed so as to pass the flexible articles through washing and rinsing fluids in the tub when the tub is at least partially filled with washing or rinsing fluids,

(c) at least partially filling the tub with washing fluid,

(d) at least draining the washing fluid from the tub,

(e) partially filling the tub with rinsing fluid,

(f) continuing to rotate the equipment container relative to the tub so as to pass the flexible articles through the rinsing fluid,

(g) draining the rinsing fluid from the tub,

(h) rotating the equipment container at a spin-drying rotational speed which is greater than said washing speed and sufficient to centrifugally drain fluid from said articles.

2. In an equipment washing machine having: a frame, a tub rigidly mounted to said frame, a supply means for supplying washing fluid, rinsing fluid and drying air cooperating with said tub, a porous basket rotatably mounted inside said tub, said basket selectively rotatable by selective rotation means, at least one porous-sided equipment container releasably mountable into said basket, each equipment container of said at least one equipment container adapted for holding flexible articles positioned within said container, by means for securing said articles, for flow of the washing and rinsing fluids and drying air there through and for holding the flexible articles mounted to and substantially separated from each other, and stationary relative to said container as said basket is rotated relative to said tub in the sequential presence of the washing fluid, the rinsing fluid, and the drying air;

a method of washing, rinsing and drying clothing or other flexible or semi-rigid articles comprising the step of scanning with said scanner machine-readable coding on articles of apparel, and processing with said processor said coding, once scanned by said scanner, and making a record corresponding to a particular article of apparel for tracking of at least a unique identity identified in said coding corresponding to the particular article of apparel being tracked, and further comprising the sequential steps of:

(a) rotating said basket so as to pass the articles through the washing fluid at a first rotational speed;

(b) supplying said washing fluid to said tub;

(c) draining said washing fluid from said tub;

(d) supplying said rinsing fluid to said tub;

(e) rotating said basket so as to pass the articles through the rinsing fluid;

(f) draining said rinsing fluid from said tub;

(g) rotating said basket at a second rotational speed greater than said first rotational speed so as to centrifugally spin dry said articles.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of repeating one or more sequential repetitions of said steps (a)-(e) in claim 1 before step (f).

4. A computer program product for use in an equipment washing machine,

wherein the washing machine has a processor, a scanner cooperating with the processor for reading machine-readable coding on articles of apparel, a frame, a tub rigidly mounted to said frame, a supply means for supplying washing fluid, rinsing fluid and drying air cooperating with said tub, a porous basket rotatably mounted inside said tub,

said basket selectively rotatable by selective rotation means wherein said selective rotation means cooperates with said processor, at least one porous-sided equipment container releasably mountable into said basket, each equipment container of said at least one equipment container adapted for holding flexible articles positioned within said container, by means for securing said articles, for flow of the washing and rinsing fluids and drying air there through and for holding the flexible articles mounted to and substantially separated from each other, and stationary relative to said container as said basket is rotated relative to said tub in the sequential presence of the washing fluid, the rinsing fluid, and the drying air;

the computer program product comprising:

(e) computer readable program code means for retrievably storing records which are the result of the scanner scanning the machine-readable coding on articles of apparel,

(f) computer readable program code means for causing scanning with said scanner machine-readable coding on articles of apparel, and processing with said processor said coding, once scanned by said scanner, and making a record corresponding to a particular article of apparel for tracking of at least a unique identity identified in said coding corresponding to the particular article of apparel being tracked,

(g) computer readable program code means for causing the rotation of said basket at a first rotational speed so as to pass articles held in the basket through the washing fluid in the tube once at least partially filled, for the duration of a timed first wash iteration;

(h) computer readable program code means for causing, once said basket is rotating at said first rotational speed the supply of washing fluid into said tub;

(e) computer readable program code means for causing the draining of said washing fluid from said tub,

(f) computer readable program code means for causing the supply of rinsing fluid to said tub;

(g) computer readable program code means for causing the draining of said rinsing fluid from said tub;

(h) computer readable program code means for causing one or more repetitions of said supplying washing fluid to said tub, said draining washing fluid from said tub, said supplying rinsing fluid to said tub, and said draining said rinsing fluid from said tub;

(i) computer readable program code means for causing rotation of said tub at a second rotational speed greater than said first rotational speed for centrifugally spin drying said articles in said tub;

(j) computer readable program code means for causing a supply of drying air into said tub to dry said articles.

5. A device for washing flexible articles of apparel comprising;

a housing,

a tub rigidly mounted to said housing,

a scanner mounted in cooperation with said housing for machine-reading machine-readable coding on articles of apparel, a digital processor cooperating with said scanner for processing said coding, once scanned by said scanner, to thereby make a record corresponding to a particular article of apparel for tracking of at least a unique identity in said coding corresponding to the particular article of apparel being tracked,

a basket rotatably mounted inside said tub for rotation of said basket about an axis of rotation, a basket rotation means mounted to said basket and actuable to rotate said basket during washing, rinsing and spin-drying cycles,

a water supply and draining means cooperating with said tub for washing and rinsing said articles of apparel held in said basket,

wherein said basket is an open-lattice sided container having a releasably closable lid and wherein said basket is, by means for securing said articles in said basket, adapted for both holding still articles of apparel substantially stationary relative to said basket and separated in said basket during said washing and rinsing cycles and during centrifugal spin-drying cycle, and for allowing penetration of water from said water supply throughout said articles of apparel as said basket is rotated relative to said tub,

wherein said means for securing said flexible articles in each basket includes an equipment container having separate compartments, said equipment container mountable into said basket for holding said articles of apparel generally individually separated from each other during said washing, rinsing and spin-drying cycles,

and wherein during said centrifugal spin-drying of said articles of apparel during said spin-drying cycle, said basket is rotatable within said tub about said axis of rotation at a rotational speed sufficient to centrifugally force water from said articles.

6. A washing and drying device for flexible articles comprising,

a watertight housing,

a rotatable frame rotatably mounted within said housing for rotation of said frame about an axis of rotation,

a plurality of water porous baskets mounted to said frame, each basket in said plurality of water porous baskets having a releasably securable lid mounted thereto, each said basket including, a means for securing said flexible articles in each said basket so as to both releasably hold said articles substantially stationary relative to said basket as said frame is rotated relative to said housing during washing, rinsing and centrifugal spin-drying of said articles and for allowing penetration of water from said water supply throughout said articles,

a selectively controllable drive for rotating said frame relative to said housing,

a wash water supply and drain cooperating with said housing for, respectively, pressurized supply of wash water into contact with said plurality of water porous baskets within said housing and draining said wash water,

wherein said means for securing said flexible articles in each said basket includes an equipment container having separate compartments, said equipment container mountable into said basket, said compartments for holding said articles of apparel stationary relative to said basket and for holding said articles of apparel generally individually separated from each other during said washing, rinsing and spin-drying cycles,

wherein during said centrifugal spin-drying of said articles said rotatable frame is rotatable within said housing at a rotational speed sufficient to centrifugally force water from said articles.