Bag for washing a textile item

Abstract

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Description

The present application claims priority to Australian provisional patent application 2024904168, filed 17 December 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Field of the invention: The present invention relates to a waterproof bag for washing textile items while travelling, in which one or more textile items are agitated within the bag to achieve cleaning. Background

[0001] Washing clothes or other textile items while travelling can pose practical challenges. Laundry facilities may be unavailable, inconvenient to access, or expensive. Travellers often carry a limited number of clothes to reduce pack weight and bulk, which can make frequent washing of small loads necessary.

[0002] Hand washing clothing in sinks or showers can yield inconsistent results, may be time consuming, and in some cases may raise hygiene concerns, particularly when communal facilities are used.

[0003] Various wash bags have been developed to facilitate laundering clothes during travel. In general, such products include a waterproof bag to which water, a cleaning agent, and clothing are added, after which the contents are agitated to provide a washing action. Commercially available wash bags with rolldown closures at the end of a cylindrical body include, for example US 2014 / 0305174, in which the bag is typically used in a generally vertical orientation for agitation. Other wash bags, such as that disclosed in US 11,585,030, employ a bag and agitator arrangement in which the roll-down closure remains open while a plunger is used to agitate the clothing in a generally vertical orientation.

[0004] While various wash bag designs have been proposed, relatively little advancement has been made in improving their overall suitability for travel. Accordingly, improved wash bag designs that are more suitable for travel would be desirable. Summary of the invention

[0005] An aspect of the present invention provides a bag for washing a textile item, the bag including: i) a flexible waterproof housing with a greater length than width, ii) an opening defining an opening plane at one end of the length of the housing for adding the textile item, water and cleaning product into the bag; iii) a washing portion of the housing in which the textile item can be agitated to wash the textile item when the bag is in a generally horizontal orientation; iv) a closing portion of the housing with a roll down closure for closing the opening and restricting water egress from the closed opening; v) a bottom portion of the housing at the opposite end of the length of the housing to the opening; and vi) one or more side walls extending from the bottom portion to the opening; wherein the maximum area of the opening is less than the maximum area of a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to the opening plane at one or more points along the length of the housing. 2025283463   17 Dec 2025

[0006] As the bag according to the present invention has a greater length than width, agitation of a textile item in the bag (e.g. by shaking, rolling or rubbing against a frictional washing surface) may be most effective when the bag is in a generally horizontal orientation with a side wall at the bottom as this allows greater movement of the textile item and / or water. This orientation may be achieved by placing a side wall of the bag on a surface or a user may hold the bag in the orientation (e.g. while shaking the bag back and forth or rolling the bag). As the opening and roll-down closure are at one end of the length of the housing, the generally horizontal orientation of the bag can result in water directly contacting the rolldown closure. Furthermore, agitation of the textile item in the bag while in a generally horizontal orientation may increase the pressure of the water against the roll-down closure, particularly if air has been removed from the bag as it may reduce the compressible parts of the bag’s contents which could otherwise absorb some of the pressure.

[0007] In some embodiments, the bag according to the present invention is advantageous as it restricts water egress from the closed opening when the bag is in a generally horizontal orientation during soaking or agitation. This can improve the efficiency or convenience of the washing process while traveling.

[0008] Previous wash bags with roll-down closures have been cylindrical, formed from a rectangular piece of waterproof material and a circular base. As such, the maximum area of the opening is equal to the maximum area of all cross sections of the housing in a plane parallel to the opening plane at each point along the length of the housing. In contrast, in bags according to the present invention the maximum area of the opening is less than the maximum area of a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to the opening plane at one or more points along the length of the housing.

[0009] The term “generally horizontal orientation”, as used herein, refers to the bag being positioned such that its longitudinal axis is generally horizontal rather than generally vertical and with a likelihood of water in the bag contacting the closed roll-down closure when in use. The term includes orientations in which the bag is resting, held, or suspended, and is not restricted to a perfectly horizontal alignment.

[0010] As used herein, the term ‘textile item’ refers to any washable article made at least partially of a textile material, including woven, knitted, non-woven, felted, or otherwise fibrous materials. A textile item may include, for example, an item of clothing, bedding (e.g., a pillowcase or sheet), a towel, headgear, cloth, hosiery, a handkerchief, reusable hygiene products (such as period underwear or reusable sanitary pads), reusable nappies, or other similar articles. For ease of explanation, certain embodiments are described with reference to washing clothes, but it will be understood that the bag may be used to wash any suitable textile item.

[0011] It will be appreciated that the area of the opening in the opening plane can change as the opening closes, with the maximum area occurring when the opening is fully open (e.g. in a circular shape). Similarly, the housing's cross-sectional area in a plane parallel to the opening plane can vary, reaching its maximum when the housing is completely full or at least fully expanded (e.g. in a circular shape). 2025283463   17 Dec 2025

[0012] An aspect of the present invention is that the maximum area of the opening is less than the maximum area of a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to the opening plane at one or more points along the length of the housing. In some embodiments, the one or more points along the length of the housing may include one or more points within the washing portion of the housing or one or more points within the closing portion of the housing or one or more points within the bottom portion of the housing.

[0013] The washing portion is the portion of the housing in which a textile item can be agitated to wash the textile item. In some embodiments, the washing portion may make up 50-90%, 65-85% or 70-75% of the length of the housing. The closing portion includes a roll down closure for closing the opening and restricting water egress from the closed opening. In some embodiments, the closing portion may make up 10-50%, 15-35% or 25-30% of the length of the housing. In some embodiments, the closing portion allows the roll-down closure to be tightly rolled at least 5 or at least 6 times.

[0014] In some embodiments, all or part of the washing portion may have a larger maximum crosssectional area in the plane parallel to the opening than the maximum area of the opening. This may allow a larger washing volume relative to the size of the bag. In some embodiments, all or part of the bottom portion of the housing may have larger maximum cross-sectional areas in the plane parallel to the opening than the maximum area of the opening. In some embodiments, all or part of the closing portion of the housing may have larger maximum cross-sectional area in the plane parallel to the opening than the maximum area of the opening. In some embodiments, the maximum cross-sectional area in the plane parallel to the opening at a point along the length of the closing portion is larger than the maximum area of the opening and smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area at a point along the length of the washing portion or the bottom portion of the housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the housing may narrow towards the opening. The housing may narrow along all or part of the length of the housing. In some embodiments, the housing may narrow uniformly or variably from any one or more of: part of the closing portion to the opening, part of the washing portion to the opening, the bottom portion to the opening, part of the washing portion to part of the closing portion or the bottom portion to part of the closing portion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the housing may widen at one or more points along the length and then narrow towards the opening. In some embodiments, the housing may narrow along the entire length of the housing towards the opening. In some embodiments, the housing may taper towards the opening along all or part of the length of the housing.

[0017] In some embodiments, the housing may have a frustum shape tapering towards the opening, wherein the opening plane or a plane parallel thereto defines the top base of the frustum and the bottom base of the frustum is defined by the bottom portion of the housing or a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to the opening plane at the one or more points along the length of the housing. In some embodiments, part of the housing may include a frustum shape tapering towards the opening, wherein the 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 top and bottom bases of the frustum are in planes parallel to the opening plane with the top base of the frustum closer to the opening than the bottom base of the frustum. In some embodiments, the frustum, which makes up all or part of the housing may have a taper angle more than 0.5°, more than 1°, more than 1.5°, more than 2°, more than 2.5°, more than 3° or more than 3.5°. As used herein, the term “taper angle” refers to the acute angle between the longitudinal axis of the frustoconical portion and its outer surface. Unless otherwise specified, taper angle values refer to the half-angle of the shape from which the frustum is derived.

[0018] In some embodiments, the frustum which makes up all or part of the housing may have a base radii ratio (top-to-bottom radius ratio) less than 0.95, less than 0.9, less than 0.85, less than 0.8, less than 0.75 or less than 0.7.

[0019] In some embodiments, a lower part of the housing may have a cylindrical shape and an upper part of the housing may have a conical frustum shape tapering towards the opening or vice versa. In some embodiments, the whole housing or part of the housing may have a pyramidal frustum shape or conical frustum shape.

[0020] In some embodiments, the maximum area of the opening is at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40% or 50% smaller than the maximum area of the cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to the opening plane at one or more points along the length of the housing. In embodiments where the housing tapers from the bottom portion or the washing portion to the opening, it will be appreciated that the opening will be a greater percentage smaller the further along the length of the housing the point is from the opening.

[0021] In some embodiments, the maximum area of the opening is 70-95% of the maximum area of a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to the opening plane at one or more points in the closing portion and / or 50-90% at the mid-point along the length of the housing and / or 30-80% at one or more points in the washing portion or bottom portion.

[0022] In some embodiments, the maximum area of the opening is 75-93% of the maximum area of a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to the opening plane at one or more points in the closing portion and / or 60-85% at the mid-point along the length of the housing and / or 50-80% at one or more points in the washing portion or bottom portion.

[0023] In some embodiments, the closing portion tapers towards the opening and as the roll down closure is rolled down successive folds are created and at least one of the folds overlaps one or both ends of a preceding fold. In some embodiments, more than 50% or more than 75% of the closing portion may taper towards the opening. In some embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 folds or all the folds may overlap a preceding fold. The overlap may provide a better closure by making the path for water through the closed closure harder as one or both ends of the fold are covered. The overlap may reduce water egress through the closed closure. In some embodiments, the overlap on one side or both sides between folds 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 may be more than 0.5mm, more than 1mm, more than 1.5mm, or more than 2mm. In some embodiments, the ratio of the radius of the opening to the radius of the closing portion at a position allowing the closure to be rolled tightly 6 times is less than 0.97, less than 0.95, less than 0.90 or less than 0.875. In some embodiments, the closing portion may have a taper angle more than 0.5°, more than 1°, more than 1.5°, more than 2°, more than 2.5°, more than 3° or more than 3.5°.

[0024] In some embodiments, the bag may be lighter or use less material while maintaining effective washing capacity. In some embodiments, bags of the present invention when compared to comparable cylindrical shaped bags may use less materials (e.g. 6-19% less housing material, 11-62% less stiffener lengths and / or 20-60% thinner stiffeners). In some embodiments, a single row of stiffeners may be used instead of 2 rows further reducing materials. In some embodiments, the roll-down closure can be lighter and / or more flexible while providing an effective closure.

[0025] In some embodiments, bags of the present invention when compared to comparable cylindershaped bags may have a higher ratio of washing volume to total volume (e.g. a 9-40% higher ratio a quarter way along the length of the bag or a 7-28% higher ratio halfway along the length of the bag). In some embodiments, bags of the present invention when compared to equivalent cylindrical shaped bags may be 8-25% lighter.

[0026] A user may use the bag of the present invention to wash clothes by adding water, cleaning product (e.g. laundry liquid, powder or sheets) and one or more items of clothes to the bag through the opening. The bag can be closed by rolling down and securing the roll down closure and the clothes may be agitated in the washing portion of the housing in a generally horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, the washing portion of the housing may include an agitation aid that can aid the agitation of the clothes. The agitation aid may include a fixed agitation aid such as one or more baffles or projections or may include a loose agitation aid added to the bag (e.g. laundry balls, a mesh bag, etc.). Alternatively, the washing portion may simply be defined by the side walls of the housing. In some embodiments, the bag may include a frictional washing surface (e.g. a flexible internal washboard) provided on one or more side walls. Agitating the clothes in the housing may include shaking, rocking or rolling the bag or pressing or otherwise deforming the bag to move the clothes within the bag. In some embodiments, the bag may include one or more sealed hand sleeves in one or more side walls or a base that allows users to manipulate clothing within the washing portion while the bag is closed. This may prevent their hand from getting wet. Such sleeves may be made from a flexible waterproof material and may be integrated into a side wall or base to form a watertight connection.

[0027] In some embodiments, the washing portion may include a frictional washing surface against which clothes can be rubbed. The frictional washing surface may be formed integrally with or fixedly attached to an inner wall of the housing of the bag. The frictional washing surface may be flexible and may include a plurality of projections that can function as a washboard and may include a gripping surface on 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 the outside of the bag that backs at least a portion of the frictional washing surface. The projections may be provided on a base or may be discrete projections provided directly on the housing.

[0028] The term “frictional washing surface” as used herein refers to a surface configured to increase friction with clothing during rubbing or washing. The frictional washing surface may include projections and / or depressions of any shape, size, arrangement, or pattern, and may be rigid or flexible. In some embodiments, the projections and / or depressions may be designed to minimise wear on clothing, for example by being relatively blunt or formed of a resilient material.

[0029] In some embodiments, the frictional washing surface may make up less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30% or less than 20% of the total inner surface of the housing. Such percentages may assist in maintaining flexibility of the housing when in use and minimise weight of the device. The projections and / or depressions may be uniformly distributed on the housing and / or may be concentrated around a mid-point of the length or width of the washing portion or concentrated towards the bottom portion of the housing.

[0030] In some embodiments, the projections and / or depressions may have a height or depth of between 0.5mm and 10mm. Larger or smaller projections and / or depressions are also contemplated by the present invention. In some embodiments, the projections and / or depressions may have a height of approximately 1-6mm or 1.54mm. These heights may allow effective cleaning of clothes by pressing and rubbing the clothing against the washing surface and allow the frictional washing surface and housing to maintain a relatively compact size.

[0031] In some embodiments, the frictional washing surface may include a base on which the projections and / or depressions are provided. The base may confer additional stability to the frictional washing surface, prevent projections and / or depressions from bunching up, and / or distribute pressure over a wider area, which may reduce wear on the housing or gripping surface (described below). In some embodiments, the base (or parts thereof) may have an average thickness less than 2mm, less than 1mm, less than 0.5mm, less than 0.3mm or less than 0.2mm. In some embodiments, the base may cover an aperture in the housing. In this regard, one side of the base may make up part of the exterior surface of the housing and may optionally provide a gripping surface as described below. Alternatively, the projections and / or depressions may be provided on or attached to the inner surface of the housing.

[0032] In some embodiments, the base may include one or more flex lines (straight or curved) to increase the flexibility of the washing surface, which can assist in folding or turning the bag inside out. For example, flex lines running perpendicular to the length or breadth of the housing may assist in folding the laundry device while flex lines in other directions (e.g. flex lines at an acute angle to the length or breadth of the housing) may assist in turning the housing inside out and / or wringing out wet clothes in the housing. The flex lines may include thinner sections of the base, perforated base sections, high flex material sections (i.e. more flexible than the rest of the base), or splits / gaps within the base.

[0033] In some embodiments, inner surfaces of one or multiple side walls, or parts thereof, of the housing in the washing portion may include projections and / or depressions. These projections and / or depressions may be 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 used to provide additional frictional washing surfaces (e.g. opposing or separate inner surfaces of the housing may also contact the clothes in the housing and affect cleaning) or may assist in gripping the clothes in the housing as they are rubbed along the washing surface.

[0034] The frictional washing surface may be made from or coated with any suitable material. In some embodiments, it may be made from one or more polymers, rubbers, or elastomers, including, for example, silicone, latex, nylon, polyethylene, neoprene, vinyl, polypropylene, polyurethane, PVC or PVC substitutes, PET, natural rubber, EPDM, nitrile, butyl rubber, hypalon, FRAS, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the frictional washing surface may be made from one or more of the same materials as the housing.

[0035] In some embodiments, the washing surface may be integral to the housing as it is produced. Alternatively, the washing surface may be bonded, welded or otherwise attached to the housing.

[0036] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the housing may include a gripping surface backing at least part of the frictional washing surface, helping to maintain its position during use. The gripping surface may be made of any suitable high-friction material, such as an elastomeric polymer, and may be smooth or textured. In some embodiments, the outside of the housing may include distinct gripping and non-gripping portions, where the gripping portion has a higher coefficient of friction than the non-gripping portion.

[0037] In embodiments including a frictional washing surface, a user may add water, clothes and cleaning product, close the closure, lay the bag on its side and grip and / or press the clothes against the washing surface from the outside of the housing. Maintaining or applying pressure on the clothes, the user may rub the clothes back and forth or in a circular motion against the washing surface to agitate the clothes to wash them. The housing may include an air release to remove air from the closed bag to aid in the rubbing process. The term “air release” as used herein refers to any structure configured to allow air to be expelled from the closed bag, such as a small screw-cap valve or other suitable venting device. In some embodiments, the air release is positioned to lie adjacent to the roll-down closure when tightly rolled 5-6 times.

[0038] In some embodiments, the frictional washing surface may have a width that tapers in towards the opening. The frictional washing surface may taper towards the opening along the entire length or part of the length of the frictional washing surface. In some embodiments, the taper of the frictional washing surface may correlate at least in part with a taper of the housing towards the opening. In some embodiments, the frictional washing surface may have a higher number of integrated projections in the bottom half of the washing surface compared to the top half.

[0039] Flexible frictional washing surfaces can benefit from the surfaces (e.g. tables, floor, etc.) they are placed on as the rigidity of such surfaces may better enable clothes to be rubbed against and across the frictional washing surface. As such, a frictional washing surface with a width that tapers towards the 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 opening may maximise the proportion of the frictional washing surface in the washing portion that can lie on such surfaces.

[0040] In some embodiments, the ratio of the maximum width of the frictional washing surface (with or without a base) to the diameter of the opening when in a circular configuration is more than 1.15, more than 1.25, more than 1.35, more than 1.45 or more than 1.55.

[0041] The frictional washing surface may be sufficiently flexible to allow it to be pulled through the opening to turn the bag inside out for drying. Because of the size of the opening, turning the bag inside out may be challenging. In some embodiments, the frictional washing surface is capable of being resiliently flexed through 180 degrees without permanent deformation to a curvature radius of less than 7.5mm, less than 5mm, less than 2.5mm or less than 1mm under an applied force of 10 N, 20 N or 30 N.

[0042] In some embodiments, the curvature radius of the frictional washing surface under such loading may be less than 0.5% of the maximum radius of the opening when maximally opened in a circular shape.

[0043] The radius of curvature of the frictional washing surface (with or without an attached base) or of one or more stiffeners (described below) can be determined by folding the test material through 180 degrees and applying the specified force at or near the fold. The force may be applied using a weight or by pinching the folded material.

[0044] The bag of the present invention includes a closing portion of the housing, with a roll down closure for closing the opening and restricting water egress from the closed opening. Roll down closures involve closing the opening by bringing opposing sides together and rolling the closed opening down the bag, bending the rolled down portion and securing it in a bent configuration. The folds created by rolling down the closure function to restrict water egress from the housing. Rolling the closure tightly or rolling the closure multiple times can aid in restricting water egress. In some embodiments, the closure may be rolled at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 times.

[0045] In some embodiments, the roll down closure may include fasteners on opposing sides of the opening and one or more stiffeners parallel to the opening plane defined by the opening, wherein the opening can be closed and folded down along the length of at least part of the closing portion of the housing to create successive folds with the one or more stiffeners retained within the folds and wherein the one or more stiffeners can be bent to bring the roll down closure into a closed configuration and wherein the fasteners can secure the closed opening and the folds in the closed configuration. The fasteners on opposing sides of the opening may fasten to each other or to other fasteners provided on the outside of the housing to secure the closed opening and the folds in the closed configuration.

[0046] In some embodiments, the roll down closure may include a stiffener on one side or both sides of the closure between the fasteners. The one or more stiffeners may be provided at the edge of the opening or spaced from the opening (e.g. 0.5cm to 10cm from the opening). The stiffener may include plastic or composite stiffeners inserted into sleeves or channels within the closing portion. Alternatively, the 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 stiffener may be a strap, webbing or strip of plastic, rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber (CSPE) or other suitable material secured to the closing portion. For example, the stiffener may be a nylon or polyester fabric or CSPE coated with PVC or TPU or a strip of PVC, CSPE or TPU and adhered, sewn, welded or otherwise secured to the closing portion.

[0047] In some embodiments, the stiffener may be thicker than the housing or may include a different material to the housing. In some embodiments, the stiffener may be more than 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, 5 times or 6 times thicker than the housing. In some embodiments, the stiffener may have a thickness between 0.3mm and 2mm, between 0.4mm and 1.2mm or between 0.4mm and 0.8mm.

[0048] The width of the stiffener down the length of the housing may dictate the width of the folds created by rolling down the closure tightly. The width of the stiffener preferably enables the closure to be rolled down tightly at least 4 times, at least 5 times or at least 6 times within the closing portion. In some embodiments, the width of the stiffener may be between 0.5cm and 3.5cm or between 1cm and 2.5cm. In some embodiments, the width of the stiffener may be 2%-4%, or 2.5%-3.5% of the length of the housing.

[0049] The fasteners may include any suitable fastener including but not limited to buckle fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, snap fasteners, press studs, push-button fasteners, push-lock fasteners, toggles and loops, button and buttonhole fasteners, etc.

[0050] As the bag of the present invention is used to wash a textile item, the inside of the bag gets wet and is recommended to be dried after use. Without thorough drying there can be an increased risk of microbial growth (e.g. mould or mildew), weakening of the housing material or unpleasant odours. Turning the bag inside out can allow the bag to dry more efficiently. The size of the opening of the bag according to embodiments of the present invention can make turning the bag inside out more challenging. In some embodiments, the bag including the closing portion, can be readily turned inside out to facilitate drying.

[0051] In some embodiments, the one or more stiffeners may be sufficiently flexible to allow the bag to be turned inside out through the opening. In some embodiments, the one or more stiffeners may have a Young’s Modulus between 75 MPa and 900 MPa or between 100 MPa and 500 MPa.

[0052] In some embodiments, the roll-down closure may include one or more stiffeners that are capable of being resiliently flexed through 180 degrees without permanent deformation to a curvature radius of less than 7.5 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 2.5 mm, or less than 1 mm under an applied force of 10 N, 20 N, or 30 N. Stiffeners exhibiting lower curvature radii under such loading may provide increased flexibility of the closure, potentially making it easier to turn the bag inside out through the opening. Bags including such flexible stiffeners may also be packed more compactly, which can be advantageous for travellers. Turning the bag completely inside out may also allow the fasteners to be secured around objects to hang the bag for drying. 2025283463   17 Dec 2025

[0053] In some embodiments, the curvature radius of one or more stiffeners, when resiliently flexed through 180 degrees without permanent deformation under an applied force of 10 N, 20 N, or 30 N, may be less than 10%, less than 7.5%, less than 5%, less than 2.5%, or less than 1% of the radius of the opening when the bag is maximally opened into a generally circular shape.

[0054] In some embodiments, the roll-down closure includes one or more stiffeners formed from a TPU-coated chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) material having a thickness of approximately 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm, or in some embodiments between 0.4 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0055] In some embodiments, the closure may include one or more primary stiffeners aligned with an edge of the opening or parallel to the edge of the opening and one or more secondary stiffeners parallel to the primary stiffeners and positioned to align with one or more primary stiffeners as the roll down closure is rolled down.

[0056] The presence of primary and secondary stiffeners may allow each individual stiffener to be thinner or more flexible without negatively affecting the performance of the roll-down closure. Thinner or more flexible stiffeners can increase the overall flexibility of the bag when not in use, for example by facilitating turning the bag inside out through the opening or improving packability. During use, alignment of the primary and secondary stiffeners as the roll-down closure is closed may collectively increase the effective stiffness of the closed closure, for example by increasing the radius of curvature of the rolled closure or reducing flexure of the closure as a whole, thereby providing an adequate seal.

[0057] In some embodiments, the primary and secondary stiffeners may have different thicknesses. For example, the primary stiffeners may be thinner than the secondary stiffeners (e.g. 10-75% thinner) or vice versa. In some embodiments, the width of the secondary stiffener may be slightly smaller than the primary stiffener (e.g. 2-50% smaller or 2-10% smaller). This may allow the roll down closure to better seal the closed opening by better directing one or more folds tightly across the closed opening, particularly during the second fold.

[0058] In some embodiments, the housing may have a fully open and expanded volume of between about 3L and 40L. In some embodiments, the housing may have a fully open and expanded volume of between about 4L and 25L or between about 10L and 20L. It will be appreciated that the maximum volume when the roll-down closure is closed will be less than the fully open and expanded volume. In some embodiments, the laundry device may weigh between about 30g and 1500g, 50g and 500g, between about 80g and 300g, or between about 100g and 200g.

[0059] The flexible waterproof housing may be made from any suitable material, including polymers, plastics, fabrics, or composites. In some embodiments, the housing may be formed from a sheet, film, woven or non-woven fabric, which may be coated, laminated, or otherwise treated to provide waterproofing. Exemplary materials include TPU, PVC, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, EVA, polypropylene, silicone, bioplastics, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the housing may be 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 made from TPU coated nylon or TPU coated polyester, or from a composite of UHMWPE and a polyester backing (e.g. Cuban fibre).

[0060] The thickness of the flexible housing may depend on the intended method of agitation of the textile item in the housing, desired weight of the bag, required flexibility or cost. In some embodiments, the housing may have a thickness between 0.08mm and 1.5mm.

[0061] In embodiments where agitation involves gripping or pressing on an outer surface of the housing to press and rub the clothes against each other, against an inner washboard or against loose agitation devices, the housing may be on the thinner side, which may improve tactility. In some embodiments, the housing may be made from a TPU film with a thickness between 0.1mm and 0.5mm or between 0.2mm and 0.4mm. In some embodiments, the housing may include a TPU coated fabric (e.g. nylon or polyester) and have a thickness between 0.1mm and 0.5mm, or between 0.15mm and 0.2mm or a thickness of around 0.16mm, 0.17mm, 0.18mm, 0.19mm or 0.2mm. In some embodiments, the coated fabric may include 15-200 denier nylon or polyester or 30-70 denier nylon or polyester and the coat may be TPU or PVC.

[0062] In some embodiments, the housing may have a thickness between 0.1mm and 0.4mm and one or more stiffeners with a thickness between 0.2mm and 0.8mm. In this regard, the thickness of the housing plus the thickness of a stiffener may be between 0.3mm and 1.2mm. In some embodiments, the housing may have a thickness between 0.15mm and 0.2mm and the one or more stiffeners have a thickness between 0.4mm and 0.8mm. In this regard, the thickness of the housing plus the thickness of a stiffener may be between 0.55mm and 1mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the housing plus the thickness of a stiffener may be less than 1mm or less than 0.9mm. These embodiments may allow for a flexible and effective roll-down closure that restricts water egress when the bag is used in a generally horizontal orientation.

[0063] In some embodiments, the bag may include instructions or a guide directing a user to roll the rolldown closure in a particular direction and, in some embodiments, a particular number of times, for example toward a side wall that is intended to be positioned at the bottom when the bag is in a generally horizontal orientation. This may be advantageous when the bag is used to agitate clothes in a generally horizontal orientation. In embodiments including a frictional washing surface on a side wall, the instructions or guide may direct the user to roll the closure toward the frictional washing surface. Such guidance may help prevent unrolling during washing and / or may cause the closed roll-down closure to be elevated and / or to point upward when the bag is in a generally horizontal orientation, thereby helping to restrict water egress, particularly in embodiments in which the closing portion tapers toward the opening with one or more overlapping folds.

[0064] In some embodiments, the roll-down closure may include opposing stiffeners on front and back faces of the bag having different thicknesses, with the thickness difference being, for example, 10-30% or about 0.05-0.3 mm. The bag may include instructions or a guide directing the roll-down closure to be 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 rolled in a direction and a number of folds such that the thicker stiffener is positioned on the inside of the bend when the roll-down closure is bent and fastened. Positioning the thicker stiffener on the inside of the bend may help restrict water egress from the closed opening. For example, where the thicker stiffener is on the front face, the instructions or guide may direct rolling toward the back face four or six times, and where the thicker stiffener is on the back face, the instructions or guide may direct rolling toward the front face three, five, or seven times.

[0065] The number and configuration of side walls extending from the bottom portion of the housing toward the opening may depend on the shape of the bottom portion of the housing. In some embodiments, the bottom portion may include a substantially round, circular, oval, or elliptical base. In other embodiments, the bottom portion may include a polygonal base, including but not limited to triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal shapes, or a base having a combination of two or more such shapes.

[0066] Where the base is substantially round, circular, oval, or elliptical, the housing may include a single, continuous curved side wall extending from the bottom portion toward the opening. Where the base is polygonal, the housing may include a corresponding number of side walls extending from the bottom portion toward the opening, although in some embodiments adjacent side walls may merge or transition into one another. In some embodiments, all side walls extend continuously from the bottom portion to the opening.

[0067] In other embodiments, the bottom portion may not include a base. For example, the housing may include two side walls joined together along multiple edges leaving one edge unjoined as the opening. In this case, the bottom portion would be the join between the two side walls on the edge opposite the opening.

[0068] Regardless of the shape of the bottom portion, at a location along the length of the housing sufficiently spaced from the bottom portion so as to be substantially uninfluenced by the base shape, a horizontal cross-section of the housing may assume a substantially circular shape, which may represent a maximum cross-sectional area of the housing at that location.

[0069] In some embodiments, the opening may have its maximum area reduced by welding or otherwise joining two or more parts of the housing together to create a water barrier at or near the opening. Ideally such welds would be provided on opposite sides of the opening to help facilitate closing of the opening and rolling down of the roll down closure. The welds may be close to where opposing stiffeners meet or close to where fasteners are attached to the bag. In some embodiments the weld may be 4-15mm wide and 4-15mm long. In some embodiments, the weld may be shaped to create a reservoir between the housing and the weld that restricts flow of water through the opening.

[0070] In some embodiments, the housing may include a transparent window for seeing inside the bag. The transparent window may be made of a suitable flexible material such as TPU, EVA, PCV, etc. In 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 some embodiments, the flexible window may run substantially vertically along part of or all the length of the housing. In some embodiments, the window may only be provided in the washing portion of the housing. In some embodiments, a window is provided but not in the closing portion or not in an upper part of the closing potion. Providing the window in the closing portion or upper part thereof may change the thickness of part of the closing portion, which may make the closure less effective at restricting water egress from the closed opening.

[0071] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a bag for washing a textile item, the bag including: i) a flexible waterproof housing with a greater length than width, ii) an opening defining an opening plane at one end of the length of the housing for adding the textile item, water and cleaning product into the bag; iii) a washing portion of the housing in which the textile item can be agitated to wash the textile item when the bag is in a generally horizontal orientation; iv) a closing portion of the housing, with a roll down closure including one or more rows of stiffeners for closing the opening and restricting water egress from the closed opening; v) a bottom portion of the housing at the opposite end of the length of the housing to the opening; and vi) one or more side walls extending from the bottom portion to the opening; wherein the thickness of the housing plus the thickness of the stiffener is less than 1.2mm, less than 1mm, or less than 0.9mm. It will be appreciated that, where appropriate, any features described in relation to the first aspect may also be applied to the second aspect, and embodiments described with reference to the first aspect can be adapted or combined with the second aspect as suitable.

[0072] Embodiments described herein are illustrative and non-limiting. Variations, modifications, additions, and substitutions may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Individual features described in relation to a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features and embodiments unless the context clearly requires otherwise. The omission of a feature from a described embodiment does not imply that the feature is unnecessary or irrelevant. Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any country. Furthermore, it must be noted that, as used herein, the singular forms ‘a’, ‘an’ and ‘the’ include plural forms unless the context dictates otherwise. Detailed Description

[0073] Reference will now be made to the following examples which describe particular embodiments of the present invention. These examples should not be taken as limiting the scope of the claims. Brief description of the figures

[0074] Figures 1A-1D show perspective views of a bag according to an embodiment of the present invention being used to wash clothes. Figures 2A-2D show drawings of a bag according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3A shows a perspective view of a bag according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3B shows a partial cross-sectional view of a frictional washing surface and gripping surface 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 of a bag according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3C shows a side view of a bag according to an embodiment of the present invention being used to wash clothes. Figures 4A-4D show side views of a top part of a bag according to an embodiment of the present invention being closed. Figure 5 shows a crosssectional view of a top part of a bag according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a front stiffener and the front side wall of the housing omitted for clarity.

[0075] As shown in Figure 1A bag 10 includes housing 12 and opening 14. Housing 12 is ~0.18mm thick and is made from 40 denier nylon coated with TPU and includes closing portion 16, washing portion 18 and bottom portion 20. Closing portion 16 makes up ~30% of the length of housing 12 and includes roll down closure 22. Roll down closure 22 includes stiffeners 24 made of TPU coated chlorosulfonated polyethylene (~0.67mm thick) and high frequency welded onto housing 12 and fasteners 26 at the ends of stiffeners 24, which extend beyond opening 14. Bottom portion 20 includes base 28, which has a circular shape. Side wall 30 extends from base 28 to opening 14. Housing 12 narrows towards opening 14.

[0076] To wash clothes 32, a user adds water 34 and laundry liquid to housing 12 though opening 14. Opening 14 is closed using roll down closure 22 by bringing stiffeners 24 together (Figure 1B) then rolling stiffeners 24 down housing 12 tightly 3-6 times creating successive folds 36. Stiffeners 24 and folds 36 are bent to a bent configuration. Fasteners 26 fasten to each other to retain stiffeners 24 and folds 36 in the bent configuration (Figure 1D), which restricts water 34 egress from closed opening 14 (Figure 1C) particularly when bag 10 is moved to a generally horizontal orientation to agitate clothes 32. Clothes 32 may then be agitated in washing portion 18 by shaking, rocking or rolling bag 10 or pressing or otherwise deforming bag 10 in a generally horizontal orientation to agitate clothes 32 within bag 10 to wash them. The horizontal orientation of bag 10 utilises the length and shape of bag 10 for shaking, rolling or pressing or otherwise deforming bag 10 to better agitate clothes 32. Fasteners 26 can then be unclipped and roll down closure 22 unrolled to expose opening 14. Water 34 can be tipped out and fresh water 34 added to rinse clothes 32 in bag 10. This may be carried out by closing roll-down closure 22 and shaking the bag in a generally horizontal orientation. Water 34 is again tipped out and clothes 32 wrung out and hung to dry.

[0077] Housing 12 may include one or more flexible baffles 38 to aid agitation, particularly when rolling bag 10 in a generally horizontal orientation. Baffles 38 are made of the same material as housing 12 and welded to the inside of housing 12. Baffles 38 can reduce clothes 32 clumping together, improve water movement in bag 10 or push and drop clothes 32 as bag 10 is rolled while in a generally horizontal orientation.

[0078] Housing 12 may include one or more loose agitation aids like plastic or rubber shaped laundry balls 40. Laundry balls 40 may help agitate clothes 32 or reduce clothes 32 clumping together and function by shaking or pressing and rubbing bag 10 in a generally horizontal orientation.

[0079] Opening 14 defines opening plane a. Parallel plane p is shown ~75% along the length of housing 12 in washing portion 18 and is parallel to opening plane a. When bag 10 is completely full, opening 14 14 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 and the cross section of housing 12 in parallel plane p will be at their maximum area. At their maximum area the radius of opening 14 is 8.3cm and the radius of the cross section of housing 12 in plane p is 9.9cm and their respective areas are 216cm2 and 308cm2 (i.e. the area of opening 14 is 29.9% smaller than the cross section of housing 12 in parallel plane p). The maximum area of opening 14 is less than the maximum area of a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to opening plane a at one or more points along the length of housing 12 in bottom portion 20 (36% less), washing portion 18 (30% less) and closing portion 16 (15% less).

[0080] As housing 12 tapers uniformly from base 28 to opening 14, the maximum area of all cross sections of housing 12 in planes parallel to opening plane a at all points along the length of housing 12 (i.e. all points in bottom portion 20, washing portion 18 and closing portion 16) will be greater than the maximum area of opening 14 though the percentage difference will diminish the closer along the length to opening 14.

[0081] Housing 12 has a frustoconical shape with opening 14 defining the top base portion of the frustum and base 28 (or any cross section of housing 12 in a plane parallel to the opening plane a) defining the bottom base portion of the frustum. The frustoconical shape has a taper angle of approximately 3° and base radii ratio of approximately 0.7.

[0082] After washing clothes 32 and emptying bag 10 a user can reach through opening 14, grip housing 12 in washing portion 18 or bottom portion 20 and pull housing 12 inside-out through opening 14. Stiffeners 24 are flexible and can be turned inside-out through opening 14 to allow bag 10 to dry efficiently. Stiffeners 24 may have a radius of curvature less than 5mm, less than 2.5mm or less than 1mm with the application of a 10N, 20N or 30N force. Fasteners 26 can be clipped together to hang bag 10 to dry inside-out.

[0083] As shown in Figure 2A housing 12 of bag 10 uniformly tapers from bottom portion 20 to opening 14. Housing 12 is made from 0.3mm TPU sheets and stiffeners 24 from 0.6-0.7mm TPU coated chlorosulfonated polyethylene straps. The maximum area of opening 14 is less than the maximum area of a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to opening plane a at one or more points along the length of housing 12 in bottom portion 20 (28% less), washing portion 18 (22% less) and closing portion 16 (8% less). Bag 10 of Figure 2A does not have a base piece. Instead, housing 12 is made from opposing side walls 30 welded together along all sides other than opening 14. Bottom portion 20 includes the welded portion opposite opening 14.

[0084] In Figure 2B, bottom portion 20 and washing portion 18 of housing 12 tapers in from base 28 towards closing portion 16. Closing portion 16 does not taper in towards opening 14 or tapers in at a gentler angle. Housing 12 includes a frustoconical shape and a cylindrical shape with opening 14 defining the top of the cylindrical shape. The bottom of the cylindrical shape lies near the top of washing portion 18 in parallel plane B and defines a top base of the frustoconical shape. Base 28 (or any cross section of 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 housing 12 within washing portion 18 or bottom portion 20 in a plane parallel to the opening plane a) defines the bottom base portion of the frustum.

[0085] The maximum area of opening 14 is less than the maximum area of a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to opening plane a at one or more points along the length of housing 12 in bottom portion 20 (38% less) and washing portion 18 (31% less).

[0086] In Figure 2C, housing 12 tapers in from a point in washing portion 18 towards opening 14. There is no taper between base 28 and the point in washing portion 18. The maximum area of opening 14 is less than the maximum area of a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to opening plane a at one or more points along the length of housing 12 in bottom portion 20 (47% less) and washing portion 18 (45% less).

[0087] In Figure 2D, housing 12 tapers in from a point in closing portion 16 towards opening 14. There is no taper in washing portion 18 or bottom portion 20. The maximum area of opening 14 is less than the maximum area of a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to opening plane a at one or more points along the length of housing 12 in bottom portion 20 (47% less) and washing portion 18 (47% less).

[0088] Housing 12 of Figures 2C and 2D both includes a frustoconical shape and a cylindrical shape with opening 14 defining the top base of the frustoconical shape. The bottom base of the frustoconical shape is shown at parallel plane B and also serves as the top of the cylindrical shape. Base 20 provides the bottom of the cylindrical shape. The taper angle of the frustoconical shape is 2° and 4° in Figures 2C and 2D, respectively. The bags 10 of Figures 2 may optionally include a frictional washing surface (not shown).

[0089] As shown in Figure 3, bag 10 includes housing 12 which tapers from base 28 to opening 14. Housing 12 has a length of approximately 560mm. Roll down closure 22 includes stiffeners 24 at the edge of opening 14 and secondary stiffeners 42 positioned to align with stiffener 24 as roll down closure 22 is rolled down. The presence of stiffeners 24 and secondary stiffeners 42, which are TPU coated 600D nylon straps or TPU coated chlorosulfonated polyethylene 0.4mm-0.8mm thick and 15-25mm wide can allow stiffeners 24 and 42 to be thinner and / or more flexible to aid turning bag 10 inside out through opening 14 while still permitting an adequate closure of opening 14 when they are aligned during rolling down of roll down closure 22. Stiffeners 24 and secondary stiffeners 42 may be the same thickness (e.g. both 0.5mm) or different thicknesses (e.g. 0.6mm and 0.4mm, respectively). Stiffeners 24 and secondary stiffeners 42 may be the same width (e.g. both 18mm) or different widths (e.g. 18mm and 16mm, respectively). Different thicknesses and widths may aid in restricting water egress through roll down closure 22. Stiffeners 24 and secondary stiffeners 42 have a radius of curvature less than 2.5mm with the application of a 10N force. Closing portion 16 has a length that allows stiffeners 24 to be tightly folded 6 times before fasteners 26 are fastened together.

[0090] Housing 12 is made from 40 denier nylon with a TPU coating and includes frictional washing surface 44 on the inside of bag 10 on side wall 30 in washing portion 18. Housing 12 is 0.18mm thick. 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 Frictional washing surface 44 is flexible and includes a plurality of projections 46 with heights of approximately 1.5mm provided on flexible projection base 48. Housing 12 may beneficially include gripping surface 50 (e.g. a textured TPU surface) on the outside of bag 10 backing frictional washing surface 44. Projections 46 are made from TPU. Projection base 48 is made from TPU, is ~ 0.5-0.9mm thick and is sufficiently flexible to pull through opening 14 to dry bag 10 inside out. Projection base 48 may optionally include flex lines 51 that make base 28 more flexible along lines 51 and may assist in turning bag 10 inside out through opening 14. Frictional washing surface 44 has a radius of curvature less than 2.5mm with the application of a 10N force. If projection base 48 is not included, projections 46 may be provided directly on housing 12.

[0091] The width of frictional washing surface 44 is greater towards bottom portion 20 than towards closing portion 22 (i.e. frictional washing surface tapers in towards opening 14). This can allow more projections 46 in the main region a user will rub clothes 32 or reduce the number of projections 46 that may not lie flat with a surface bag 10 is placed on during rubbing of clothes 32 against frictional washing surface 44.

[0092] Housing 12 includes transparent TPU window 49 in washing portion 18 to allow better visibility of clothes 32 and the dirtiness of water 34 during the washing or rinsing process. Window 49 does not extend into closing portion 16. This allows housing 12 within closing portion 16 and / or stiffeners 24 and 42 to maintain a consistent thickness as there are less welds and / or less different materials. This can help restrict water egress through roll down closure 22 when closed and bag 10 is in a generally horizontal orientation.

[0093] Cleaning liquid, water 34 and clothes 32 are added to bag 10 through opening 14 to fill bag 10 up to around 40% of the length of housing 12. Air can be pressed out of opening 14 or through an optional air release outlet 52 positioned on the side wall of housing 10 opposite frictional washing surface 44 and below closing portion 16 after opening 14 is closed by rolling roll down closure 22 tightly six times. Roll-down closure 22 includes folding direction 55 to direct users to roll roll-down closure 22 away from air release 52 and towards frictional washing surface 44. The position of air release 52 adjacent to closed roll down closure 22 and the tapered shape of housing 12 can aid in the efficient or controlled release of air from bag 10 particularly when closed bag 10 is in a generally vertical orientation.

[0094] The maximum area of opening 14 is less than the maximum area of a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to opening plane a at one or more points along the length of housing 12 (e.g. 56% less at base 28, 47% less a quarter way along the length from base 28, 36% less mid-way along the length and 21% less at three quarter way along the length of housing 12 from base 28 or e.g. [not illustrated] 28% less at base 28, 22% less a quarter way along the length from base 28, 16% less mid-way along the length and 8% less at three quarter way along the length of housing 12 from base 28).

[0095] Housing 12 has a frustoconical shape with opening 14 defining the top base portion of the frustum and base 28 (or any cross section of housing 12 in a plane parallel to the opening plane a) defining the 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 bottom base portion of the frustum. The frustoconical shape has a taper angle and base radii ratio of 3.6 and 0.67, respectively or 1.6 and 0.85, respectively).

[0096] Figure 3B shows a partial cross section of frictional washing surface 44 on housing 12. Frictional washing surface includes projections 46 and flex line 51 on projection base 48 and is backed by textured gripping surface 50.

[0097] As shown in Figure 3C, a user places bag 10 on surface 53 (e.g. a table) in a generally horizontal orientation with frictional washing surface 44 lying on surface 53 and the user grips and / or presses on an outer surface of housing 12 to press and rub clothes 32 against frictional washing surface 44 to agitate and wash clothes 32 for as long as desired (30 seconds to 3 minutes may be preferred to balance time efficiency and wash effectiveness). Gripping surface 50 can restrict bag 10 from sliding or restrict projections 46 bunching up to allow better rubbing of clothes 32 against frictional washing surface 44.

[0098] Closed roll-down closure 22 points away from and sits above surface 53. The generally horizontal orientation of bag 10 brings water 34 in direct contact with closed roll-down closure 22. Agitating clothes 32 in bag 10 in the generally horizontal orientation can increase the pressure of water 34 and any residual air on roll-down closure 22. Water egress from opening 14 through closed roll-down closure 22 is restricted in the generally horizontal orientation during agitation (e.g. by rubbing, rolling or shaking bag 10) or soaking. Clothes 32 can be rinsed as described for Figure 1 and bag 10 turned inside out through opening 12 to dry. Frictional washing surface 44 and stiffeners 24 and 42 are sufficiently flexible to be pulled through opening 14 to turn bag 10 inside out.

[0099] As shown in Figure 4, housing 12 of closing portion 16 of bag 10 tapers towards opening 14. A user closes opening 14 with roll down closure 22 by bringing opposing stiffeners 24 together (Figure 4A). Rolling stiffeners 24 down housing 12 creates first fold 54 (Figure 4B) with the back stiffener now visible at the front, second fold 56 (Figure 4C) and third fold 58 (Figure 4D). Additional folds may be created by continuing to roll stiffeners 24 down housing 12 (e.g. 5-6 folds). Stiffeners 24 are bent as fasteners 26 are brought together and fastened together. This bending can hold folds 54, 56, 58 and any further folds in place and restrict water exiting bag 10 through opening 14 when bag 10 is in a generally horizontal orientation. As closing portion 16 tapers towards opening 14, each successive fold overlaps the ends of the preceding fold, which can further restrict water exiting bag 10 through opening 14 by successively covering the ends of the folds. This is particularly the case when the closed roll-down closure 22 points upwards like shown in Figure 3C. In one embodiment closed opening 14 has a width of 28cm and when rolled 6 times each fold overlaps the preceding fold by an average of 1.25mm on each side. In an alternate embodiment, closed opening 14 has a width of 22cm and when rolled 6 times each fold overlaps the preceding fold by an average of 2.4mm on each side.

[0100] As shown in Figure 5, parts of housing 12 close to fasteners 26 and adjacent to opening 14 are welded together to form welds 60. Welds 60 slightly reduce the maximum area of opening 14 and define walls of reservoirs 62. Reservoirs 62 function to collect a small amount of water which may seep or wick 18 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 through folds of roll down closure 22 at opposing ends of closed opening 14 and thereby reduce water exiting opening 14 when closed and bag 10 is in a generally horizontal orientation. Welds 60 can also help guide opposing stiffeners 24 to meet when closing opening 14. When bag 10 is turned inside out for drying, reservoirs 62 are exposed to promote drying.

[0101] The following table (Table 1) sets out examples of bag configurations that were evaluated in connection with embodiments of the present invention. These data illustrate representative combinations of parameters (e.g. length, maximum cross-sectional areas at various positions along the length of the bag, taper angles, base-radii ratios, etc.) that may be used in certain embodiments. It will be appreciated that the individual parameter values and features shown in the table are merely illustrative and may be selected, adjusted, or combined in other suitable ways, provided they remain technically compatible for the intended application. Table 1: Example bag configurations Length (cm) Max ar Opening ea at pos 1 / 4 way itions along Halfway g the len< 3 / 4 way gth* Base % max area Opening vs Base Taper angle ° base radii ratio** Comparison A- E 56.0 347 347 347 347 347 100% 0.0 1.00 Example A 56.0 154 195 241 291 347 44% 3.6 0.67 Example B 56.0 183 219 258 301 347 53% 2.9 0.73 Example C 56.0 215 245 277 311 347 62% 2.3 0.79 Example D 56.0 250 273 296 321 347 72% 1.6 0.85 Example E 56.0 267 286 306 326 347 77% 1.3 0.88 Comparison F-G 56.0 448 448 448 448 448 100% 0.00 1.00 Example F 56.0 154 213 282 360 448 34% 5.0 0.59 Example G 56.0 326 355 384 415 448 73% 1.8 0.85 Comparison H-J 44.0 509 509 509 509 509 100% 0.00 1.00 Example H 44.0 154 224 306 401 509 30% 7.4 0.55 Example I 44.0 215 277 347 424 509 42% 5.8 0.65 Example J 44.0 326 368 413 460 509 64% 3.3 0.80 Comparison K-L 36.0 168 168 168 168 168 100% 0.00 1.00 Example K 36.0 103 118 134 151 168 61% 2.5 0.78 Example L 36.0 127 137 147 158 168 76% 1.5 0.87 Comparison M-N 36.0 199 199 199 199 199 100% 0.00 1.00 Example M 36.0 103 124 147 172 199 52% 3.5 0.72 Example N 36.0 127 144 161 180 199 64% 2.5 0.80 *Max area is the maximum area of a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to the opening plane **Using bottom of bag as the bottom base and the opening as the top base 2025283463   17 Dec 2025

[0102] Example bags A-J were constructed using a TPU-coated 40-denier nylon fabric (approximately 0.16-0.2 mm thick) together with two rows of TPU-coated chlorosulfonated polyethylene stiffeners having a thickness of about 0.7 mm and a width of 18 mm each. The corresponding comparison bags A-E, F-G, and H-J used the same fabric but incorporated two rows of TPU-coated 600D nylon straps (18 mm width) with a thickness of approximately 0.9 mm.

[0103] Example bags K-N were constructed using the same TPU-coated 40-denier nylon fabric and included a single row of TPU-coated chlorosulfonated polyethylene stiffeners with a thickness of about 0.7 mm and a width of 13 mm. The corresponding comparison bags K-L and M-N included a single row of TPU-coated 600D nylon straps (13 mm width) with a thickness of approximately 0.9 mm.

[0104] For Example bags A-N, the maximum area of the opening ranged from a reduction of approximately 23% to 70% relative to the maximum cross-sectional area of the housing at the base (i.e. in a plane parallel to the opening plane). Across the same set of examples, taper angles ranged from approximately 1.3° to 7.4°, and base-radii ratios ranged from about 0.55 to 0.88. These parameter ranges are included to illustrate the configurations assessed and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0105] The bags were tested for water egress by filling the bag to a quarter of the way along the length, expelling air from the bag, rolling the closure tightly 6 times, and placing the bag on its side in a generally horizontal orientation for 4 hours then observing any leakage from the closure. Results are shown in Table 2. Table 2: Characteristics of example bags Leakage *** housing surface area (cm2)**** Weight (g) % weight total vol (L) vol 1 / 4 full (L) % total vol %1 / 4 vol Comparison A-E yes 4044 155 100% 19.4 4.9 100% 100 % Example A no 3432 128 83% 13.7 4.5 70% 92% Example B no 3542 132 85% 14.6 4.5 75% 93% Example C no 3653 136 88% 15.6 4.6 80% 95% Example D no 3765 140 90% 16.6 4.7 86% 96% Example E no 3817 142 92% 17.1 4.7 88% 97% Comparison F-G . yes 4648 190 100% 25.1 6.3 100% 100 % Example F no 3792 145 76% 16.1 5.6 64% 90% Example G no 4342 160 84% 21.6 6.0 86% 96% Comparison H-J . yes 4029 170 100% 22.4 5.6 100% 100 % Example H no 3260 135 79% 13.8 5.0 62% 89% Example I no 3428 140 82% 15.5 5.1 69% 92% Example J no 3683 145 85% 18.2 5.3 81% 95% Comparison K-L . yes 1824 73 100% 6.1 1.5 100% 100 % 2025283463   17 Dec 2025 Example K no 1646 66 90% 4.8 1.4 80% 95% Example L no 1717 64 88% 5.3 1.5 88% 97% Comparison M-N . yes 1999 81 100% 7.2 1.8 100% 100 % Example M no 1750 70 86% 5.3 1.7 75% 93% Example N no 1821 68 84% 5.8 1.7 81% 95% ***Leakage tested by filling the bag 1 / 4 full with water, expelling air from the bag, rolling the closure tightly 6 times, and placing the bag on its side for 4 hours then observing any leakage from the closure ****Housing surface area is the total surface area of housing material used (e.g. sidewalls + base)

[0106] In the comparative assessments, Example bags A-N were observed to be lighter and to use less housing material than the respective comparison bags. Under the test conditions employed, the example bags also exhibited reduced water egress and maintained more than 89% of the washing volume at one-quarter of the bag length. These characteristics, individually or in combination, may make such bag configurations suitable for washing clothes while travelling.

[0107] The region located approximately one-quarter of the way along the bag length from the base corresponds to a practical “working volume,” for example, a volume appropriate for washing a small load of clothes when an integrated frictional washing surface is provided on a side wall. In the specific cases of Examples A-E and the corresponding comparison bags, the one-quarter volume accommodated loads such as two T-shirts, two pairs of socks and two pairs of underwear. Although the total volumes of the example bags were reduced to between 62% and 88% of the respective control volumes, the volumes within the bottom quarter remained between 89% and 97% of the corresponding control values. These data illustrate that the lower portion of these example bags retained a disproportionately high internal volume despite overall size reductions. All example bags were capable of being turned inside out to facilitate drying.

[0108] In Example D, a 28% reduction in the ratio of maximum opening area to maximum base area corresponded to a taper angle of approximately 1.6° and a base radii ratio of 0.85. Under the test conditions used, this configuration did not exhibit water leakage and was approximately 10% lighter, used about 7% less housing material, and retained 96% of the working volume (one-quarter full volume) relative to the comparison bag. In Example B, a 47% reduction in the ratio of maximum opening area to maximum base area corresponded to a taper angle of about 2.9° and a base radii ratio of 0.73. Under the same test conditions, this configuration did not exhibit water leakage and was about 15% lighter, used roughly 12.5% less housing material, and retained 93% of the working volume relative to the comparison bag.

Claims

1. A bag for washing a textile item, the bag including:i) a flexible waterproof housing with a greater length than width,ii) an opening defining an opening plane at one end of the length of the housing for adding the textile item, water and cleaning product into the bag;iii) a washing portion of the housing in which the textile item can be agitated to wash the textile item when the bag is in a generally horizontal orientation;iv) a closing portion of the housing with a roll down closure for closing the opening and restricting water egress from the closed opening;v) a bottom portion of the housing at the opposite end of the length of the housing to the opening;vi) one or more side walls extending from the bottom portion to the opening;wherein the maximum area of the opening is less than the maximum area of a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to the opening plane at one or more points along the length of the housing.

2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the housing has a frustum shape tapering towards the opening, wherein the opening plane or a plane parallel thereto defines the top base of the frustum and the bottom base of the frustum is defined by the bottom portion of the housing or a cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to the opening plane at the one or more points along the length of the housing.

3. The bag of claim 2, wherein the frustum shape has a taper angle more than 0.5°, more than 1°, more than 1.5°, more than 2°, more than 2.5°, more than 3° or more than 3.5°.

4. The bag of claim 2 or 3, wherein the frustum shape has a base radii ratio less than 0.95, less than 0.9, less than 0.85, less than 0.8, less than 0.75 or less than 0.7.

5. The bag of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing includes a pyramidal frustum shape or conical frustum shape.

6. The bag of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing narrows towards the opening.

7. The bag of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bottom portion of the housing includes a substantially round, circular, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or elliptical shaped base.

8. The bag of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more points along the length of the housing include one or more points within the washing portion of the housing, one or more points within the closing portion of the housing or one or more points within the bottom portion of the housing.

9. The bag of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the maximum area of the opening is at least 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40% or 50% smaller than the maximum area of the cross section of the housing in a plane parallel to the opening plane at one or more points along the length of the housing.2025283463   17 Dec 202510. The bag of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the closing portion tapers towards the opening and as the roll down closure is rolled down successive folds are created and at least one of the folds overlaps one or both ends of a preceding fold.

11. The bag of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the washing portion includes an agitation aid that can aid the agitation of the clothes.

12. The bag of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the washing portion includes a frictional washing surface against which clothes can be rubbed.

13. The bag of claim 12, wherein the frictional washing surface includes a plurality of projections.

14. The bag of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the frictional washing surface has a width that tapers in towards the opening.

15. The bag of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the ratio of the maximum width of the frictional washing surface to the maximum diameter of the opening is more than 1.15, more than 1.25, more than 1.35, more than 1.45 or more than 1.55.

16. The bag of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the frictional washing surface is capable of being resiliently flexed through 180 degrees without permanent deformation to a curvature radius of less than 7.5 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 2.5 mm, or less than 1 mm under an applied force of 10 N, 20 N, or 30 N.

17. The bag of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the roll down closure includes fasteners on opposing sides of the opening and one or more stiffeners parallel to the opening plane defined by the opening wherein the opening can be closed and folded down along the length of at least part of the closing portion of the housing to create successive folds with the one or more stiffeners retained within the folds and wherein the one or more stiffeners can be bent to bring the roll down closure into a closed configuration and wherein the fasteners can secure the closed opening and the folds in the closed configuration.

18. The bag of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the roll-down closure includes one or more stiffeners capable of being resiliently flexed through 180 degrees without permanent deformation to a curvature radius of less than 7.5 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 2.5 mm, or less than 1 mm under an applied force of 10 N, 20 N, or 30 N.

19. The bag of claim 18, wherein the closure includes one or more primary stiffeners aligned with an edge of the opening and one or more secondary stiffeners positioned to align with one or more primary stiffeners as the roll down closure is rolled down.

20. The bag of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein all side walls extend from the bottom portion to the opening.

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