simple framework-agnostic javascript image preloader

gistfile1.js

// USAGE:
// preloadImage('/images/something_over.png')
// preloadImage('/images/other_over.gif')
// preloadImage.load()

preloadImage = (function(){
  var images = []
  var placeholder = new Image()

  var instantiate = function(idx){
    if(!images[idx]) return
    placeholder.src = images[idx]
    setTimeout( function(){ instantiate(idx+1) }, 25)
  }
  callable = function(){
    for(var i=0, length = arguments.length; i < length; i++ )
      images[images.length] = arguments[i]
  }
  callable.load = function(){
    instantiate(0)
  }
  return callable;
})()