U.S. patent application number 09/910224 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-14 for integrated laundry center.
Invention is credited to Baldini, Massimo, Conrad, Daniel C., Sunshine, Richard A., Tomasi, Donald M., Underly, Kristina K..
Application Number | 20020017117 09/910224 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26915069 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020017117 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sunshine, Richard A. ; et
al. |
February 14, 2002 |
Integrated laundry center
Abstract
An integrated laundry center has an integrated cabinet assembly
defining a plurality of discrete spaces. Each space can provide a
separate module for performing a particular fabric care function. A
washing machine is at least partly housed within a portion of the
cabinet assembly defining a washer module. A clothes dryer is at
least partly housed within a portion of the cabinet assembly
defining a dryer module. A plurality of exterior decorative fascia
panels are carried by the cabinet assembly and can be selected to
coordinate with a decor of an individual's home. The integrated
laundry center can also include any number of additional and
optional modules providing virtually any desired fabric care
function and equipment. The integrated laundry center can also
incorporate an optional control system for controlling virtually
any function of each of the integrated laundry center modules such
as the washing machine functions and the clothes dryer functions.
The integrated laundry center can be particularly designed to
include only selected modules and to have the selected modules
arranged and oriented as desired.
Inventors: |
Sunshine, Richard A.;
(Granger, IN) ; Tomasi, Donald M.; (Stevensville,
MI) ; Underly, Kristina K.; (Berrien Springs, MI)
; Baldini, Massimo; (St. Joseph, MI) ; Conrad,
Daniel C.; (Stevensville, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WHIRLPOOL PATENTS COMPANY - MD 0750
500 RENAISSANCE DRIVE - SUITE 102
ST. JOSEPH
MI
49085
US
|
Family ID: |
26915069 |
Appl. No.: |
09/910224 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60220665 |
Jul 25, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/3R ; 312/107;
68/13R |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 2105/42 20200201;
A47B 77/02 20130101; A47L 15/0097 20130101; D06F 34/28 20200201;
D06F 29/005 20130101; D06F 2103/08 20200201; D06F 2101/12 20200201;
D06F 2101/14 20200201; D06F 2105/32 20200201; D06F 2105/24
20200201; D06F 39/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/3.00R ;
68/13.00R; 312/107 |
International
Class: |
D06F 029/00; A47B
077/00 |
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. An integrated laundry center comprising: an integrated cabinet
assembly defining a plurality of discrete spaces; a washing machine
at least partly housed within a portion of the cabinet assembly; a
clothes dryer at least partly housed within a portion of the
cabinet assembly; and a plurality of exterior decorative fascia
panels carried by the cabinet assembly.
2. The integrated laundry center according to claim 1, wherein the
cabinet assembly further comprises: an integrated frame structure
having a plurality of interconnected frame elements; and a
plurality of panels supported by the frame structure to define the
plurality of discrete spaces, and wherein at least a portion of the
panels comprise the exterior decorative fascia panels.
3. The integrated laundry center according to claim 1, wherein the
washing machine is housed in a predetermined washer discrete space,
and wherein the clothes dryer is housed in a predetermined dryer
discrete space.
4. The integrated laundry center according to claim 3, wherein the
washing machine is mounted on a slidable support and is slidable
into and out of the washer discrete space.
5. The integrated laundry center according to claim 3, wherein the
clothes dryer is mounted on a slidable support and is slidable into
and out of the dryer discrete space.
6. The integrated laundry center according to claim 3, wherein the
washing machine is securely mounted within the washer discrete
space and has a wash basket that is accessible from an exterior of
the cabinet assembly.
7. The integrated laundry center according to claim 3, wherein the
clothes dryer is securely mounted within the dryer discrete space
and has a dryer drum that is accessible from the exterior of the
cabinet assembly.
8. The integrated laundry center according to claim 1, wherein the
washing machine has a wash basket that rotates about a horizontal
axis.
9. The integrated laundry center according to claim 1, wherein the
washing machine has a wash basket that rotates about a vertical
axis.
10. The integrated laundry center according to claim 1, wherein the
decorative fascia panels are removable from the cabinet assembly
and are replaceable on the cabinet assembly.
11. The integrated laundry center according to claim 1, wherein the
decorative fascia panels are selectable from a variety of different
fascia panels.
12. The integrated laundry center according to claim 1, further
comprising: at least one clothes folding surface formed as a part
of the cabinet assembly.
13. The integrated laundry center according to claim 1, further
comprising: a slidable shelf that is slidable into and out of a
slidable shelf discrete space within the cabinet assembly.
14. The integrated laundry center according to claim 13, further
comprising: at least two of the slidable shelves, wherein one of
the shelves is useable as a clothes folding shelf and another of
the shelves is disposed near the washing machine and the clothes
dryer and is usable as a retractable support surface.
15. The integrated laundry center according to claim 1, further
comprising: at least one supplemental drying discrete space having
at least one clothes supporting device therein.
16. The integrated laundry center according to claim 15, wherein
the clothes supporting device is a rod that extends across an upper
end of the supplemental drying discrete space and is adapted to
support a plurality of wet clothes carried on clothes hangers
suspended from the rod, and wherein the supplemental drying
discrete space is a hanging clothes discrete space large enough to
hold hanging clothes such as shirts and pants.
17. The integrated laundry center according to claim 15, further
comprising: an open front side of the supplemental drying discrete
space; and a cover panel that can be opened to providing access
into the supplemental drying discrete space and can be closed to
cover the open front side, wherein the cover panel is one of the
decorative exterior fascia panels.
18. The integrated laundry center according to claim 15, wherein
the supplemental drying discrete space further comprises: an air
inlet and an air outlet that each communicate with the supplemental
drying discrete space and with an air moving device, and wherein
the air inlet and air outlet permit air to circulate through the
supplemental drying discrete space.
19. The integrated laundry center according to claim 15, wherein
the clothes supporting device is a slidable rack that is slidable
into and out of the supplemental drying discrete space and is
adapted to support a plurality of wet clothes hanging from the
rack.
20. The integrated laundry center according to claim 19, wherein
the supplemental drying discrete space is a drying rack discrete
space large enough to hold hanging clothes such as socks, underwear
and stockings.
21. The integrated laundry center according to claim 15, wherein
the clothes supporting device further comprises: at least two shoe
dryers housed in the supplemental drying discrete space, each shoe
dryer adapted for supporting a shoe above a bottom surface of the
supplemental drying discrete space.
22. The integrated laundry center according to claim 21, wherein
each of the shoe dryers further comprises: a stem supported on the
bottom surface of the discrete space; an upper stem end adapted to
be received within and to support a shoe; and an air flow outlet
terminating near the upper stem end and communicating with an air
moving device for delivering air into the shoe supported on the
shoe dryer.
23. The integrated laundry center according to claim 2 1, wherein
each of the shoe dryers further comprises: a stem supported on the
bottom surface of the discrete space; an upper stem end adapted to
be received within and to support a shoe; and an air flow passage
extending through the stem and terminating at an air outlet in the
upper end, the air flow passage communicating with an air moving
device.
24. The integrated laundry center according to claim 15, wherein
the clothes supporting device further comprises: at least one
horizontal surface supported by the cabinet assembly within the
supplemental drying discrete space, the horizontal surface having a
plurality of perforations permitting air to pass through the
horizontal surface.
25. The integrated laundry center according to claim 24, wherein
the supplemental drying discrete space is a horizontal drying
discrete space including a plurality of the horizontal surfaces
stacked on top of and spaced from one another within the horizontal
drying discrete space.
26. The integrated laundry center according to claim 24, wherein
the clothes supporting device is at least one drawer and the at
least one horizontal surface is a bottom surface of the drawer.
27. The integrated laundry center according to claim 25, further
comprising: a plurality of the drawers slidable into and out of the
supplemental drying discrete space, each drawer having a bottom
surface defined by a respective one of the horizontal surfaces, and
each drawer communicating with an air moving device for circulating
air through each horizontal surface and each drawer.
28. The integrated laundry center according to claim 26, wherein
the at least one drawer further includes one of the decorative
exterior front fascia panels covering a front surface of the
drawer.
29. The integrated laundry center according to claim 1, further
comprising: a control system having a user interface operable by a
user to control operation parameters of the washing machine and the
clothes dryer.
30. The integrated laundry center according to claim 29, wherein
the user interface includes a touch screen electronically coupled
to the washing machine and the clothes dryer, and wherein the
display screen provides operation parameter information for the
washing machine and the clothes dryer that can be accessed and
selected by the user.
31. The integrated laundry center according to claim 1, further
comprising: at least one supplemental clothes dryer housed within a
supplemental drying discrete space; an air moving device that can
deliver air to the supplemental drying discrete space; and a
control system having a user interface operable by a user to
control operation parameters of the washing machine, the clothes
dryer and the air moving device.
32. The integrated laundry center according to claim 1, further
comprising: an ironing discrete space housed within the cabinet
assembly; an ironing board stored within the ironing discrete
space; and an iron stored within the discrete space.
33. The integrated laundry center according to claim 32, wherein
the ironing board is mounted within the ironing discrete space and
is movable between a storage position within the ironing discrete
space and an ironing position at least partly extended from the
ironing discrete space.
34. The integrated laundry center according to claim 32, wherein
the ironing discrete space includes a connection to a source of
steam that can be coupled to the iron.
35. The integrated laundry center according to claim 1, further
comprising: a vacuum discrete space housed within the cabinet
assembly; and a vacuum cleaner stored within the vacuum discrete
space.
36. The integrated laundry center according to claim 35, wherein
the vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum pump built into the integrated
laundry center and an elongate flexible hose connected to the
vacuum pump within the vacuum discrete space that can be stored
within the vacuum discrete space and extended from the vacuum
discrete space.
37. The integrated laundry center according to claim 1, further
comprising: at least one chemical storage discrete space adapted
for storing chemical products and product containers used for
fabric care.
38. The integrated laundry center according to claim 37, wherein
the chemical storage discrete space further comprises: a chemical
dispensing system coupled to at least the washing machine and
connectable to at least one of the product containers for
delivering a chemical product from the product container to the
washing machine.
39. The integrated laundry center according to claim 38, wherein
the chemical product is liquid laundry detergent.
40. The integrated laundry center according to claim 38, wherein
each product container is an original container for the product and
an original cap of each original container has been removed and
replaced with a system cap that is coupled to the chemical
dispensing system.
41. The integrated laundry center according to claim 38, further
including two of the product containers for each particular
chemical product, wherein the chemical dispensing system is
arranged and controlled to automatically switch from one of the
containers to another when the one container is empty.
42. The integrated laundry center according to claim 38, wherein
the chemical storage discrete space includes at least one drawer
adapted to hold some of the product containers therein and capable
of sliding into and out of the chemical storage discrete space.
43. The integrated laundry center according to claim 38, further
comprising: a control system having a user interface operable by a
user to control operation parameters of the washing machine, the
clothes dryer and the chemical dispensing system.
44. A supplemental clothes drying system comprising: a cabinet
structure defining at least one discrete space therein; at least
one drawer slidable into and out of the discrete space, the drawer
having a perforated bottom surface, an air inlet and an air outlet
communicating with the discrete space; and an air moving device
arranged to circulate air through the perforated bottom surface and
the discrete space via the inlet and the outlet.
45. The supplemental clothes drying system according to claim 44,
fuirther comprising: a plurality of the drawers arranged vertically
relative to one another.
46. An integrated laundry center comprising: an integrated cabinet
assembly defining a plurality of discrete spaces; a washing machine
at least partly housed within a washer discrete space of the
cabinet assembly; a clothes dryer at least partly housed within a
dryer discrete space of the cabinet assembly; and a supplemental
clothes drying system associated with a supplemental drying
discrete space and having a clothes supporting device disposed
within the supplemental drying discrete space and an air moving
device separate from the clothes dryer that can circulate air
through the supplemental drying discrete space.
47. The integrated laundry center according to claim 46, wherein
the clothes supporting device is a rod extending across a top end
of the supplemental drying discrete space for supporting clothes
carried on clothes hangers therefrom.
48. The integrated laundry center according to claim 46, wherein
the clothes supporting device is a slidable rack slidable into and
out of the supplemental drying discrete space for supporting
clothes within the supplemental drying discrete space.
49. The integrated laundry center according to claim 46, wherein
the clothes supporting device includes a plurality of drawers
oriented vertically relative to one another wherein each drawer has
a perforated horizontal bottom surface permitting air to circulate
through the bottom surface.
50. An integrated laundry center comprising: an integrated cabinet
assembly defining a plurality of discrete spaces; a washing machine
at least partly housed within a washer discrete space of the
cabinet assembly; a clothes dryer at least partly housed within a
dryer discrete space of the cabinet assembly; and a control system
having a user interface operable by a user to control operation
parameters of the washing machine, the clothes dryer and other
functions of the integrated laundry center.
51. The integrated laundry center according to claim 50, further
comprising: a supplemental clothes drying system associated with a
supplemental drying discrete space; a clothes supporting device
disposed within the supplemental drying discrete; space and an air
moving device separate from the clothes dryer that can circulate
air through the supplemental drying discrete space, wherein
operation parameters of the supplemental drying system are operable
by the user utilizing the user interface.
52. The integrated laundry center according to claim 50, further
comprising: a water boiler for providing steam to at least one
discrete space of the cabinet assembly wherein operation parameters
of the boiler are operable by the user utilizing the user
interface.
53. The integrated laundry center according to claim 50, further
comprising: a vacuum cleaning system having a vacuum pump wherein
operation parameters of the vacuum system are operable by the user
utilizing the user interface.
54. The integrated laundry system according to claim 50, further
comprising: a television carried by a portion of the cabinet
assembly wherein operation parameters of the television are
operable by the user utilizing the user interface.
55. The integrated laundry system according to claim 50, further
comprising: an audio system carried by a portion of the cabinet
assembly wherein operation parameters of the audio system are
operable by the user utilizing the user interface.
56. The integrated laundry system according to claim 50, further
comprising: a chemical dispensing system housed in one of the
discrete spaces for dispensing chemicals to other of the discrete
spaces wherein operation parameters of the chemical dispensing
system are operable by a user utilizing the user interface.
57. A method of designing an integrated laundry center, the method
comprising the steps of: providing a database containing
information on at least a plurality of optional laundry center
functional modules, optional module decorative features, and
optional equipment; accessing the database; displaying the optional
functional modules, decorative features, and equipment; selecting
desired ones of the functional modules, decorative features, and
equipment; and specifying a desired arrangement for the selected
modules, decorative features, and equipment.
58. The method according to claim 57, wherein the step of providing
further comprises: providing an electronic database.
59. The method according to claim 57, wherein the step of accessing
further comprises: connecting to an Internet website of a laundry
center provider and accessing the database using a computer.
60. The method according to claim 57, wherein the step of
displaying further comprises: displaying the optional functional
modules, decorative features, and equipment on a computer
screen.
61. The method according to claim 57, wherein the step of selecting
further comprises: interacting with a computer to select certain
optional functional modules, decorative features, and equipment
displayed on a computer screen.
62. The method according to claim 57, wherein the step of
specifying further comprises: manipulating images representing the
selected functional modules, decorative features, and equipment and
displayed on a computer screen to rearrange the images according to
a desired arrangement.
63. The method according to claim 57, wherein the step of
specifying further comprises: entering data into a computer wherein
the data represents at least room dimensions for a room into which
the designed laundry center is to be installed.
64. The method according to claim 57, further comprising:
submitting a designed laundry center including the selected and
arranged functional modules, decorative features, and equipment to
a professional laundry center designer by downloading the designed
laundry center to an Internet website of the designer.
65. The method according to claim 57, further comprising:
submitting a purchase order for a designed laundry center including
the selected and arranged functional modules, decorative features,
and equipment to a laundry center provider.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to clothes
laundering and fabric care facilities, and more particularly to an
integrated laundry center that incorporates multiple fabric care
features and functions into an organized and integrated center for
increasing efficiency and ease of performing multiple fabric care
functions.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A typical laundry room for a home or apartment is at best
disorganized and cluttered. There are a number of reasons for this
phenomenon that are common to nearly every laundry room. In most
homes, up to 40% of all items washed in a washing machine are not
dried in the conventional tumble dryer because the clothing can be
damaged by exposure to excess heat and mechanical stress. This
large amount of undried clothing must be air dried and is therefore
relegated to clothes lines, drying racks, card tables, door knobs,
laundry tubs, shower curtain rods and the like. This excess undried
clothing is therefore scattered throughout the home and typically
requires excessive drying times. As a result, the laundry room and
other areas of the home become cluttered, disorganized and
unpleasant to look at and to work within.
[0005] Additionally, a typical laundry room does not provide an
area for sorting and folding clothing. Piles of dirty clothes are
left in baskets or directly on the floor near the washing machine
cluttering up the floor space within the laundry room. Piles of
clean, dry clothing are left stacked in laundry baskets or on
tables scattered throughout the laundry room and other rooms in the
home. In many homes, dry clothing that has not yet been folded is
carried to other areas of the home resulting in disorganized and
cluttered spaces other than the laundry room.
[0006] Doing laundry today requires retaining a number of different
laundry products including stain removers, detergents, bleaches,
softeners, and other agents that are used to clean, dry and
deodorize clothing. Storage space for these containers within a
laundry room is typically not convenient or even available.
Therefore, either a person doing the laundry must expend excess
time and energy retrieving and replacing these products for each
laundry load or the products simply are left out near the washing
machine and dryer which further clutters up the space.
[0007] Many clothing items today still must be ironed in order to
remove wrinkles. The ironing process is also often conducted in
areas of the home other than the laundry room for convenience, for
entertainment while ironing such as music or television, or simply
to avoid the cluttered and disorganized laundry room environment. A
person doing the ironing must continuously move and store the
ironing board and iron as well as other products used while
ironing. The iron takes up space as does the ironing board within
storage closets in the home or within storage areas in the laundry
room. Oftentimes, the iron and board are simply left up in the
laundry room near the washer and dryer adding further
disorganization and clutter to the laundry room. Other times, the
ironing board and iron are left standing in an often frequented
room of the home such as the living room near a television causing
unnecessary clutter and creating a less than pleasing aesthetic
appearance.
[0008] New products are being utilized and are becoming more
readily available that are used to refresh clothing such as
removing of odors and wrinkles from clothing. These products and
processes sometimes require a separate cabinet used for deodorizing
and steam laundry center includes an integrated cabinet assembly
defining a plurality of discrete spaces. A washing machine is at
least partly housed within a portion of the cabinet assembly. A
clothes dryer is also at least partly housed within a portion of
the cabinet assembly. A plurality of exterior decorative fascia
panels are also provided as part of the cabinet assembly. Each of
the exterior decorative fascia panels can be coordinated and
selected to provide a desired aesthetic appearance for the
integrated laundry center.
[0009] In one embodiment, the cabinet assembly includes an
integrated frame structure having a plurality of interconnected
frame elements. A plurality of panels are supported by the frame
structure and define the plurality of discrete spaces. At least a
portion of the panels comprise the exterior decorative fascia
panels. In one embodiment, the decorative fascia panels are
removable from the cabinet assembly and are replaceable on the
cabinet assembly permitting easy disassembly and changeover from
one design to another as desired. In one embodiment, the decorative
fascia panels are selectable from a variety of different fascia
panel designs.
[0010] In one embodiment, the washing machine and the dryer are
housed within a predetermined washer discrete space and a dryer
discrete space, respectively within the cabinet assembly. In one
embodiment, the washing machine is mounted on a slidable support
and is slidable into and out of the washer discrete space. In
another embodiment, the dryer is also similarly mounted so that it
can slide into and out of the dryer discrete space. The
construction of the washer and dryer can vary considerably and can
include horizontal axis washers, vertical axis washers, top load
washers, front load washers, gas heated dryers, electric heated
dryers and combination washer-dryer units.
[0011] In one embodiment, the integrated laundry center can include
one or more shelves or work surfaces that can optionally be
slidable into and out of the cabinet assembly. The work surfaces or
slidable shelves can be arranged virtually anywhere on the
integrated laundry center as needed.
[0012] In one embodiment, the integrated laundry center includes
one or more supplemental drying discrete spaces wherein each of the
discrete spaces includes at least one clothes supporting device.
The clothes support device can be a rod for receiving clothes
hanging on hangers, can be a rack for draping clothes directly over
the rack, can be a shoe drying stand, or can be horizontal flat
surface for drying clothing such as sweaters. In one embodiment,
the supplemental drying discrete space or spaces can include air
inlets and air outlets that communicate with the respective
discrete spaces. An air moving device can be provided that
communicates with the various inlets and outlets to permit air to
circulate through one or more of the discrete spaces to assist in
drying clothing held therein. In one embodiment, the horizontal
drying surface includes a plurality of drawers wherein each drawer
has a bottom horizontal flat surface that is perforated of a mesh
construction. This construction permits air to contact both sides
of the clothing lying within each drawer to assist in drying the
clothing. The size, configuration and arrangement of the
supplemental drying discrete spaces can vary considerably according
to the needs of a particular home. One or more of the supplemental
drying discrete spaces can also include a front panel on a drawer
or a shelf or can include an openable cover panel or door hinged to
the cabinet assembly that is also in the form of a decorative
fascia panel.
[0013] In one embodiment, the integrated laundry center includes a
control system having a user interface that can be operated by a
user to control operational parameters of the washing machine and
the clothes dryer. The user interface can be a touch screen
electronically coupled to the washing machine and the clothes dryer
wherein the screen provides operation parameter information for
both that can be accessed and selected by the user. The control
system can also be adapted to control operation parameters of any
supplemental drying system associated with the integrated laundry
center as well.
[0014] In one embodiment, the integrated laundry center also
includes an ironing discrete space that is housed within the
cabinet assembly. An ironing board and an iron can be stored in the
ironing discrete space. In one embodiment, the ironing board is
mounted within the ironing discrete space and is movable between a
storage position within the discrete space and an ironing position
at least partly extended from the discrete space. In one
embodiment, the iron can be connected to a source of steam within
the ironing discrete space to charge the iron with steam.
[0015] In one embodiment, the integrated laundry center also
includes a vacuum discrete space housed within the cabinet
assembly. A vacuum cleaner can be stored within the vacuum discrete
space. In one embodiment, a vacuum pump is built into the
integrated laundry center. An elongate flexible hose is connected
to the vacuum pump within the vacuum discrete space. The flexible
hose is stored within the vacuum discrete space and can be extended
from the discrete space for use.
[0016] In one embodiment, the integrated laundry center includes at
least one chemical storage discrete space that is adapted to store
chemical products and product containers used for fabric care
associated with the laundry center. In one embodiment, a chemical
dispensing system is coupled to at least the washing machine and is
connectable to at least one of the product containers. The
dispensing system is for delivering a chemical product from the
container to the washing machine. In one embodiment, the dispensing
system dispenses liquid laundry detergent to the washing machine.
In one embodiment, the original container for the chemical products
are used and stored within the laundry center. An original cap of
the original container is removed and replaced with a system cap
that is coupled to the chemical dispensing system. In one
embodiment, two of the product containers for each chemical product
are stored. The chemical dispensing system can automatically switch
from one of the containers to another when the one container is
empty. In one embodiment, the chemical storage discrete space
includes one or more drawers that each adapted to hold one or more
of the product containers therein. Each of the drawers is capable
of sliding into and out of the chemical storage discrete space.
[0017] In one embodiment, a control system having a user interface
is operable by a user to control operation parameters of the
washing machine, the clothes dryer, the iron, the vacuum, each
supplemental drying system, and the chemical dispensing system.
[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, a supplemental
clothes drying system includes a cabinet structure that defines at
least one discrete space therein. An opening in the cabinet
structure provides access to the discrete space. At least one
clothes supporting device is disposed within the discrete space.
One or more air inlets and one or more air outlets communicate with
the discrete space and with one or more air moving devices that can
circulate air through the discrete space via the inlets and the
outlets.
[0019] In one embodiment, the clothes supporting device is a rod
that extends across the top end of the cabinet structure for
supporting clothes carried on clothes hangers. hI another
embodiment, the clothes supporting device is a slidable rack that
is slidable into and out of the discrete space and supports clothes
draped over the rack within the space. In a further embodiment, the
clothes supporting device is at least one horizontal perforated
surface supported within the discrete space that permits air to
pass through the perforated surface to contact clothing laid flat
on the surface. In one embodiment, the perforated surface is a
bottom surface of the drawer that is slidable into and out of the
discrete space. In one embodiment, the supplemental clothes drying
system includes a plurality of the drawers arranged vertically
relative to one another within the cabinet structure.
[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, an integrated
laundry center includes an integrated cabinet assembly defming a
plurality of discrete spaces. A washing machine is at least partly
housed within a washer discrete space of the cabinet assembly. A
clothes dryer is at least partly housed within a dryer discrete
space of the cabinet assembly. A supplemental clothes drying system
is associated with a supplemental drying discrete space and has a
clothes supporting device disposed within the discrete space. An
air moving device that is separate from the clothes dryer can
circulate air through the supplemental drying discrete space to
assist in drying clothes held therein. In one embodiment, the
supplemental drying system is a hanging clothes dryer. In another
embodiment, the supplemental drying system is a slidable clothes
rack dryer. In another embodiment of the invention, the
supplemental drying system is a horizontal drawer stack drying
system.
[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, an integrated
laundry center includes an integrated cabinet assembly that defines
a plurality of discrete spaces. A washing machine is at least
partly housed within a washer discrete space of the cabinet
assembly. A clothes dryer is at least partly housed within a dryer
discrete space of the cabinet assembly. A control system has a user
interface that is operable by a user to control operation
parameters of the washing machine, the clothes dryer, and other
functions of the integrated laundry center.
[0022] In one embodiment, the integrated laundry center also
includes a supplemental clothes drying system associated with a
supplemental drying discrete space and has a clothes supporting
device disposed within the discrete space. An air moving device
that is separate from the clothes dryer can circulate air through
the supplemental drying discrete space. The operational parameters
of the supplemental drying system are also operable and
controllable by the user utilizing the interface.
[0023] In one embodiment, the integrated laundry center also
includes a television carried by a portion of the cabinet assembly
wherein operation parameters of the television are operable by the
user utilizing the interface. In one embodiment, the integrated
laundry center also includes an audio system carried by a portion
of the cabinet assembly. Operation parameters of the audio system
are operable by the user utilizing the interface.
[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, a method of
designing an integrated laundry center includes first providing a
database containing information on at least a plurality of optional
laundry center functional modules, optional module decorative
features, and optional equipment. The database is accessed and then
the optional functional modules, decorative features, and equipment
are displayed. Desired ones of each are then selected. A specific
desired arrangement for the selected modules, decorative features,
and equipment is then specified.
[0025] In one embodiment, the step of providing further includes
providing an electronic database containing the information. In
another embodiment, the step of accessing also includes connecting
to an Internet website of a laundry center provider and accessing
the database using a computer. In a further embodiment, the step of
displaying includes displaying the optional functional modules,
decorative features, and equipment on a computer screen. In one
embodiment, the step of selecting includes interacting with a
computer to select certain optional functional modules, decorative
features, and equipment displayed on a computer screen. In one
embodiment, the step of specifying includes manipulating images
representing the selected functional modules, decorative features,
and equipment and displayed on the computer screen in order to
rearrange the images according to a desired arrangement. In another
embodiment, the step of specifying also includes entering data into
a computer wherein the data represents at least room dimensions for
a room into which the designed laundry center is to be
installed.
[0026] In one embodiment, the method of designing an integrated
laundry center also includes submitting a designed laundry center
to a professional laundry center designer by downloading the
designed laundry center to an Internet website of the designer. In
another embodiment, the method also includes submitting a purchase
order for a designed laundry center including the selected and
arranged functional modules, decorative features, and equipment to
a laundry center provider.
[0027] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent upon a review of the
detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Although
particular embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings
and described in the detailed description, it is apparent that
changes and modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments
and yet fall within the scope of the present invention. The
illustrated and described embodiments are provided in order to
illustrate aspects of the present invention and not to in any way
limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of an
integrated laundry center constructed in accordance with the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation of another embodiment
of an integrated laundry center constructed in accordance with the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation of yet another
embodiment of an integrated laundry center constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a front elevation of one embodiment of a
supplemental clothes drying system constructed in accordance with
the present invention and incorporated into a laundry center.
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevation of another embodiment
of a supplemental clothes drying system constructed in accordance
with the present invention and integrated into a laundry
center.
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a side sectional view of another
embodiment of a supplemental clothes drying system constructed in
accordance with the present invention and integrated into a laundry
center.
[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a front elevation of another embodiment
of a supplemental clothes drying system constructed in accordance
with the present invention and integrated into a laundry
center.
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates one drawer of the supplement clothes
drying system of FIG. 7 wherein the decorative front fascia panel
has been removed.
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a drawer
construction for the supplemental clothes drying system of FIG.
7.
[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates a front elevation of retractable work
surfaces integrated into a laundry center.
[0038] FIG. 11 illustrates a front elevation of one embodiment of
additional storage spaces for an integrated laundry center and of
an illumination source for a portion of an integrated laundry
center.
[0039] FIG. 12 illustrates a front elevation of one embodiment of
an ironing discrete space constructed in accordance with the
present invention and integrated into a laundry center.
[0040] FIG. 13 illustrates a front elevation of another embodiment
of an ironing discrete space integrated into a laundry center.
[0041] FIG. 14 illustrates a front elevation of one embodiment of a
convenient laundry product storage and smart dispensing system of
an integrated laundry center of the invention.
[0042] FIG. 15 illustrates a front elevation of one embodiment of a
vacuum discrete space constructed in accordance with the present
invention and integrated into a laundry center.
[0043] FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a user
interface of a control system for accessing and controlling
functions and processes of various modules and equipment of an
integrated laundry center.
[0044] FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic representation of one
embodiment of an air flow system for an integrated laundry center
including a conventional clothes dryer and a plurality of
supplemental clothes drying systems constructed according to the
present invention.
[0045] FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic representation of another
embodiment of an air flow system for an integrated laundry center
including a clothes dryer and a plurality of supplemental clothes
drying systems.
[0046] FIG. 19 illustrates a side cross sectional view of one
embodiment of air passages for a supplemental clothes dryer
discrete space.
[0047] FIG. 20 illustrates one embodiment of a flow chart for a
method of designing an integrated laundry center in accordance with
the present invention.
[0048] FIGS. 21-23 illustrate several different arrangements of the
integrated laundry center modular components illustrated in FIG. 1
on a display screen.
[0049] FIG. 24 illustrates a schematic of one embodiment of a
control system for operating an integrated laundry center.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front
view of one embodiment of an integrated laundry center 20 of the
invention. In general, the integrated laundry center 20 includes an
integrated cabinet assembly 22 defining a plurality of discrete
spaces 24. The term "discrete spaces" is utilized herein to
describe separate discrete sections, surfaces, cabinets and
enclosures that are formed by the cabinet assembly 22. The term
"cabinet assembly" is utilized herein to define the structural
assembly that is formed from various structural components that can
include a framework, enclosure panels, interconnecting panel
elements, securing fasteners, support surfaces, mounting and
assembly brackets, and the like. As will become apparent to those
skilled in the art, the materials and particular structural details
of the cabinet assembly 22 can vary considerably and yet fall
within the scope of the present invention.
[0051] The integrated laundry center 20 of the invention can also
include a washing machine 26 that is at least partly housed within
a portion of the cabinet assembly 22. The center 20 also includes a
clothes dryer 28 that is at least partly housed within a portion of
the cabinet assembly 22. The cabinet assembly 22 of the laundry
center 20 also includes a plurality of exterior decorative fascia
panels 30 that are associated with the cabinet assembly. The fascia
panels 30 are intended to provide an aesthetically pleasing and
coordinated design, if so desired, so that the integrated laundry
center 20 hides or masks the laundry facilities and significantly
enhances the appearance and appeal of a laundry room in a home.
[0052] Each of the discrete spaces 24 of the cabinet assembly 22
can provide a particular laundry function or feature that is
organized and efficiently arranged within the laundry center. Many
different laundry functions can be performed by individuals using
the laundry center wherein virtually all of the laundry equipment,
cleaning supplies, and various laundry finctions are housed within
the cabinet assembly 22 and provided by the laundry center 20. Many
of these different functions, equipment options, and other features
are described below in greater detail.
[0053] Initially, one should note that the type of washing machine
26 and clothes dryer 28 can vary considerably and yet fall within
the scope of the present invention. For example, the washing
machine 26 can be a front loading horizontal axis washing machine
that has a wash basket spinning about a substantially horizontal
axis. This type of washing machine typically has a door on the
front providing access into the wash basket. Such a washing machine
is illustrated in general built into the laundry center 20 shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3. As an alternative, the washing machine can also be a
horizontal axis washing machine that loads from the top or can be a
more conventional vertical axis washing machine wherein the wash
basket spins about a vertical axis and wherein the washing machine
loads from the top. Such a top loading machine 26 is illustrated in
the laundry center 20 of FIG. 2 which is arranged from the center
illustrated in FIG. 1 differently. In addition, the type of dryer
28 can also vary and can include a conventional tumble dryer having
a drum that rotates about a horizontal axis. Such dryers typically
load from the front as is illustrated in each of the embodiments of
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
[0054] As can be seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the arrangement of the
various equipment and functions of the laundry center 20 can vary
considerably according to the needs of a particular consumer. The
features provided in a laundry center 20 can also vary considerably
depending on the intended cost of the system, design requirements
of the system and the space constraints for a particular system.
The laundry centers 20 of FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate various
arrangements and options. The laundry center 20 shown in FIG. 1 is
described in more detail immediately hereafter to illustrate the
many aspects of the present invention. A limitless array of laundry
center constructions and arrangements is possible.
[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, the integrated laundry
center 20 includes exterior decorative fascia panels 30 that permit
a laundry center design to be uniquely suited to a particular
consumer and coordinated to match other design characteristics
within a particular home environment. Each discrete space 24 can
include a separate fascia panel 30 or more than one fascia panel
that either covers an opening in the discrete space or provides an
aesthetically pleasing exterior finish for the discrete space
24.
[0056] As an example, all of the mechanical components of the
washing machine 26 or the dryer 28 can be built directly into the
cabinet assembly 22 and supported by bracketry therein. The
traditional metal shell of the washer and dryer could be
eliminated. A front fascia panel such as a panel 32 can cover a
washer discrete space 24a, hiding all of the components of the
washing machine. The fascia panel 32 can be selected from numerous
optional designs and materials to coordinate with other aspects of
the cabinet assembly as well as other aspects of the environment
into which the laundry center is to be installed. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, a conventional washing machine door 34 is
provided on the fascia panel 32 of the washer discrete space 24a
that is openable and provides access to the wash basket of the
machine.
[0057] In an alternative embodiment, as is illustrated for the
clothes dryer 28, a front fascia panel can incorporate two separate
sections including a stationary fixed section 36, similar to the
panel 32 above, and a separate dryer door section 38 that also
coordinates aesthetically with the fixed section 36. The door
section 38 is openable relative to the fixed section 36 for
providing access into the dryer 28. This design for the dryer is
also particularly useful when the dryer components are built
directly into one of a discrete space 24b and supported on
bracketry within the discrete space. The built-in construction for
the washer and dryer components can be used for high-end, more
expensive laundry center designs. As an alternative, conventional
washers and dryers including the steel outer skin can be received
within their own discrete spaces 24a and 24b and include a fascia
panel 30 covering the front of each of the discrete spaces to hide
the outer skin of the washer and dryer. Alternatively, the outer
skin can be visible, similar to the way dishwashers are currently
provided in homes and coordinated with the rest of the laundry
center. In this manner, the washer and dryer are visible but at
least partly housed within their own discrete spaces 24a and 24b of
the cabinet assembly 22.
[0058] Each of the exterior decorative fascia panels 30 of the
laundry center 20 can cover a different discrete space 24 and
provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The fascia panels can
be selected to enhance the decor of a room within the home or, at a
minimum, to coordinate with other aspects of the cabinet assembly
22 in order to provide a pleasing appearance for the laundry center
20.
[0059] In one embodiment, each of the fascia panels 30 is of a
modular construction and is easily removable from the cabinet
assembly 22 and is replaceable on the cabinet assembly. In this
manner, the fascia panels can be interchanged in order to change
the appearance of the laundry center 20 when decor requirements or
tastes of the consumer change. The fascia panels 30 can be provided
with hooks that simply hook onto receptors of the cabinet assembly
22. Alternatively, the panels can be provided with locators to
position the fascia panels properly relative to their corresponding
discrete spaces 24 and then be fastened using conventional threaded
fasteners or hook and loop fasteners such as VELCRO.RTM.. Each of
the fascia panels can also be mounted by providing one or more
hinges on a panel so that the fascia panel defines a door for its
associated discrete space, similar to kitchen cabinets. Some of the
facie panels can also be provided on slidable drawers as a front
surface for the drawer that is visible from the exterior.
[0060] In one embodiment of the invention, the integrated laundry
center 20 includes one or more supplemental clothes drying systems,
each housed within one of the discrete spaces 24. In most homes, up
to 40% or nearly half of all laundry that is washed is not dried
using the conventional dryer that utilizes heat, air flow, and
mechanical agitation in order to effect drying. Many fabrics are
more delicate and cannot withstand the mechanical stress of a
tumble dryer. Many fabrics also cannot withstand exposure to high
intensity heat because they are either too delicate or the heat
will cause the fabric to shrink excessively. Many items of clothing
are also too fragile to be exposed to high velocity air flow at
high temperatures which would otherwise damage the fabric or cause
irregular discoloring or shrinkage of the fabric. These items of
clothing are therefore typically left draped over an object within
the home, laying flat on an object within the home or hanging from
a rack, clothes line or hanger somewhere within the home in order
to dry them utilizing only ambient air.
[0061] A supplemental drying system is provided according to the
present invention that can accommodate each and every supplemental
drying need of clothing including delicate fabrics, sweaters,
stockings, shoes, gloves and the like. The supplemental drying
systems of the invention assist in speeding up the ambient air
drying process and yet provide efficient organization of all of
these clothing items and meet all the necessary delicate drying
needs of these clothing items.
[0062] In one embodiment, a supplemental drying system is a hanging
clothes dryer 50 for drying hanging clothing and is provided in a
hanging clothes discrete space 24c. This discrete space is large
enough to receive shirts and pants or the like hanging from clothes
hangers so that they can extend to their full length as needed and
not touch a bottom surface 52 of the discrete space 24c. The
discrete space 24c also includes a top surface 54. Disposed near
the top surface is at least one clothes hanger support that can
support at least one item of clothing. In the present embodiment,
the clothes hanger support is a rod 56 that extends across the
entire width of the discrete space 24c near the upper end. As will
be apparent to those skilled in the art, a plurality of individual
hanger supports such as hooks can be provided depending from top
surface 54 or from the opposed side surfaces 58 of the space
24c.
[0063] In one embodiment, the supplemental hanging clothes dryer 50
has a decorative front fascia panel 60 in the form of a hinged door
that provides access to the interior of the discrete space 24c. In
an alternative embodiment, the hinged door can be left off so that
the hanging clothes dryer is simply an open space within the
laundry center 20 that is large enough for hanging and storing
clothes either while they air dry or after they are dried and prior
to moving them to the appropriate location within the home. In one
embodiment, air can be circulated through the discrete space 24c
from a supplemental air delivery system which is described in more
detail below. This air can be slightly heated if desired or can
simply be at ambient temperature. Air can be supplied through an
inlet and vented through an exhaust or outlet to circulate moving
air over the clothes hanging within the supplemental dryer 50. The
circulated air more quickly dries the clothing without exposing the
clothing to the harsh tumble dryer environment.
[0064] In one embodiment, the hanging clothes dryer 50 can also
incorporate a chemical dispensing system for dispensing chemicals
into the discrete space 24c to enhance the fabrics of clothing
hanging on the hangers. The chemical dispensing system in one
embodiment can include a plurality of dispensing inlets 62 can
dispense chemical products in the form of a gas or small liquid
droplets into the discrete space. The products contact clothing
held therein. For example, the chemicals can include color
maintenance chemicals, wrinkle resistance chemicals, fragrance
chemicals, static elimination chemicals or the like. In an
alternative embodiment, described in more detail below, the fabric
enhancement chemicals can be dispensed by mixing with the air
circulated through the discrete space 24c.
[0065] In one embodiment, the integrated laundry center 20 can also
include an additional supplemental drying system for drying
miscellaneous clothes items that are typically hung on a rack. A
supplemental rack dryer 70 is provided in a clothes rack discrete
space 24d. This discrete space is large enough to receive a sliding
rack mounted therein that can be extended outward beyond a front
opening 74 of the space and can be retracted or returned into the
space. The slidable rack 72 includes one or more cantilevered
supports or rods 76 for hanging miscellaneous clothing items such
as socks or stockings. The rack 72 is disposed near a top surface
78 of the discrete space 24d so that any clothes hanging from the
rods 76 can drape downward from the rack 72.
[0066] The discrete space 24d of the supplemental rack dryer 70
also includes a bottom surface 80, a pair of side surfaces 82 and a
back surface (not shown). The discrete space 24d of the
supplemental rack dryer 70 can also be an open space with no front
fascia covering the opening 74. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 5, the discrete space 24d includes a hinged front fascia panel
84 or door that can open as illustrated to provide access into the
space and can close forming a completely enclosed space. The front
cover panel 84 is also a decorative fascia panel matching other
exterior components of the laundry center 20 to provide an
aesthetically pleasing appearance as discussed above.
[0067] In one embodiment, the supplemental rack dryer 70 can also
include circulated air passing through the space in order to
accelerate the drying process for any clothing items stored within
the space. In one embodiment, the circulated air system includes an
air inlet and an air vent permitting air to be passed completely
through the discrete space 24d as described in greater detail
below. The circulated air can again be slightly heated in order to
firther accelerate the drying process or can simply be ambient air
taken from the room in which the integrated laundry center 20 is
installed.
[0068] In a further embodiment, the supplemental rack dryer 70 can
also include provision for dispensing chemicals to enhance fabrics
similar to that described for the supplemental hanging clothes
dryer 50 above. For example, a plurality of openings or dispenser
inlets 86 can be provided within the discrete space 24d on any
surface such as the bottom surface as illustrated. Alternatively,
the inlets 86 can be provided on any other surface within the
discrete space 24d, or the chemicals can be mixed with the air
circulating through the rack dryer 70.
[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in one embodiment the integrated
laundry center 20 can also include one or more pairs of shoe drying
racks 90, each for improving the drying characteristics for shoes
such as the shoe 92 shown in phantom view. Shoes, gloves and the
like should be dried from the inside out to prevent shrinkage,
cracking and other damage. Each shoe drying rack 90 includes a stem
having an interior chamber 94 that permits air to pass to an air
outlet 96 in the end of the stem and into a shoe held on the rack
90. An air duct 98 can be provided communicating with the rack 90
in virtually any form. FIG. 6 illustrates an air duct passing
through a discrete space below the space containing the drying rack
90. A back surface 100 of the discrete space includes an air duct
connected thereto communicating through a hole in the back surface
100 with the air duct 98. Air is delivered from an air delivery
system, as described in more detail below, through a delivery duct
102 into the duct 98 and into the shoe rack 90 for circulating air
through an interior of a shoe. It is known that shoes dry much
quicker and without damaging the shoe when dried from the inside
out.
[0070] Each shoe rack 90 can be provided in a bottom surface of one
of the discrete spaces such as the discrete space 24c of the
clothes hanging dryer 50 or the bottom surface 80 of the space 24d
for the rack dryer 70. Alternatively, the shoe racks 90 can be
provided in their own discrete space if desired. The shoe racks can
accommodate gloves, boots, hats and other such clothing items as
well. Multiple racks 90 can also be provided in one or more of the
discrete spaces.
[0071] In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, a
supplemental drying system for drying clothing items that must be
dried while lying flat or horizontal as illustrated, such as is
required of sweaters. A supplemental horizontal drying stack 120
includes a plurality of stacked drawers 122 received in a
horizontal drying discrete space 24e. Each drawer has a removable
and replaceable front fascia panel 124, a pair of side panels 126,
a back panel 128 and a bottom panel 130. In the present embodiment,
each drawer bottom surface 130 is a perforated mesh grid providing
a large number of holes or openings permitting air to freely pass
through the bottom surface. In this manner, clothing can be laid
flat on the bottom surface 130 and air is permitted to circulate
through the bottom surface contacting both sides of each clothing
item.
[0072] In one embodiment, the supplemental horizontal drying stack
120 can also include circulated air passing through each of the
drawers to further enhance drying for any clothing items supported
on the mesh bottom panels 130. The circulated air can either be
ambient air or can be slightly heated air to further enhance the
drying process. The volume of air and velocity of air flow can also
be varied depending on the desired drying characteristics for the
stack dryer 120. The air flow system is described in greater detail
below.
[0073] The horizontal dryer 120 can include only a single drawer
122 or can include any number of drawers arranged on top of one
another, side by side or in any other arrangement and yet fall
within the scope of the invention. The horizontal dryer 120 permits
accelerated drying of clothing items that must be laid flat when
dried in order to avoid wrinkling and shrinkage and does not expose
the fabric to harsh drying characteristics such as mechanical
tumbling stress or high temperatures as in a conventional tumble
dryer. In selecting and designing a stack horizontal dryer 120, a
consumer can choose from a variety of options including the number
of drawers, the size and configuration of drawers, the drawer
arrangement, and the air system associated with the horizontal
stack dryer. The horizontal clothes dryer 120 can also be provided
with a chemical dispensing system to enhance the fabrics of clothes
held therein including color maintenance, wrinkle resistance,
fragrance, static elimination, and other such fabric enhancing
chemicals. The integrated laundry center 20 of the invention
provides a vast improvement in use of space and organization for
most, if not all, of the laundry and fabric care needs for a
home.
[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 9, and as discussed previously, the
components of the laundry center 20 can be modular in construction.
For example, each element of the integrated cabinet assembly can
comprise a frame such as that of a drawer frame 150 illustrated in
FIG. 9. Separate panels such as a side panel 126 can be added to
the frame 150 as needed to complete the assembly of each discrete
space 24 of the center 20. For example, the front fascia panel 124
of the drawer illustrated in FIG. 8 can be attached directly to the
front frame members of the frame 150 of FIG. 9 using any suitable
means as described above. In this manner, the frame 150 can be
assembled and disassembled as needed and also can be rearranged.
The front fascia panels can be replaced, installed and removed as
needed directly to and from the frame 150 as needed. Each portion
of the laundry center 20 can be formed in this manner using various
frame and panel parts.
[0075] Also discussed above, an alternative embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 8 includes constructing the integrated support assembly 22
by assembling a plurality of interconnecting panels in a desired
arrangement to creating discrete spaces 24. The front fascia panels
30 can then be attached over each respective discrete space 24 as
desired to provide the aesthetically pleasing appearance. Each
decorative exterior fascia panel such as the drawer fascia panel
124 can be attached to an inner non-decorative panel such as the
inner front panel 160 of the drawer 122 shown in FIG. 8 by any
known means as discussed above.
[0076] In order to further enhance the space utilization and
organization of the integrated laundry center 20, a plurality of
additional discrete storage spaces 24f, 24g, 24h and 24i as shown
in FIG. 11 can be provided and arranged virtually anywhere
throughout the integrated laundry center 20. Each of the discrete
spaces 24f-24i can be in the form of an open space or can include a
single decorative cover panel 162 or a pair of decorative cover
panels 162 as illustrated for the discrete space 24f. Each of the
storage spaces can be provided in any size or configuration and can
be utilized to store virtually any fabric care product or equipment
such as detergents, fabric softeners, bleaches, an iron, a steamer,
starch, or the like.
[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 10, one or more pull out shelves 140
can be provided as a part of the laundry center 20. In the present
embodiment, a pair of shelves 140 are provided with one each
disposed above or between drawers 122 of the horizontal stack dryer
120. Each of the shelves 140 includes a top surface 142 that can be
used for stacking and resting folded laundry, resting a laundry
basket, as a laundry folding work surface, as a temporary laundry
load storage surface, or as any other work necessary to perform
laundry care within the home. The work surfaces 142 of the shelves
140 can be disposed and arranged as needed throughout the
integrated laundry center 20. For example, as illustrated in FIGS.
1 and 10, the shelves 140 can be disposed adjacent the washer and
dryer. The shelves can be utilized to support a laundry basket
while filling or emptying the washing machine 26 or the clothes
dryer 28. Additional shelves can be provided throughout the center
as needed to provide additional work surfaces where necessary that
can be withdrawn into the laundry center when not being used.
[0078] FIG. 11 also illustrates a plurality of lights 164 arranged
extending from the top of the integrated laundry center 20 above
the storage discrete spaces 24f-24i. Each of the lights 164 can be
positioned on an interior surface of any portion of the laundry
center 20 or, as illustrated, over-hanging the front surfaces of
the discrete spaces of the laundry center. The lights 164 provide
illumination for each of the work surfaces and discrete spaces of
the laundry center. Additional lights can be added to virtually any
surface or portion of the laundry center as needed or desired in
order to illuminate specific work areas, specific pieces of laundry
equipment, or the like.
[0079] In one embodiment, the integrated laundry center 20 can
accommodate an ironing board 170 and iron accessories. As
illustrated in FIG. 12, the ironing board 170 can be built into an
ironing discrete space 24k and mounted in the space. The ironing
board can be moved in the direction of the arrow C between a
storage position within the discrete space and an ironing position
as illustrated with the board lying generally horizontal and
extending from the discrete space. In an alternative embodiment,
the ironing board 170 can be attached to a side or front surface of
the laundry center 20 and can store in a vertical position against
a portion of the laundry center and can be folded down into a
horizontal position for ironing. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 12, a shelf is also included for storing ironing supplies such
as an iron 172 and starch or the like. A decorative door panel 174
can be provided to hide the items stored in the ironing discrete
space 24k.
[0080] FIG. 13 illustrates another alternative embodiment for
storing an ironing board and supplies. A conventional ironing board
176 is stored in an ironing discrete space 24k. The ironing board
176 can be removed from the discrete space when the front fascia or
door panel 174 is open providing access to the space. The ironing
board 176 when folded up can be stored within the discrete space as
is illustrated in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 also illustrates an iron 178
that is permanently electronically connected to the integrated
laundry center 20 by a cord 180. Electrical power is supplied to
the cord via the laundry center electronics. In one embodiment, the
iron 178 can also be charged with boiling water by a removable hose
or tube 182 attached to the iron. When the iron is ready for use,
the steam or boiling water connection can be detached and the iron
removed for use. The iron 178 can be connected to a steam or water
boiler of the integrated laundry center or can be connected to a
hot water supply line of a laundry room in which the laundry center
20 is installed. In a further embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 12
for convenience, a steam supply can also be provided through a hose
184 connected to the integrated laundry center 20 wherein the hose
is extendable for use as a steamer over the ironing board. The hose
can include an actuatable valve 186 that the user can manipulate in
order to provide steam for ironing as desired.
[0081] In another embodiment, the ironing board 170 that is built
into the integrated laundry center 20 as illustrated in FIG. 12 can
also be connected to an air pump that can evacuate the ironing
board surface. In such a manner, clothes draped over the ironing
board will be drawn to the surface of the ironing board simpliing
the ironing process. Air being drawn toward the ironing board will
also draw steam through the fabric to be ironed into the ironing
board as well. To illustrate this feature, a plurality of openings
188 are shown on the ironing board in FIG. 12. These openings can
also be connected to a chemical dispensing system of the integrated
laundry center 20 for providing fabric enhancing chemicals to the
fabric held on the ironing board. Again, examples of such chemicals
include color maintenance, wrinkle resistance, fragrance, and
static elimination chemicals.
[0082] For further convenience and organization, a laundry tub or
sink, commonly found in a basement in a laundry room of a home, can
be incorporated into the integrated laundry center of the
invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a laundry center including a laundry
tub 190. The laundry tub 190 includes a water faucet 191 and hot
and cold water spigots 192 and 193, respectively. Also as
illustrated in FIG. 2, the integrated laundry center of the
invention can be provided with ample counter space for providing
additional work area and storage area for dirty and folded clean
clothes as well as for other clothing care products and the
like.
[0083] In one embodiment, one of the discrete spaces 24 within the
integrated structural assembly 22 can be adapted for refreshing
clothing fabrics. The components of a clothes refreshing appliance
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,961 incorporated herein by
reference. For example, steam can be injected into the cabinet when
a front door panel is closed. The steam can be provided by a boiler
and delivery system integrated into the laundry center 20 or it can
be added within the selected discrete space by the user. In one
embodiment, a plurality of openings such as the openings 62
disclosed in FIG. 4 can be utilized to deliver steam into a closed
space for de-wrinkling fabrics. Instead of steam, a chemical
de-wrinkling substance can be injected into the discrete space 24
as well. Also, a deodorizing agent can be injected into the
selected discrete space 24 to provide any fabric therein with a
pleasant aroma. Such chemicals are known in the industry. As
another option, fabrics held within a selected discrete space can
be deodorized and/or sanitized by injecting ozone into the discrete
space in the same manner that the chemicals or steam would be
injected. In yet another alternative, an ionic deodorizing system
can be incorporated into the discrete space. In a further
alternative, any combination of the above fabric refreshening
options can be injected into a selected space to provide more than
one finction at the same time. As an example, the discrete space
24c illustrated in FIG. 4 can be utilized for refreshing clothing
as well as for drying the clothing therein. Alternatively, all
fabric refreshing components, including the substance dispenser,
air circulation equipment, and exhaust components can be completely
disposed within the discrete space 24, as shown in the U.S. Pat.
No. 5,815,961.
[0084] In one embodiment, one or more of the discrete spaces 24 can
be adapted to accommodate storage of particular laundry care
products such as laundry detergent, bleach, booster agents, or
virtually any type of fabric care product. As shown in FIG. 14, a
drawer 200 is received within a portion of an additional discrete
space 24m. Each drawer can be adapted to store a particular size
and configuration of container. In one embodiment, the laundry
center 20 can be provided to include an automatic dispensing system
for laundry care products. Each storage area such as the drawer 200
can be adapted to either accommodate a particular laundry care
product held in its original container 204 or to accommodate a
built-in system container that is filled from the original product
container of laundry care product.
[0085] When utilizing the container 204 of the laundry care
product, the original cap of the container can be removed and
replaced by a system cap that communicates with a delivery system
of the laundry care center such as the caps 206 shown in FIG. 14.
The system caps 206 can include a delivery line 208 that will
deliver the particular laundry care product to a desired module of
the laundry center 20, such as the washing machine 26. For example,
the containers 204 may each contain liquid laundry detergent. The
automatic dispensing system is connected to the washing machine 26
and delivers a specified amount of detergent for each laundry load
as required by the washing machine for a particular cycle. In the
embodiment incorporating containers that are unique to the laundry
center 20, these containers are simply filled similar to a
windshield washer system for an automobile. The unique containers
will remain connected to the dispensing system of the laundry
center 20 at all times.
[0086] In an alternative embodiment, each container can be simply
stored on a shelf that is either stationary or can be pulled out
from the laundry center for convenience. The products would be
dispensed manually as is typically done. The drawers 200 provide
for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The dispensing system
provides a more convenient optional feature.
[0087] In one embodiment, the system can be adapted to hold two or
more containers of each laundry care product. In such a system,
when a first container is empty, the system can be programmed to
automatically switch over to the second container and also to
automatically warn a user that a particular product is running low.
A sensor can be provided in the containers 204 or the caps 206 in
order to determine when a container is empty and when the
dispensing system switches over to a secondary container.
[0088] Many further embodiments of the present invention are
possible so that the integrated laundry center 20 can include a
number of additional elements. For example, the integrated laundry
center 20 can include a home dry cleaning machine (not shown)
housed in a separate discrete space 24 of the integrated cabinet
assembly 22. As another example, a separate sewing center (not
shown) can be incorporated into the integrated laundry center 20.
The cabinet assembly 22 can be adapted to include convenient
storage of a sewing machine, all sewing accessories, adequate
lighting, adequate work surfaces, and convenient access and seating
as desired by a particular user. For example, the sewing machine
can be stored in one of the discrete spaces 24 and hidden by a
decorative front fascia panel for the space. The sewing machine can
be pulled out as needed and replaced when not in use.
[0089] It is also possible that the sewing center, though stored
within the integrated structural assembly 22, can be set on its own
support and moved to a different location. In one embodiment, the
sewing center and its separate support can be provided with rollers
for easy moving of the sewing center when use is required.
Alternatively, the sewing center including the sewing machine can
be mounted by separate slidable or pivotable frame within the
discrete space and can be moved between a storage position and a
sewing position when needed. The frame can be integrated into the
cabinet assembly 22 of the laundry center 20. The sewing center can
be adapted for manual set up and storage or can be adapted to
include an automatic mechanism for raising and lowering the sewing
machine. The separate lighting system can be provided to illuminate
a sewing area as desired as well.
[0090] As another example, the integrated laundry center 20 can be
provided with entertainment equipment for use with the laundry
center. For example, a television, VCR, stereo, or even a personal
computer can be integrally incorporated into the integrated laundry
center 20. Referring to FIG. 3 a discrete space 24n can be provided
having an open front and can include one or more shelves 210 that
can carry a television, VCR, stereo equipment, personal computer or
the like. Alternatively, a television 212 can be built into its own
separate discrete space 24o and optionally hidden by a decorative
fascia panel. Similarly, a stereo system 214 can be built into the
integrated laundry center providing controls accessible by a user
for selecting the entertainment medium, volume and the like.
Speakers 216 can be provided integrally built into the system as
illustrated in the integrated laundry center of FIG. 2.
[0091] As another example, the integrated laundry center 20 can be
provided with another discrete space 24p that can house a vacuum
cleaner and accessories. In one embodiment, a conventional vacuum
cleaner can be stored within the discrete space 24p and be hidden
behind a front fascia or door panel 220. The vacuum cleaner can
simply be removed and utilized when needed and replaced and stored
within the discrete space 24p.
[0092] In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the integrated
laundry center 20 can be provided with a built- in vacuum cleaning
system. The vacuum pump for the vacuum cleaner can be mounted
within the cabinet assembly and provided with electrical power. An
extendable hose 222 is connected to the vacuum pump (not shown)
within the discrete space 24p and can be pulled from the discrete
space in order to vacuum anything within reach of the hose 222. The
discrete space 24p can also be adapted to store and retain all the
necessary vacuum accessories 224 including different vacuum nozzle
tips, vacuum bags and the like.
[0093] As a further example, the integrated laundry center 20 can
be provided with a separate hand held steamer (not shown) for
wrinkle removal and sanitization of fabrics. In one alternative,
the hand held steamer would be similar to the steam hose 184
associated with the ironing board 170 in FIG. 12. The hand held
steamer can be attached to the end of the hose and can be extended
from the discrete space and utilized when needed. As another
alternative, a hand held steamer (not shown) can be housed within
one of the discrete spaces of the cabinet assembly 22 and plugged
into an internal boiler of the laundry center 20. The steamer could
then be charged with boiling water, disconnected from the boiler
connection within the discrete space and utilized when needed. The
hand held steamer would therefore only have to provide insulation
for the boiling water therein and would otherwise not be connected
to the integrated laundry center. Such a hand held steamer would be
similar to the iron 178 shown in FIG. 13.
[0094] In one embodiment, the entire integrated laundry center 20
including most or all of its functions can be controlled at a
single control system by a user of the laundry center. Each module
of the laundry center 20 including the washer module, dryer module,
supplemental drying modules, dispenser system module and ironing
module and each electronic device including the television and
stereo can be electronically operated by the control system.
Referring to FIG. 16, a user interface in the form of a touch
screen 250 is illustrated. The user interface 250 is also shown in
FIG. 1 incorporated into the laundry center 20 just below the door
panel 38 of the dryer 28. The touch screen 250 shown in FIG. 16
illustrates a plurality of screen regions that can be touched in
order to bring up various selectable operation controls for the
indicated modules and devices of the laundry center. For example,
if a user touches the region 252, all of the available operation
controls for the tumble dryer 28 will appear on the screen as
further screen regions. A user can then select and set desired
controls and parameters to operate the clothes dryer 28. For
example, the individual can set a timer, select a temperature,
select a drying cycle, select a start time for the drying cycle,
and set or select any other functions associated with the
dryer.
[0095] Similarly, if a user selects the screen region 254, all of
the various selectable operation controls of the washing machine 26
will appear on the screen as further screen regions. A user must
then simply touch a selected screen region to set and select
various parameters for each available control of the washing
machine. For example, selectable parameters for the washing machine
can include choosing a wash cycle or hand wash cycle, a wash cycle
time period, a water level or load size, a water temperature, a
wash start time and any other available washer functions.
Additionally, as discussed above regarding the automatic dispensing
system shown generally in FIG. 14, additional selectable parameters
for the washing machine 26 can include selecting the amount or type
of detergent, selecting bleach, or selecting any other wash
chemicals. The dispensing system can be tied into the user
interface 250 and, depending upon the operation parameters chosen
for a particular function, automatically determine what chemicals
should be dispensed and the amount to be dispensed. On the other
hand, a less expensive system can be designed wherein the user must
select each chemical and, possibly, the amount of each chemical to
be dispensed. In another embodiment, the dispenser system can be
adapted for dispensing an amount of any chemical, steam, water or
the like for the entire integrated laundry center 20. In such an
embodiment, a separate screen region 256 can be included that will
bring up all of the selectable parameters for the dispenser system
when this region is touched.
[0096] Separate touch screen regions such as regions 258, 260 and
262 can also be included on the initial touch screen of the
interface 250 for each additional function provided on the
integrated laundry center 20. A number of different screens may be
necessary to display all of the available options. For example, the
stocking or rack dryer 70 shown generally in FIG. 5 can be accessed
through its own screen region 258. Similarly, the shoe drying racks
90 can also be accessed through a separate screen region 260.
Further, the hanging clothes dryer 50 can be accessed through its
own separate screen region 262. This same region can also access
all of the finctions for various fabric refreshing options if such
fabric refreshing options are available in the same discrete space
24c that houses the hanging clothes dryer 50.
[0097] Each and every module or system of the integrated laundry
center 20 can be electronically coupled to the control system and
be accessed by the user interface 250 so that the function and
operation for each can be controlled by the user at one location.
For example, a television that is incorporated into the laundry
center 20 may be accessible through the user interface that permits
control of the on/off function, volume, channel changing capability
and the like for the television. Additionally, a stereo system can
also be accessed through the user interface wherein band changing,
channel changing, volume, and sound media functions can be accessed
and controlled. Similarly, the operation of a steam system provided
for an iron, a steamer, a steam de-wrinkling cabinet or the like
can also be operated through the user interface. If a vacuum system
is built into the integrated laundry center 20, it to can also be
accessed through the user interface if so desired.
[0098] A remote control 270 may also be provided that can
communicate with the user interfaced 250 and/or communicate with
each separate module or system of the integrated laundry center 20.
A user can simply manipulate the remote control 270 to select or
alter operation features of a particular device as desired.
[0099] In another alternative embodiment, the user interface 250
can be a liquid crystal display or LCD that provides a
multi-layered graphical user interface. The display can be operated
by touch screen as shown in FIG. 16 and described above.
Alternatively, the display can be operated by remote control. In
one embodiment, the remote control would communicate with a central
control system with information displayed on a single screen such
as the screen 250. In another embodiment, each piece of equipment
or module can have a small display that will display information to
the user. The remote control can operate each module or system
separately.
[0100] In another alternative, the user interface 250 can be
similar to an automated teller machine and include a screen with a
nearby series of buttons that set and select items displayed on the
user interface. In another alternative, a remote control can be
utilized similar to a set up for a television and VCR wherein the
remote control is used to manipulate data shown on a screen. The
remote control can be utilized to cursor up, down, left and right
and also to select, delete or enter information on a screen.
[0101] The integrated laundry center 20 of the present invention
can also utilize other types of laundry care devices such as a
microwave dryer. The microwave would function similar to a
conventional microwave and heat the water within the fabric but not
the fabric itself Such a dryer would be extremely gentle to many
types of fabrics and yet finction to speed up the drying process.
Such a microwave dryer can also incorporate an ability to dispense
chemicals to enhance fabrics therein similar to those systems
described above. For example, color maintenance, wrinkle
resistance, fragrance, static elimination, and other chemicals may
be used in conjunction with the microwave dryer. The user interface
can also be adapted to include controls for the microwave dryer
similar to all of the other systems of the integrated laundry
center 20.
[0102] A number of supplemental drying systems are discussed above
including the hanging clothes dryer 50, the stocking or rack dryer
70, the shoe dryer rack 90, and the horizontal drying stack 120.
Each of these supplemental drying systems can utilize a
supplemental source of circulated air to enhance the drying
characteristics of each system. The circulated air is provided
separate from the heated air in the tumble dryer 28. The circulated
air for the supplemental drying systems can be delivered through a
number of duct systems utilizing virtually any air flow pattern.
One schematic example is illustrated in FIG. 17.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 17, the tumble dryer 28 includes its own
air heating components (not shown) wherein the air is vented from
the tumble dryer through a duct 300 that can incorporate an
optional adjustable baffle 302 that permits air to pass to a vent
and exit the integrated laundry center 20. A separate fan 306 is
provided that moves air through an optional air heater 308 and then
through a series of optional baffles to each of the supplemental
drying systems. For example, a duct 309 exiting the heater 308 can
direct air to a plurality of baffles including a first baffle 310
that controls flow of air to the hanging clothes dryer 50. In one
embodiment, the air that passes through the hanging clothes dryer
50 will then exit through a separate duct 320 and be directed to a
baffle 322 that communicates with the same vent 304 that vents the
tumble dryer 28. A second baffle 312 that also communicates with
the duct 309 controls the flow of air from the supplemental air
circulation system to the stocking or rack dryer 70. A separate
duct 324 exits the rack dryer and directs air to the baffle 322 and
downstream to the vent 304. A third baffle 314 also communicates
with the duct 309 for controlling the flow of air to the drawer or
horizontal stack dryer 120. Air passing through the stack dryer 120
exits through a separate duct 326 that communicates with the baffle
322 and the vent 304. A further baffle 316 also communicates with
the duct 309 and controls the flow of air to the shoe dryers 90.
Air passing through the shoe dryers or at least into a discrete
space 24 in which the shoe dryers are mounted can be vented through
a duct 328 to the baffle 322 and the vent 304.
[0104] The construction and arrangement of all of the ducts can
vary considerably for each of the discrete spaces 24 for each
supplemental drawing system without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. The air circulation system shown in FIG. 17
illustrates one embodiment of a forced air system.
[0105] In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, a
negative pressure air flow system is utilized for the supplemental
air circulation system. Again, the tumble dryer 28 includes its own
air and heating system that vents through the vent 304 via the duct
300 and baffle 302. In this embodiment, the hanging clothes dryer
50 includes an air inlet 330 and an optional inlet baffle 332 that
controls air flow into the hanging clothes dryer. In this
embodiment, the air entering the inlet 330 is ambient air taken
from the room in which the laundry center 20 is installed.
Similarly, the stocking or rack dryer 70 includes an inlet 334 and
an optional inlet baffle 336. The drawers or horizontal dryer 120
includes an air inlet 338 and an optional inlet baffle 340.
Similarly, the shoe drying racks 90 include an air inlet 342 and an
optional inlet baffle 344. Each of the supplemental drying systems
also includes an air outlet duct 346, 348, 350 and 352,
respectively that are controlled by optional baffles 354, 356, 358
and 360 in the respective ducts. A fan is connected by a common
duct 350 to each of the ducts 346 and directs air from each of the
inlets to the outlets toward the baffle 322 that communicates with
the vent 304. In this fashion, ambient air is drawn into the
respective inlets. However, if an optional baffle at the inlet such
as the baffle 332 is included, it can be utilized to block the flow
of air into the supplemental hanging clothes dryer. If the baffle
354 at the outlet duct 346 of the same supplemental dryer 50 is
incorporated, this baffle can be closed so that no air is drawn
through the supplemental dryer. Both baffles of each supplemental
dryer are not necessary.
[0106] Each of the baffles incorporated into a particular design
for the supplemental air flow system can also be electronically
controlled by the control system through the user interface 250.
The user can therefore directly control air flow through each of
the supplemental dryers by selecting a parameter provided on the
user interface. By selecting the appropriate parameters, each
baffle will be either opened or closed electronically to produce
the selected air flow.
[0107] The supplemental air flow system shown in either FIG. 18 or
FIG. 17 can be modified so that the circulated air travels in
series or successively through each of the supplemental drying
systems 50, 70, 90 or 120. Such a system would perhaps be available
in a lower cost version of the integrated laundry center 20
providing less features and less control to a user of the center.
Also, as shown in FIG. 17, a chemical dispenser 307 provides
dispensing of appropriate fabric treatment chemistry to selected
dryers 50, 70, 90 and 120.
[0108] As discussed above, the inlets and outlets of the
supplemental air system can take on any number of configurations
and constructions and yet fall within the scope of the present
invention. Each of the discrete spaces 24 containing a supplemental
drying system can include a duct connected to the space as an inlet
and a second duct connected to the space as an outlet similar to
that illustrated for the shoe dryer 90 in FIG. 6. Alternatively,
air ducts can be formed by simple structural arrangement of the
panels of a particular integrated space. FIG. 19 illustrates one
such example. For a given discrete space 24, a front openable door
fascia panel or a front drawer fascia panel can be designed to
provide a gap between the panel and the structural elements of the
cabinet assembly 22. This gap will allow air to either enter or
exit, as needed, the discrete space.
[0109] Combined functional relationships of other components and
devices of the integrated laundry center 22 are also possible. For
example, a motor control module can be adapted to control a washing
machine drive system motor, a clothes dryer motor, one or more fan
motors for an air circulation system, and a vacuum pump for a
vacuum system. The vacuum pump could be used concurrently for the
vacuum cleaner and for the ironing board vacuum as described above.
Similarly, a steam generator or a water boiler can be utilized to
concurrently provide steam for a hand steamer, a steamer discrete
space, and steam for an iron as described above. Many other
functional relationships of the various components of the laundry
center 20 are possible.
[0110] In one embodiment, each supplemental drying system 50, 70,
90 and 120 can also be provided, along with the tumble dryer 28,
with a dryness sensing system. A sensor can be placed within each
dryer or supplemental drying system to sense the dryness of fabric
or the humidity within the respective modules. A selectable user
interface time parameter or an automatic shut off can be
incorporated into the integrated laundry center 20 that will
terminate any drying process when the sensor determines that fabric
within a particular system is sufficiently dry. Such a dryness
sensing system is particularly useful for more sensitive and
fragile fabrics that will be dried in the supplemental drying
systems.
[0111] FIG. 24 illustrates a schematic representation of one of
many possible control system arrangements for an integrated laundry
center 20. A central controller 360, such as a computer processor,
includes a user interface 250 for communication between a user and
the controller 360. The controller is also electronically coupled
to the washer 26, dryer 28 to control a washer motor 362, a dryer
motor 364, as well as other operating features of each module. The
controller 360 is also electronically coupled to the supplemental
drying system fan 306 and optional heater 308 to control the
various functions of each. The controller is also coupled to each
supplemental drying system baffle, such as, for example, the
baffles 310, 312, 314 and 316. The controller 360 is also
electronically coupled to a vacuum pump 366 and a baffle 368 to
control vacuum pump operation and to which discrete spaces 24 that
vacuum is provided. The controller 360 is also electronically
coupled to a water boiler 370 and a stream valve 372 to control the
boiler and flow of steam. The controller is also coupled to the
television 212, stereo 214, and lights 164 to control operation of
each. In this manner, a user can control the entire center 20 from
the interface 250.
[0112] In one embodiment of the invention, a method of designing an
integrated laundry center 20 from start to finish is provided. One
of many possible embodiments of the method is provided in the flow
chart of FIG. 20. The design can be undertaken by either an
individual customer over the Internet by consulting a home page of
a laundry center provider or the laundry center design can take
place at a commercial laundry center provider utilizing bound
printed material, a computer screen, a touch screen or the like. A
database is provided that includes every available option for an
integrated laundry center. The database can either be a printed,
hard copy of all design options or an electronic database
containing all pertinent design information. A user first must
access the database. For example, if the database is an electronic
database, an initial screen or home page is provided in one
embodiment that displays or introduces the user to all the options
for customizing a laundry center design. This initial home page or
screen is generally represented by the box 400 of FIG. 20.
[0113] The initial screen will display general module and equipment
options available to a consumer for designing an integrated laundry
center. These options can include the number and type of washing
machines, the number and type of dryers, the number and type of
supplemental drying systems, and virtually any other laundry care
equipment, device, storage cabinet, electronic equipment or the
like.
[0114] The user selects a particular option from the home page
screen such as a washing machine module option. Such selection is
indicated at box 402 of FIG. 20. Another screen is provided to the
user that provides all the particular options, parameters and
characteristics that are available for the washing machine module.
The user determines all of their washing machine needs and selects
all of the module options as indicated generally at box 404 in FIG.
20. Once completed, the user will either select a next option
indicated generally at box 402 and then select all the desired
parameters for that particular module or equipment option again as
indicated at box 404. When all of the options as desired by the
consumer have been selected, another screen is provided to the user
for determining the particular ergonomic and structural arrangement
of all of the options selected. This particular step is indicated
generally at box 406 of FIG. 20. The user can be asked virtually
any question about the installation space for the laundry center,
such as room dimensions, and also about the particular desired
arrangement of the selected options. Other features can also be
selected at this time to fill out the entire laundry center and to
fit it in a particular space. The screen can provide, if desired, a
visual front view, top plan view, three dimensional view or any
other view of the room with and without the selected laundry center
features.
[0115] When a user is satisfied that the ergonomic design and
arrangement of their selected options is complete, the user moves
to the next step as generally indicated at box 408 in FIG. 20. In
this step, the user is provided with a number of options for
finishing the laundry center including all the selected options
arranged as desired. These decor selections can be provided in a
pictorial format so that the user can visualize their completed
laundry center, or it can be provided in a word descriptive format.
Pictorial formats of different laundry center arrangements are
illustrated in FIGS. 21-23 as well as FIGS. 1-3. The user can
select from many different decor designs in order to provide a
pleasing aesthetic integrated laundry center for their home. The
decor selections include selecting colors, finish materials, knobs
and handles, hinges, door opening directions, and the like. Once a
user has selected all the desired aesthetic decor designs, the user
then submits their integrated laundry center design for a purchase
order or design approval. This submission is indicated generally at
box 410 of FIG. 20.
[0116] If a consumer is using an Internet design system, the
submission at box 410 can be to a laundry center provider whose
website database is being accessed. The provider can then
professionally review the design and consult with the consumer to
make any necessary or suggested changes in the design. If and when
the design is approved by the professional, the submission can be
placed as an order for purchase of an integrated laundry center. If
the laundry center has been designed at a commercial place of
business, the submission can simply a purchase order of the
designed laundry center since a professional would have consulted
with the consumer as the information is entered, resulting in an
approved design.
[0117] The present invention provides a revolutionary approach to
the mundane but necessary tasks of fabric care. The present
invention in its many embodiments provides a complete customized
integrated laundry center for a home that can be particularly
designed to meet the needs of virtually any consumer. A library of
laundry equipment and device modules can be accessed to design a
specific integrated laundry center that meets all of the needs of
the consumer. The customer can create their own laundry center by
selecting particular modules and arranging those modules to fit
their home. The customer can also select from an array of features
for each module so that the laundry center functions as they wish
and is aesthetically pleasing to them. The design features and
parameters for each particular module option can be selected or
discarded by a consumer in order to customize their own integrated
laundry center. Basic modules without many features can be provided
as an entry level integrated laundry center. A customer can add
desired features and parameters to each module and can create a
personalized design including virtually all features and
incorporating "designer" decor selections.
[0118] Each module of the laundry center can be coordinated to
match the decor of a particular customer's home. The design can be
ergonomically arranged and also arranged in such a manner as to
flow with other furniture and spatial relationships within the
consumer's home as well. A consumer can select more than one
washing machine and/or more than one tumble dryer if their needs
require such a high volume capability. A consumer can select from
an array of different types of washing machines, dryers and any
other laundry care equipment. The washer and dryer selection can
include vertical axis washers that incorporate an agitator, an
impeller, a nutator or any other such agitation implement. The
washers can range from a basic model to a high performance model.
Each washer can be an entire washing machine including the metal
skin simply surrounded by aesthetically pleasing panels.
Alternatively, each washer can be completely integrated component
by component into a structural frame of the cabinet assembly 22.
The washer can be placed on a slidable support or rack and be
hidden within the laundry center when not in use and slid out from
the laundry center on its support when intended to be used. By
incorporating the washing machine and dryer in such a manner into
the structural assembly of the laundry center, a significant
reduction in vibration, noise and "walking" of the components can
result. Any number of different horizontal tilted, or vertical axis
washing machine designs can also be provided as possible selections
for a consumer.
[0119] Basic models and high performance tumble dryers can also be
provided as possible selections. The dryers can either operate via
electricity or gas. Additionally, combination washer and dryer
units could be selected. This may be a desired option for the
consumer because the combined units eliminate the need to remove
fabrics from the washer prior to drying, providing more convenience
to the consumer.
[0120] The integrated laundry center of the invention and all of
its possible embodiments provides for functionally interrelated
laundry and a fabric care modules that can be arranged and designed
according to a consumer's needs. In one embodiment, the entire
laundry center can be controlled by an integrated module that
communicates electronically with all of the functional modules of
the center.
[0121] Another desirable aspect of the invention is that the entire
modular integrated laundry center can be assembled and disassembled
within the home. The center can be reassembled in the same
configuration or in a different configuration in a new home of the
same consumer. If necessary, a consumer can purchase different
modules at different times and integrate them into their laundry
center when an update is necessary or desired. The consumer can
also remove and replace all of the fascia panels to coordinate with
a new decor within their current home or to coordinate with the
decor of a new home.
[0122] Each of the modules of the integrated laundry center can be
configured for easy installation and service. If one module fails,
the system and the other modules can be designed to operate
independently and properly without the failed module. The user
interface can be tied to each module and programmed to sense the
condition of each module throughout the system. The control system
can be programmed to diagnose impending or actual module failures
and to notify a user of such problems. The control system can also
be programmed to provide diagnostics to a repair person to help
ensure a timely and efficient repair. Further, the control system
can be programmed to warn or alert the user to required
maintenance, possible problems and preventive maintenance to avoid
future problems.
[0123] As is apparent from the foregoing specification, the
invention is susceptible of being embodied with various alterations
and modifications which may differ particularly from those that
have been described in the preceding specification and description.
It should be understood that we wish to embody within the scope of
the patent warranted hereon all such modifications as reasonably
and properly come within the scope of our contribution to the
art.
* * * * *