Washing machine water and chemical delivery apparatus

Abstract

An improved washing machine is provided with a water delivery system formed into the lid for delivering water to various additive compartments. A detergent compartment is formed in the lid, and the water delivery system includes outlet holes for flushing detergent from the detergent compartment. A bleach compartment and a fabric softener compartment are provided in the cabinet, with the water delivery system having outlets for flushing bleach and fabric softener from these compartments. The water delivery system also includes a plurality of shower holes for providing a wet down shower to laundry in the drum of the washing machine. Water traps are formed in the water delivery system so as to prevent accidental spilling of water onto a user or into the drum when the lid is raised from a closed position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Washing machines include compartments for holding various additives, such as detergent, bleach, and fabric softener. These compartments are typically formed in the cabinet of the washing machine, with hoses or conduits leading from a water supply to the compartments to flush the additive to the washing machine drum at the appropriate time during the wash and rinse cycles. The hoses and conduits must extend around the access opening in the top of the cabinet, and thus generally take long curved paths to reach the various additive compartments.

[0002] While most machines are adapted to receive liquid or particulate detergent, some consumers prefer detergent tablets. The tablets typically are difficult to flush away with flowing water, such that the use of detergent tablets is less than ideal.

[0003] It is also desirable to provide a pre-wash wet down or shower of clothes or laundry in the drum, particularly for large loads. However, conventional washing machines typically have a very small area of shower holes, which does not optimize the wet down.

[0004] Accordingly, a primary objective of the present invention is the provision of a washing machine with an improved water and chemical delivery system.

[0005] Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a washing machine having a lid with water channels formed therein for directing water to additive compartments.

[0006] Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a washing machine having a detergent compartment adapted to receive detergent tablets which can be effectively flushed away with flowing water.

[0007] A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a washing machine having an enlarged area of shower holes for wetting down laundry in the tub.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a washing machine wherein the water delivery system is formed in the lid of the machine.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a washing machine wherein the detergent compartments are in the lid of the washing machine.

[0010] A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a washing machine wherein the wet down shower holes are in the lid of the machine.

[0011] These and other objectives will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An improved washing machine is provided with a water delivery system formed in the lid for delivering water to various additive compartments in the washing machine. The water delivery system includes water channels molded into the lid. The additive compartments include a detergent compartment in the lid, with the water delivery system having outlets for flushing detergent from the detergent compartment. The detergent compartment can dispense detergent in the form of liquid, powder, or tablets. The detergent compartment may include a ceiling wall with ribs adapted to space a detergent tablet above the ceiling wall to enhance exposure of the tablet to water. The ribs are sloped to facilitate discharge of the tablet into the tub of the washing machine.

[0013] The additive compartments also include a bleach compartment and a fabric softener compartment in the cabinet, with the water delivery system having outlets to direct water into the bleach and fabric softener compartments. The water delivery system also includes a plurality of shower holes to provide a wet down to laundry in the tub. A water trap is formed in the water delivery system to retain water when the lid is raised from the closed position, thereby preventing water from accidentally splashing on the user or into the drum when the lid is raised.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the washing machine lid assembly of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the lid assembly.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the lid assembly.

[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the inner and outer lids, the retainer brackets, and the detergent dispenser of the lid assembly.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the inner lid.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 2.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 2.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the detergent dispenser showing the water flow path through the dispenser.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a view of the lid assembly of the present invention mounted on a washing machine cabinet.

[0023] FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the detergent dispenser.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of one of the retainer brackets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The lid assembly 10 of the present invention is intended for use on a vertical axis washing machine. As seen in FIG. 9, the washing machine includes a cabinet 12 with an opening 14 providing access to the inner drum (not shown).

[0026] The lid assembly 10 includes an outer lid 18 and an inner lid 20. The outer lid 18 is preferably made of sheet metal and is porcelain coated. The inner lid 20 is preferably made of plastic and is secured to the outer lid 18 without the use of screws or other fasteners which penetrate the outer lid 18, as described below.

[0027] As best seen in FIG. 4, the outer lid 18 includes a front edge 22, a rear edge 24, and opposite side edges-26. The edges 22, 24, 26 extend substantially perpendicular to the primary surface 28 of the outer lid 18. A perimeter flange or lip 30 extends inwardly from the edges 22, 24, 26.

[0028] A pair of mounting or retainer brackets 32 reside along the side edges 26 adjacent the rear corners 34 of the outer lid 18. The brackets 32 are held in position by the perimeter flange 30 of the outer lid 18. Each bracket 32 includes a key slot 36 and a snap receiver 38. Each bracket 32 also includes a pin or post 40 which extends through a hole 42 in the side edges 26 adjacent the rear corners 34 of the outer lid 18. The pins 40 are also received in corresponding holes (not shown) in the cabinet 12 adjacent the access opening 14, thereby defining a horizontal pivot axis which allows the lid assembly 10 to move between open and closed positions relative to the access opening 14.

[0029] The inner lid 20 includes a front or outer surface 44 and a rear or inner surface 46. The inner lid 20 also includes a front edge 48, a rear edge 50, and the opposite side edges 52. As seen in FIG. 5, a pair of key tabs or locking tabs 54 extend from the inner surface 46 adjacent the opposite side edges 52 of the inner lid 20. The key tabs 54 are adapted to be received in the key slots 36 of the retainer brackets 32. The key tabs 54 generally have a T-shaped structure with a head and a leg. The key slots 36 include a lower end sufficiently large to receive the head of the key tabs 54, and a narrow upper portion which receives the leg of the key tabs 54 while retaining the head thereof.

[0030] The inner lid 20 also includes a pair of snap tabs 56 adjacent the rear edge 50. The snap tabs 56 are adapted to be received in the snap receivers 38 of the retainer brackets 32. The snap tabs 56 are inserted into the snap receivers 38 after the key tabs 54 are slid upwardly into the narrow portion of the key slots 36. As the key tabs 54 are slid into the key slots 36, the front edge 48 of the inner lid 20 is received under the perimeter flange 30 adjacent the front edge 22 of the outer lid 18. Spacer tabs 58 are formed in the front edge 48 of the inner lid 20 so as to provide a snug fit in the front edge 22 of the outer lid 18.

[0031] The front surface 44 of the inner lid 20 includes a recess 60 for receiving a detergent dispenser 62. More particularly, a pair of slots 64 are provided in the inner lid 20 adjacent the rear edge 50 thereof. The slots 64 are adapted to receive mounting tabs 66, which also extend under or capture the perimeter flange 30 of the outer lid adjacent the rearward edge 24 thereof. The upper end of the detergent dispenser 62 includes a snap tab 68 which is adapted to snap fit into a shoulder 70 in the inner lid 20. A recess 72 is provided above the shoulder 70 so that a person can use his/her finger to push the resilient snap tab 68 out of engagement with the shoulder 70 to remove the detergent dispenser 62 from the inner lid 20.

[0032] The detergent dispenser 62 includes a compartment 74 to receive liquid detergent and a compartment 76 to receive powder detergent. A water inlet 78 is formed in the detergent dispenser 62 and resides adjacent the rear edge 50 of the inner lid 20. The water inlet 78 directs water into each of the compartments 74, 76, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 8, to flush the respective detergent into the drum of the washing machine during the wash cycle of the machine operation. The compartment has a ceiling wall 77 and a wedge projection 79 which is sloped to facilitate flush-out of the detergent into the drum. Water is also directed to the upper end of the detergent dispenser for exit through holes 80 to provide a pre-wet shower for laundry in the drum. The liquid compartment 74 includes a conventional stand pipe 82 so that liquid detergent is not flushed from the compartment 74 until water is introduced through the water inlet 78. The stand pipe 82 is formed as part of the detergent dispenser 62. A siphon cover (not shown) is placed over the stand pipe 82 to create a siphon system. The stand pipe 82 and siphon cover extend through a hole on the back of the detergent dispenser and is secured by a twist lock.

[0033] The compartment 76 is also adapted to hold a detergent tablet. The compartment has a bottom wall 73 and ribs or projections 75 which spaces the tablet from the bottom wall 73, so as to enhance water contact with the tablet. The ribs 75 are also sloped to facilitate discharge of the tablet into the drum.

[0034] The inner lid 20 includes a pair of water inlets 84 adjacent the rear edge 50 thereof. The water inlets 84 are formed on the front surface 44 of the inner lid 20. A pair of water channels 86 are provided on the rear surface 46 of the inner lid 20 and cooperate with the water inlets 84 to define a water flow path to water outlets 88 adjacent the front edge 48 of the inner lid. The water outlets 88 are positioned over a bleach receptacle 90 and fabric softener receptacle 92 formed in the upper wall of the cabinet 12, as shown in FIG. 9. Thus, at the proper times during the wash cycle, water can be introduced through the water inlets 84 and into the water channels 86 for dispensement through the outlets 88 into the receptacles 90, 92 so as to flush bleach or fabric softener into the drum. The water channels 86 are preferably made of plastic and welded to the rear surface 46 of the inner lid 20.

[0035] It is common in the art to utilize rubber hoses with spring steel clamps as the water distribution means to distribute water to dispensers mounted on the cabinet. The hoses are relatively expensive, and substantial installation effort is required during assembly. The water channels 86 provide an economical water distribution means.

[0036] The water channels 86 also include an internal dividing wall 87 which defines a water trap 89 in each of the channels 86. When the lid assembly 10 is raised from the closed position, any water remaining in the channels 86 will drain into the traps 89. Thereby precluding accidental spillage onto a user or into the drum.

[0037] The inner lid 20 may also include sealing gaskets 94 which are overmolded onto the inner lid 20 adjacent the front edge 48 and rear edge 50. The gaskets 94 may extend partially or completely along the side edges of the inner lid 20. The sealing gaskets 94 engage portions of the cabinet adjacent the access opening 14 when the lid assembly 10 is closed to prevent escape of moisture during the wash operation.

[0038] Thus, from the foregoing it is seen that the inner lid 20 is mounted to the outer lid 18 without the use of separate fasteners and without penetrating any portion of the outer lid 18. Also, when the inner lid 20 is mounted on the outer lid 18, there are no visible fasteners or connector means.

[0039] The invention has been shown and described above with the preferred embodiments, and it is understood that many modifications, substitutions, and additions may be made which are within the intended spirit and scope of the invention. From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An improved washing machine having a cabinet with a drum mounted therein, an access opening for access to the drum, and a lid pivotal between open and closed positions, the improvement comprising: at least one additive compartment mounted on the cabinet; and a water delivery system formed in the lid for delivering water to the additive compartment.

2. The washing machine of claim 1 wherein the water delivery system includes water channels molded into the lid.

3. The washing machine of claim 1 wherein the lid further includes a detergent compartment.

4. The washing machine of claim 3 wherein the detergent compartment includes a bottom wall and ribs adapted to space a detergent tablet above the bottom wall.

5. The washing machine of claim 4 wherein the ribs are sloped to facilitate discharge of the tablet from the detergent compartment.

6. The washing machine of claim 1 wherein the water delivery system has outlets to direct water into the compartment.

7. The washing machine of claim 6 wherein the additive compartment includes a bleach compartment and a fabric softener compartment.

8. The washing machine of claim 1 wherein the water delivery system includes a plurality of shower holes to provide a wet down shower to laundry in the drum.

9. The washing machine of claim 1 wherein the water delivery system includes a water trap to hold water when the lid is raised from the closed position.

10. An improved washing machine having a cabinet with a drum mounted therein, an access opening for access to the drum, and a lid pivotal between open and closed positions, the improvement comprising: a detergent compartment formed in the lid and having a bottom wall and ribs adapted to space a detergent tablet above the bottom wall; and a water delivery system for delivering water to the detergent compartment.

11. The washing machine of claim 10 wherein the ribs are sloped to facilitate discharge of the tablet from the detergent compartment.

12. The washing machine of claim 10 wherein the water delivery system is formed in the lid.

13. The washing machine of claim 12 wherein the water delivery system includes water channels molded into the lid.

14. The washing machine of claim 10 wherein the water delivery system includes a plurality of shower holes to provide a wet down shower to laundry in the drum.

15. The washing machine of claim 10 wherein the water delivery system includes a water trap to hold water when the lid is raised from the closed position.

16. An improved washing machine having a cabinet with a drum mounted therein, an access opening for access to the drum, and a lid pivotal between open and closed positions, the improvement comprising: a water delivery system formed in the lid and having shower holes to provide a wet down shower to laundry in the tub.

17. The washing machine of claim 16 wherein the water delivery system includes a water trap to hold water when the lid is raised from the closed position.

18. The washing machine of claim 16 wherein the water delivery system includes water channels molded into the lid.

19. An improved washing machine having a cabinet with a drum mounted therein, an access opening for access to the drum, and a lid pivotal between open and closed positions, the improvement comprising: a water delivery system formed in the lid; and a water trap in the water delivery system to hold water when the lid is raised from the closed position.

20. The washing machine of claim 19 wherein the water delivery system includes water channels molded into the lid.

21. The washing machine of claim 19 further comprising a plurality of additive compartments for holding additives to be dispensed into the tub.

22. The washing machine of claim 21 wherein the water delivery system has outlets to supply water to the additive compartments to flush the additives into the tub.

23. The washing machine of claim 22 wherein the additive compartments include a detergent compartment in the lid.

24. The washing machine of claim 22 wherein the detergent compartment includes a bottom wall and ribs adapted to space a detergent tablet above the bottom wall.

25. The washing machine of claim 22 wherein the additive compartments include a bleach compartment and a fabric softener compartment in the cabinet.

26. The washing machine of claim 19 wherein the water delivery system includes a plurality of shower holes to provide a wet down shower to laundry in the drum.