U.S. patent application number 10/873945 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-25 for washing machine lid.
This patent application is currently assigned to Maytag Corporation. Invention is credited to Cheo, Francis C., Johnson, Douglas A..
Application Number | 20040231370 10/873945 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33130888 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040231370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cheo, Francis C. ; et
al. |
November 25, 2004 |
Washing machine lid
Abstract
A top loading washing machine includes a lid with a flexible
seal formed on the rear edge of the lid to seal the gap between the
rear edge of the lid and the top cover of the washing machine
cabinet. The seal is integrally formed with the lid as an extension
of the inner lid liner or an overmolded addition to the inner lid
liner. The seal provides a sound and moisture barrier.
Inventors: |
Cheo, Francis C.; (Newton,
IA) ; Johnson, Douglas A.; (Scandia, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKEE, VOORHEES & SEASE, P.L.C.
ATTN: MAYTAG
801 GRAND AVENUE, SUITE 3200
DES MOINES
IA
50309-2721
US
|
Assignee: |
Maytag Corporation
Newton
IA
|
Family ID: |
33130888 |
Appl. No.: |
10/873945 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10873945 |
Jun 22, 2004 |
|
|
|
10410966 |
Apr 10, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
68/3R ; 134/200;
68/196 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 23/04 20130101;
D06F 39/12 20130101; D06F 39/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
068/003.00R ;
068/196; 134/200 |
International
Class: |
D06F 037/28 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An improved lid for a clothes washer having a cabinet with a top
cover, an opening in the top cover for access to a washing chamber,
and a lid pivotally connected to the top cover, the lid having an
inner liner, the improvement comprising: a flexible lip connected
to and extending rearwardly from a rear edge of the inner liner and
being adapted to engage the top cover so as to form a seal between
the lid and the top cover.
2. The improved lid of claim 1 wherein the lip is integrally formed
with the inner liner.
3. The improved lid of claim 1 wherein the lip is overmolded onto
the inner liner.
4. The improved lid of claim 1 wherein the lip is plastic.
5. The improved lid of claim 1 wherein the lip includes a hinge
flexibly connecting the lip to the liner.
6. A washing machine comprising: a cabinet with a washing chamber
therein; a top cover on the cabinet with an opening to provide
access to the washing chamber; a lid pivotally attached to the top
cover; a gap between the top cover and a rear edge of the lid; and
a flexible seal formed on the rear edge of the lid and extending
rearwardly to engage the top cover and thereby close the gap
between the top cover and the rear edge of the lid.
7. The washing machine of claim 6 wherein the lid includes an outer
shell and an inner liner connected to the shell.
8. The improved lid of claim 7 wherein the lip is integrally formed
with the inner liner.
9. The improved lid of claim 7 wherein the lip is overmolded onto
the inner liner.
10. The improved lid of claim 7 wherein the lip is plastic.
11. The improved lid of claim 7 wherein the lip includes a hinge
flexibly connecting the lip to the liner.
12. A lid for a clothes washing machine having a top cover,
comprising: an outer lid portion; an inner lid liner attached to
the outer portion, and having a rearward edge; a seal integrally
formed on the inner liner and extending rearwardly so as to engage
the top cover when the lid is closed; and a hinge to permit flexing
of the seal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 10/410,966 filed Apr. 10, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Top loading washing machines generally have a cabinet with a
tub mounted therein for washing clothes and other laundry. The
cabinet includes a top cover with an opening to provide access to
the tub. A lid is mounted to the top cover for movement between
open and closed positions relative to the opening in the top cover.
When the lid is in a closed position, there normally is a gap
between the perimeter edge of the lid and the top cover. Various
types of seals have been provided in the prior art which are
mounted on the lid or the top cover to close the gap. However,
problems exist with the prior art seals. For example, the gap
dimension is variable between machines due to the variations in the
manufacturing and assembly process. Therefore, the seals do not
always extend fully between the lid and the top cover such that a
space remains. If the gap is not completely closed, undesirable
noise escapes through the gap. Moisture may also pass through the
gap if the seal does not extend completely between the lid and top
cover.
[0003] Accordingly, a primary objective of the present invention is
the provision of an improved washing machine lid.
[0004] Another objective of the present invention is the provision
of a washing machine lid having an integrally formed seal to close
the gap between the rear edge of the lid and the top cover of the
cabinet.
[0005] A further objective of the present invention is the
provision of a washing machine lid having a flexible seal which
will accommodate manufacturing variations to close the gap between
the rear edge of the lid and the top cover of the cabinet.
[0006] Still another objective of the present invention is the
provision of an improved washing machine lid having a seal which is
economical to manufacture, and durable and efficient in use.
[0007] These and other objectives will become apparent from the
following description of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An improved lid is provided for a clothes washer having a
cabinet with a top cover, and with an opening to provide access to
the tub in the cabinet. The washer also includes a lid pivotally
connected to the top cover for movement between open and closed
positions. The improvement to the lid comprises a flexible seal
connected to and extending rearwardly from the rear edge of the lid
so as to be adapted to engage the top cover and thereby close the
gap between the lid and the top cover. The seal is integrally
formed with the lid. In one embodiment, the seal is formed as an
extension of the inner liner of the lid, with a hinge to flexibly
connect the seal to the liner. In another embodiment, the seal is
overmolded onto the inner liner so as to be integrally formed
therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a washing machine lid
assembly.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the lid assembly.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the lid assembly.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the inner and outer lids, the
retainer brackets, and the detergent dispenser of the lid
assembly.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the inner lid.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG.
2.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG.
2.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the detergent dispenser
showing the water flow path through the dispenser.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a view of the lid assembly of the present
invention mounted on a washing machine cabinet.
[0018] FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the
detergent dispenser.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of one of the retainer
brackets.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a top loading washing
machine with the lid in a closed position.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along lines 13-13 of FIG.
12.
[0022] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the seal of the present
invention taken along line 14 of FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] 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).
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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
comers 34 of the outer lid 18. The pins 40 are also received in
corresponding holes (not shown) in the top cover 13 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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 to create a siphon system. The stand pipe and
the siphon cover 82 extends through a hole on the back of the
detergent dispenser and is secured by a twist lock.
[0031] The compartment 76 is also adapted to hold a detergent
tablet. The compartment has a bottom wall 73 and ribs or
projections 75 which space 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, 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.
[0037] As an alternative to the overmolded seal 94 at the rear edge
50 of the inner lid 20, the inner lid or liner 20 may be formed
with a rearwardly extending lip or seal 96 which engages the top
cover 13 of the cabinet 12 when the lid 10 is closed. As shown in
FIG. 14, seal 96 is preferably integrally molded of the same
material utilized for forming inner liner 20. As best seen in FIG.
14, the lip or seal 96 includes a reduced thickness portion
defining a hinge 98 so that the seal 96 is flexible. The
flexibility of the seal 96 accommodates manufacturing variances
which produce gaps 100 having varying widths between the rear edge
50 of the lid assembly 10 and the top cover 13. Thus, the seal 96
will contact the top cover 13 to provide a noise and moisture
barrier, despite manufacturing variances. The inner lid 20 and seal
96 are preferably made of plastic, such as a polypropylene
material. The overmolded seal 94 preferably is a thermoplastic
material.
[0038] 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.
* * * * *