U.S. patent application number 11/323867 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-05 for vertical laundry module.
Invention is credited to Lorraine L. Achterberg, Colleen Marie Doyle, James William Kendall, Richard A. Sunshine, Ameresh Babu Viswanathan.
Application Number | 20070151302 11/323867 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38222953 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070151302 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kendall; James William ; et
al. |
July 5, 2007 |
Vertical laundry module
Abstract
A laundry system comprises a laundry appliance and a vertical
laundry module. The vertical laundry module comprises one of a
drawer that slidably opens from a face of the module and/or a door
that opens from the face of the module and has an effective upper
surface that is located at substantially the same height as an
effective upper surface of the laundry appliance. The vertical
laundry module can further comprise a functional element that can
be a laundry care function or a non-laundry care function.
Inventors: |
Kendall; James William;
(Stevensville, MI) ; Achterberg; Lorraine L.; (St.
Joseph, MI) ; Viswanathan; Ameresh Babu; (St. Joseph,
MI) ; Doyle; Colleen Marie; (Stevensville, MI)
; Sunshine; Richard A.; (Granger, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WHIRLPOOL PATENTS COMPANY - MD 0750
500 RENAISSANCE DRIVE - SUITE 102
ST. JOSEPH
MI
49085
US
|
Family ID: |
38222953 |
Appl. No.: |
11/323867 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/3R ; 68/13R;
68/235R |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/00 20130101;
D06F 29/00 20130101; D06F 29/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
068/003.00R ;
068/013.00R; 068/235.00R |
International
Class: |
D06F 37/00 20060101
D06F037/00; D06F 35/00 20060101 D06F035/00; D06F 39/00 20060101
D06F039/00 |
Claims
1. A laundry system comprising: a laundry appliance having an
effective upper surface; and a vertical laundry module adjacent to
the laundry appliance comprising at least one of a drawer slidable
through a face of the module and a door opening from the face of
the module and having an effective upper surface located at
substantially the same height as the effective upper surface of the
laundry appliance.
2. The laundry system according to claim 1, wherein the vertical
laundry module comprises multiple drawers slidable through the face
of the module.
3. The laundry system according to claim 1, wherein the vertical
laundry module comprises a functional element.
4. The laundry system according to claim 3, wherein the functional
element is formed at least partially by the drawer.
5. The laundry system according to claim 3, wherein the functional
element performs a laundry care function.
6. The laundry system according to claim 5, wherein the laundry
care function is at least one of a washing, drying, refreshing,
sanitizing, sink, ironing, steaming, and stain treatment
function.
7. The laundry system according to claim 5, wherein the functional
element comprises at least one of a perforated shelf located in the
drawer, a hanging rod located in the drawer, an ironing board, a
stain treatment assembly, and a sink.
8. The laundry system according to claim 3, wherein the functional
element performs a non-laundry care function.
9. The laundry system according to claim 8, wherein the non-laundry
care function is at least one of a storage, staging, garbage and
recycling collection, shelving, laundry sorting, hanging, bulk
dispensing, resource management, resource supply and/or
recovery/reclamation, resource treatment, lighting, refrigeration,
entertainment, pet care, data collection and communication, home
automation, home security, home safety, power outlet and supply,
and module controller function.
10. The laundry system according to claim 9, wherein the functional
element comprises at least one of a shelf, a compartmentalized
tray, a hanging rod, a peg board formed on the door, and a bulk
dispensing assembly.
11. The laundry system according to claim 3, wherein the vertical
laundry module comprises multiple functional elements.
12. The laundry system according to claim 11, wherein the multiple
functional elements comprises a first functional element that
performs a first function and a second functional element that
performs a second function different than the first function.
13. The laundry system according to claim 1, wherein the vertical
laundry module further comprises a backsplash.
14. The laundry system according to claim 13, wherein the
backsplash is complementary with a backsplash of the laundry
appliance.
15. The laundry system according to claim 3, wherein the backsplash
comprises a functional element.
16. The laundry system according to claim 1, wherein the width of
the vertical laundry module is less than the width of the laundry
appliance.
17. The laundry system according to claim 1 and further comprising
a horizontal module stacked with one of the laundry appliance and
the vertical laundry module and wherein the effective upper surface
of the one of the laundry appliance and the vertical laundry module
comprises the higher of the upper surface of the horizontal module
and the upper surface of the one of the laundry appliance and the
vertical laundry module
18. The laundry system according to claim 17, wherein the
horizontal module is a pedestal.
19. A vertical laundry module for use in conjunction with a laundry
appliance and comprising: a cabinet having an effective height
substantially equal to an effective height of the laundry appliance
and defining an open face providing access to an interior of the
cabinet; and at least one of a door mounted to the cabinet for
selectively closing at least a portion of the open face of the
cabinet and at least one drawer slidable through the open face of
the cabinet.
20. The vertical laundry module according to claim 19 and further
comprising a functional element.
21. The vertical laundry module according to claim 20, wherein the
functional element is formed at least partially by the drawer.
22. The vertical laundry module according to claim 20, wherein the
functional element performs a laundry care function.
23. The vertical laundry module according to claim 22, wherein the
laundry care function is at least one of a washing, drying,
refreshing, sanitizing, sink, ironing, steaming, and stain
treatment function.
24. The vertical laundry module according to claim 22, wherein the
functional element comprises at least one of a perforated shelf
located in the drawer, a hanging rod located in the drawer, an
ironing board, a stain treatment assembly, and a sink.
25. The vertical laundry module according to claim 24, wherein the
ironing board is stowable within the vertical laundry module.
26. The vertical laundry module according to claim 24, wherein the
stain treatment assembly comprises a stain treatment wand
configured to deliver a stain treatment agent to a fabric article
to be cleaned.
27. The vertical laundry module according to claim 26, wherein the
stain treatment assembly further comprises a stain drawer for
supporting the fabric article and forming a drain to receive the
stain treatment agent after it passes through the fabric
article.
28. The vertical laundry module according to claim 20, wherein the
functional element performs a non-laundry care function.
29. The vertical laundry module according to claim 28, wherein the
non-laundry care function is at least one of a storage, staging,
garbage and recycling collection, shelving, laundry sorting,
hanging, bulk dispensing, resource management, resource supply
and/or recovery/reclamation, resource treatment, lighting,
refrigeration, entertainment, pet care, data collection and
communication, home automation, home security, home safety, power
outlet and supply, and module controller function.
30. The vertical laundry module according to claim 29, wherein the
functional element comprises at least one of a shelf, a
compartmentalized tray, a hanging rod, a peg board formed on the
door, and a bulk dispensing assembly.
31. The vertical laundry module according to claim 20, wherein the
vertical laundry module comprises multiple functional elements.
32. The vertical laundry module according to claim 31, wherein the
multiple functional elements comprises a first functional element
that performs a first function and a second functional element that
performs a second function different than the first function.
33. The vertical laundry module according to claim 19 and further
comprising a backsplash.
34. The vertical laundry module according to claim 33, wherein the
backsplash is complementary with a backsplash of the laundry
appliance.
35. The vertical laundry module according to claim 33, wherein the
backsplash comprises a functional element.
36. The vertical laundry module according to claim 19, wherein the
width of the vertical laundry module is less than the width of the
laundry appliance.
37. The vertical laundry module according to claim 19 and further
comprising a horizontal module stacked with one of the laundry
appliance and the vertical laundry module and wherein the effective
upper surface of the one of the laundry appliance and the vertical
laundry module comprises the higher of the upper surface of the
horizontal module and the upper surface of the one of the laundry
appliance and the vertical laundry module.
38. The vertical laundry module according to claim 37, wherein the
horizontal module is a pedestal.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a vertical
laundry module for use with a laundry system.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Laundry appliances, such as washing machines and clothes
dryers, for cleaning fabric items are commonly housed in one area
of a home, such as a dedicated laundry room. Basic laundry care and
cleaning of fabric items requires washing and drying fabric items.
Additional laundry care can require several steps, including
hand-washing, flat-drying, ironing, and stain treatment. After
fabric items have been cleaned, fabric items must be folded or
hung.
[0005] Each of these laundry care steps can require one or more
laundry aids and equipment beyond a washing machine and clothes
dryer. A laundry aid is a substance or agent used to clean or care
for fabric items, such as, but not limited to, a laundry detergent,
fabric softener, dryer sheets, bleach, spray-dewrinkler, or other
substance used for cleaning fabric items. Additional equipment
required for laundry care can include items such as an iron,
ironing board, hangers and hanging rods for hanging fabric items,
and mesh-screens for flat-drying.
[0006] Many of the steps in the laundry process are spread
throughout the home. To clean fabric items, dirty fabric items are
typically brought to the laundry room from other rooms in the home.
Sorting fabric items into separate loads is also often done in
other rooms. The storing and sorting of fabric items outside the
laundry room is necessary because many laundry rooms do not have
the necessary space.
[0007] Fabric items that must be hand-washed, are usually washed in
a room other than the laundry room as some laundry rooms are not
equipped with a sink. The hand washing in a room other than the
laundry room scatters the laundry care throughout the home.
[0008] After washing a load of fabric items, a user most often
transfers the damp fabric items to the clothes dryer to dry the
fabric items. After fabric items are removed from the clothes
dryer, the user often goes to another room to fold and hang fabric
items.
[0009] Additional care of fabric items such as ironing, flat-drying
and stain treatment is often done away from the laundry room.
Again, many laundry rooms have space restrictions that prohibit the
user from setting up an ironing board and ironing fabric items
within the laundry room. Special fabric items, such as delicates
and sweaters, are often flat-dried instead of being dried in the
clothes dryer, thus also requiring extra space not found in many
laundry rooms. Stain treatment often requires water and, as
discussed above, many laundry rooms are not equipped with a sink.
As with hand-washing, the user must treat the fabric item in
another room of the home that is equipped with a sink.
[0010] Laundry aids and equipment used during each of the
above-mentioned steps are stored when not in use, and it is
advantageous to the user to store these items near the location
where they are used. Some users use separate storage means such as
shelving systems, cabinets, or cupboards that are added to a
laundry room to the often limited area not already utilized by the
washing machine or clothes dryer. These separate storage means can
lend a haphazard appearance the laundry room, especially when
compared to a matched-set washing machine and clothes dryer.
[0011] The decentralization of the laundry process throughout
various rooms in the home increases the difficulty of the laundry
process, along with increasing the inconvenience to the
consumer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] According to one aspect the present invention, a laundry
system comprises a laundry appliance having an effective upper
surface and a vertical laundry module adjacent to the laundry
appliance comprising at least one of a drawer slidable through a
face of the module and a door opening from the face of the module
and having an effective upper surface located at substantially the
same height as the effective upper surface of the laundry
appliance. The vertical laundry system can comprise multiple
drawers that are slidable through the face of the module.
[0013] The vertical laundry module can further comprise a
functional element and the functional element can be formed at
least partially by the drawer. The functional element can perform a
laundry care function that can be at least one of a washing,
drying, refreshing, sanitizing, sink, ironing, steaming, and stain
treatment function. The functional element can comprise at least
one of a perforated shelf located in the drawer, a hanging rod
located in the drawer, an ironing board, a stain treatment
assembly, and a sink. The functional element can perform a
non-laundry care function that can be at least one of a storage,
staging, garbage and recycling collection, shelving, laundry
sorting, hanging, bulk dispensing, resource management, resource
supply and/or recovery/reclamation, resource treatment, lighting,
refrigeration, entertainment, pet care, data collection and
communication, home automation, home security, home safety, power
outlet and supply, and module controller function. The functional
element can comprise at least one of a shelf, a compartmentalized
tray, a hanging rod, a peg board formed on the door, and a bulk
dispensing assembly.
[0014] The vertical laundry module can comprise multiple functional
elements. The multiple functional elements can comprise a first
functional element that performs a first function and a second
functional element that performs a second function different than
the first function.
[0015] The vertical laundry module can comprise a backsplash and
the backsplash can be complementary with a backsplash of the
laundry appliance. The backsplash can comprise a functional
element. The width of the vertical laundry module can be less than
the width of the laundry appliance. A horizontal module can be
stacked with one of the the laundry appliance and the vertical
laundry module, where the effective upper surface of the one of the
laundry appliance and the vertical laundry module comprises the
higher of the upper surface of horizontal module and the upper
surface of the one of the laundry appliance and the vertical
laundry module. The horizontal module can be a pedestal.
[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, a vertical
laundry module for use in conjunction with a laundry appliance
comprises a cabinet having an effective height substantially equal
to an effective height of the laundry appliance and defining an
open face providing access to an interior of the cabinet and at
least one of a door mounted to the cabinet for selectively closing
at least a portion of the open face of the cabinet and a drawer
slidable through the open face of the cabinet.
[0017] The vertical laundry module can further comprise a
functional element and the functional element can be formed at
least partially by the drawer. The functional element can perform a
laundry care function that can be at least one of a washing,
drying, refreshing, sanitizing, sink, ironing, steaming, and stain
treatment function. The functional element can comprise at least
one of a perforated shelf located in the drawer, a hanging rod
located in the drawer, and ironing board, a stain treatment
assembly, and a sink. The ironing board can be stowable within the
vertical laundry module. The stain treatment assembly can comprise
a stain treatment wand configured to deliver a stain treatment
agent to a fabric article to be cleaned and a stain drawer for
supporting the fabric article and forming a drain to receive the
stain treatment agent after it passes through the fabric
article.
[0018] The functional element can perform a non-laundry care
function that can be at least one of a storage, staging, garbage
and recycling collection, shelving, laundry sorting, hanging, bulk
dispensing, resource management, resource supply and/or
recovery/reclamation, resource treatment, lighting, refrigeration,
entertainment, pet care, data collection and communication, home
automation, home security, home safety, power outlet and supply,
and module controller function. The functional element can comprise
at least one of a shelf, a compartmentalized tray, a hanging rod, a
peg board formed on the door, and a bulk dispensing assembly.
[0019] The vertical laundry module can comprise multiple functional
elements. The multiple function elements can comprise a first
functional element that performs a first function and a second
functional element that performs a second function different than
the first function.
[0020] The vertical laundry module can comprise a backsplash and
the backsplash can be complementary with a backsplash of the
laundry appliance. The backsplash can comprise a functional
element. The width of the vertical laundry module can be less than
the width of the laundry appliance. A horizontal module can be
stacked with one of the the laundry appliance and the vertical
laundry module, where the effective upper surface of the one of the
laundry appliance and the vertical laundry module comprises the
higher of the upper surface of horizontal module and the upper
surface of the one of the laundry appliance and the vertical
laundry module. The horizontal module can be a pedestal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] In the drawings:
[0022] FIG. 1a is a schematic illustration of a vertical laundry
module according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 1b is a schematic illustration of a laundry
appliance.
[0024] FIG. 2a is a schematic illustration of the vertical laundry
module positioned between two laundry appliances.
[0025] FIG. 2b is a schematic illustration of the vertical laundry
module positioned next to two laundry appliances.
[0026] FIG. 2c is a schematic illustration of a horizontal
module.
[0027] FIG. 2d is a schematic illustration of the vertical laundry
module positioned between two laundry appliances resting on
horizontal modules.
[0028] FIG. 2e is a schematic illustration of the vertical laundry
module positioned next to a stacked laundry appliance and
horizontal module.
[0029] FIG. 2f is a schematic illustration of the vertical laundry
module positioned next to a laundry appliance where both are
stacked with horizontal modules.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
vertical laundry module wherein the module comprises multiple
drawers and a backsplash.
[0031] FIGS. 4a-4d are perspective views of alternate embodiments
of the backsplash shown in FIG. 3.
[0032] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
vertical laundry module, wherein the module comprises two drawers
and a hanging rod in an extended position.
[0033] FIG. 5b is a perspective view of the vertical laundry module
of FIG. 5a illustrating the hanging rod in a retracted
position.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
vertical laundry module comprising a drying, refreshing, and/or
sanitizing function.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the
vertical laundry module comprising an interior storage space closed
by a door.
[0036] FIG. 8a is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the
vertical laundry module comprising a fold-out shelf in a stored
position.
[0037] FIG. 8b is a perspective view of the vertical laundry module
shown in FIG. 8a with a fold-out shelf in an extended position.
[0038] FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the
vertical laundry module comprising a sink.
[0039] FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of the vertical laundry
module shown in FIG. 9a.
[0040] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the
vertical laundry module comprising an ironing function.
[0041] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment the
vertical laundry module comprising a stain treatment function.
[0042] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of the
vertical laundry module comprising a bulk dispensing function.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0043] A vertical laundry module 10 according to the invention is
used in conjunction with at least one laundry appliance 20.
Referring to FIGS. 1a-1b, the vertical laundry module 10 and
laundry appliance 20 are illustrated schematically to show their
basic configurations. The laundry appliance 20 is a conventional
appliance for washing and drying fabric items, such as clothes and
linens. Examples of the laundry appliance include, but are not
limited to, a washing machine, including top-loading,
front-loading, vertical axis, and horizontal axis washing machines,
a dryer, such as a tumble dryer, including top-loading dryers and
front-loading dryers, a combination washing machine and dryer, a
tumbling refreshing machine, an extractor, and a non-aqueous
washing apparatus. An exemplary non-aqueous washing apparatus is
disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0155393,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The
non-aqueous washing apparatus of the incorporated application
publication comprises a wash unit and a reclamation unit, and the
laundry appliance 20 can be the wash unit.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 1b, the laundry appliance 20 comprises a
front face 22a, a right side face 22b, a left side face 22c, a rear
face 22d, a top face 22e, and a bottom face 22f joined together to
form a box-like structure with a height H, width W, and depth D.
The laundry appliance 20 can further comprise a backsplash 24
extending above the top face 22e such that the rear lower edge of
the backsplash is aligned with the edge of the laundry appliance
formed by the rear face 22d and top face 22e and extends laterally
from the right side face 22b to the left side face 22c. In other
words, the width of the backsplash 24 is generally equal to the
width W of the laundry appliance 20. The backsplash 24 is commonly
used to house the control panel of the laundry appliance 20. As
defined for purposes of this application, the height H of the
laundry appliance 20 does not include the height of the backsplash
24. In FIG. 1b, the laundry appliance 20 is depicted as a cube;
however, the width W, the height H, and the depth D need not be
equal. The laundry appliances 20 that are presently commercially
available have a range of dimensions, and it is within the scope of
the invention to utilize a laundry appliance having any suitable
dimensions. Exemplary dimensions for the laundry appliance 20 are
27''W.times.38''H.times.31.5''D. A survey of multiple commercially
available washing machines and dryers resulted in the following
exemplary dimensions, which are given in inches and rounded to the
nearest whole number: TABLE-US-00001 DIMENSION AVERAGE MAXIMUM
MINIMUM Washing machine W 24 27 20 Washign machine H 35 39 26
Washing machine D 25 34 20 Dryer W 27 29 23 Dryer H 36 38 31 Dryer
D 28 32 21
[0045] Referring to FIG. 1a, the vertical laundry module 10 is a
stand-alone unit comprising a front face 12a, a right side face
12b, a left side face 12c, a rear face 12d, a top face 12e, and a
bottom face 12f joined together to form a cabinet with a height h,
width w, and depth d. The descriptor `vertical` is used for the
vertical laundry module 10 to illustrate that the height h of the
vertical laundry module 10 is generally greater than the width w.
The height h and depth d of the vertical laundry module 10 can be
generally equal, or one dimension can be greater than the other.
Exemplary heights h for the vertical laundry module 10 are about
34.7'', 37'' and 34.7''. Exemplary widths w for the vertical
laundry module 10 are about 10.5'', 13.5'', and 15.5''. An
exemplary depth d for the vertical laundry module 10 is about
25.5''.
[0046] The vertical laundry module 10 and the laundry appliance 20
each have an effective upper surface, where the effective upper
surface is defined as the upper surface of the vertical laundry
module 10 and the laundry appliance 20 that is substantially
located at their respective heights h, H. In most cases, the
effective upper surface will be the top faces 12e, 22e, although
there are some exceptions for the vertical laundry module 10, as
will be described below.
[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, a laundry system
comprises at least one vertical laundry module 10 and at least one
laundry appliance 20, and the effective upper surface of the
vertical laundry module 10 is located at substantially the same
height as the effective upper surface of the laundry appliance 20.
The vertical laundry module 10 can be positioned adjacent to two
laundry appliances 20, as shown in FIG. 2a, where the vertical
laundry module 10 is, for example, positioned between a washing
machine and a clothes dryer, or can be positioned adjacent to one
laundry appliance 20, as shown in FIG. 2b, where the vertical
laundry module 10 is, for example, positioned next to a clothes
dryer that is next to a washing machine. As illustrated, the
effective upper surface of the vertical laundry module 10 is
located at substantially the same height as the effective upper
surface of the laundry appliance 20. In other words, the height h
of the vertical laundry module 10 is approximately equal to the
height H of the laundry appliance 20. However, the height h and
depth d of the vertical laundry module 10 can vary relative to the
height H and depth D of the associated laundry appliance 20. As
illustrated, the width w of the vertical laundry module 10 is less
than the width W of the laundry appliance 20, however, the width w
of the vertical laundry appliance 10 can vary depending on factors
such as the amount of space available for the vertical laundry
module 10 or a desired function of the vertical laundry module 10,
as will be discussed in more detail below.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 2c, the vertical laundry module 10 and/or
the laundry appliance 20 can be stacked with a horizontal module 26
having a height H', depth D' and width W' where an upper surface of
the horizontal module is substantially located at the height H'.
The horizontal module 26 can be a pedestal where the laundry
appliance 20 rests on the pedestal, such as is disclosed in U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0245899, published Dec. 9,
2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
When the vertical laundry module 10 is stacked with the horizontal
module surface of the vertical laundry module 10 and the upper
surface of the horizontal module 26. For example, in the case where
the horizontal module 26 is stacked on top of the vertical laundry
module, the effective upper surface of the vertical laundry module
10 is the upper surface of the horizontal module 26. In the case
where the vertical laundry module 10 is stacked on the horizontal
module 26 comprising a pedestal, the effective upper surface of the
vertical laundry module 10 is the upper surface of the vertical
laundry module 10. The same process applies for determining the
effective upper surface of the laundry appliance 20 stacked with
the horizontal module 26.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 2d, the vertical laundry module 10 can be
positioned adjacent two laundry appliances 20 that are stacked on
top of horizontal modules 26 comprising pedestals. The depth D' and
width W' of the horizontal modules 26 can be approximately equal to
the depth D and width W of the laundry appliances 20. In this case,
the effective upper surfaces of the laundry appliances 20 are the
upper surfaces of the laundry appliances 20 such that the upper
surfaces of the laundry appliance 20 are located at substantially
the same height as the effective upper surface of the vertical
laundry module 10. Referring to FIG. 2e, the vertical laundry
module 10 can be positioned next to one laundry appliance 20 having
a horizontal module 26 stacked on top of the laundry appliance 20.
The depth D' and width W' of the horizontal modules 26 can be
approximately equal to the depth D and width W of the laundry
appliances 20. In this case, the effective upper surface of laundry
appliance 20 is the upper surface of the horizontal module 26 such
that the upper surface of the horizontal module 26 is located at
substantially the same height as the effective upper surface of the
vertical laundry module 10. Referring to FIG. 2f, the vertical
laundry module 10 is positioned next to one laundry appliance 20,
and both are stacked on top of the horizontal modules 26 comprising
pedestals. In this case, the effective upper surfaces of the
vertical laundry module 10 and the laundry appliance 20 are the
upper surfaces of the vertical laundry module 10 and the laundry
appliance 20, respectively, such that the upper surfaces of the
vertical laundry module 10 and the laundry appliance 20 are located
at substantially the same height.
[0050] Other configurations of laundry systems are disclosed in our
docket no. US20050298, filed concurrently herewith, and titled
"Modular Laundry System with Horizontal Modules," our docket no.
US20050494, filed concurrently herewith, and titled "Modular
Laundry System with Horizontal Module Spanning Two Laundry
Appliances," our docket no. US20050495, filed concurrently
herewith, and titled "Modular Laundry System with Horizontally
Arranged Cabinet Module," our docket no. US20050496, filed
concurrently herewith, and titled "Modular Laundry System with
Horizontal and Vertical Modules," our docket no. US20050497, filed
concurrently herewith, and titled "Modular Laundry System with
Vertical Module," our docket no. US20050498, filed concurrently
herewith, and titled "Modular Laundry System with Cabinet Module,"
our docket no. US20050499, filed concurrently herewith, and titled
"Laundry Module for Modular Laundry System," our docket no.
US20050294, filed concurrently herewith, and titled "Modular
Laundry System with Work Surface," our docket no. US20050500, filed
concurrently herewith, and titled "Modular Laundry System with
Segmented Work Surface," our docket no. US20050501, filed
concurrently herewith, and titled "Modular Laundry System with Work
Surface Having a Functional Insert," and our docket no. US20050502,
filed concurrently herewith, and titled "Modular Laundry System
with Work Surface Having a Functional Element," which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The laundry
system can also comprise additional vertical and/or horizontal
laundry modules, and examples of suitable vertical and horizontal
laundry modules are disclosed in our docket no. US20050504, filed
concurrently herewith, and titled "Vertical Laundry Module with
Backsplash," and our docket no. US20040297, filed concurrently
herewith, and titled "Non-Tumble Clothes Dryer," which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 1a, the vertical laundry module 10 can
comprise a backsplash 30 that can extend above the top face 12e
such that the rear lower edge of the backsplash is aligned with the
edge of the vertical laundry module 10 formed by the rear face 12d
and top face 12e and laterally from the right side face 12b to the
left side face 12c. In other words, the width of the backsplash 30
is generally equal to the width w of the vertical laundry module
10. As defined for purposes of this invention, the height h of the
vertical laundry module 10 does not include the height of the
backsplash 30.
[0052] The backsplash 30 is formed to complement the backsplash 24
of the laundry appliance 20 such that the backsplash 30
aesthetically matches the backsplash 24. Since the widths of the
backsplashes 30, 24 are determined by the widths of the respective
vertical laundry module 10 and laundry appliance 20, and the width
w of the laundry module 10 is generally less that the width W of
the laundry appliance 20, the width of the backsplash 30 is
generally less that the width of the backsplash 24. Thus the
backsplash 30 is not required to have the same dimensions the
backsplash 24. However, the backsplash 30 has a profile that
physically matches a profile of the backsplash 24. For example, the
vertical laundry module backsplash 30 can have the same height,
depth, proportion, style, and/or color as the backsplash 24 on the
laundry appliance 20. The backsplash 30 also functions to prevent
items from falling behind the vertical laundry module 10. The
backsplash 30 can also comprise a functional element as will be
described in detail below.
[0053] The vertical laundry module 10 can comprise a drawer or a
door that allows a user to access the interior space of the
vertical module 10. The drawer can be mounted in the vertical
laundry module 10 to slidably open through the front face 12a to
reveal an interior storage space. The width and depth of the drawer
are such that the drawer can fit within the vertical laundry module
10. The height of the drawer can vary, from being substantially
equal to the height of the vertical laundry module 10 so that the
vertical laundry module 10 comprises one drawer, to lesser heights
so that the vertical laundry module 10 can comprises multiple
drawers. The drawer can be used to provide needed storage for
laundry aids and additional equipment. The drawer can be
compartmentalized for added organization. The close proximity of
the vertical laundry module 10 to the laundry appliance 20 allows
the user to readily access needed laundry aids and equipment stored
in the drawer. The drawer can be mounted to slidably open from the
front of the vertical laundry module 10. In one potential
embodiment, the drawer height h is sufficiently sized so that a
laundry aid can stand upright in the drawer without having to lie
on a side. The preferred drawer height is preferably at least
10.5'' and more preferably at least 11.7''. The drawer can also be
provided with additional elements such as trash bins, hanging rods,
clothes baskets, or stacking storage bins. In each case, the drawer
can be dimensioned to correspond to the fuction of the additional
element. For example, a drawer having a hanging rod is dimensioned
to allow fabric items to be hung.
[0054] The door can open from the front face 12a to reveal an
interior storage space in the cabinet of the vertical laundry
module 10. The interior storage space can be used to provide
storage for laundry aids and additional equipment. The height of
the interior storage space can vary, from being substantially equal
to the height of the vertical laundry module 10 so that the
vertical laundry module 10 comprises one door that covers the
interior storage space, to lesser heights so that the vertical
laundry module 10 can comprises multiple interior storage spaces,
each with a separate door. The close proximity of the vertical
laundry module 10 to the laundry appliance 20 allows the user to
readily access needed laundry aids and equipment stored in the
interior storage space. When closed, the door conceals the interior
storage space to create a neat and organized appearance in the
laundry room.
[0055] Any of the features of the drawer, the door, and the
backsplash can be combined to form the vertical laundry module 10.
One example is a vertical laundry module 10 having at least one
drawer in combination with a storage area selectively closed by a
door. Another example is a vertical laundry module 10 having a
drawer and a backsplash. Yet another example is a vertical laundry
module 10 having a storage area selectively closed by a door and a
backsplash. Yet another example is a vertical laundry module 10
having a drawer, a storage area selectively closed by a door, and a
backsplash. Each embodiment of the vertical laundry module 10 that
comprises the backsplash has the common dimensional feature of
having the same height and depth as the associated laundry
appliance 20. Embodiments of the vertical laundry module 10 not
comprising a backsplash have the same height as the associated
laundry appliance 20, and while these embodiments are not
dimensionally constrained by the depth of the associated laundry
appliance 20, these embodiments can also have the same depth as the
associated laundry appliance. Any of these embodiments can comprise
more than one drawer or door.
[0056] The vertical laundry modules 10 can further comprise
functional elements that increase the functionality of the vertical
laundry module 10. The functional elements each have at least one
associated function, and, in general, the functions for the
vertical laundry module 10 can be grouped according to non-laundry
care functions that are not associated with an actual treatment of
the laundry and laundry care functions that are associated with an
aspect of treating the laundry.
[0057] Exemplary non-laundry care functions include, but are not
limited to, storage, staging, garbage and recycling collection,
shelving, laundry sorting, hanging, bulk dispensing, resource
management, resource supply and/or recovery/reclamation, resource
treatment, lighting, refrigeration, entertainment, pet care, data
collection and communication, home automation, home security, home
safety, power outlet and supply, and module controller.
[0058] The storage function relates to storing anything, whether
related to laundry care or to something else. Some items that are
commonly stored in the laundry area are detergents, bleach, fabric
softeners, irons, stain pre-treatment products, and household
cleaning products. The items can be stored in an enclosed space so
that the items are not visible unless accessed by the user, such as
by opening the drawer or door. The staging function relates to
placing items in a location that is exposed and readily available
to the user without having to perform an action to make the items
visible. Garbage and recycling collection are similar to storage,
but the storage is specifically designated for the collection of
garbage and recyclable materials. The shelving function corresponds
to providing a generally horizontal surface that can optionally be
retracted when not in use and extended when used for numerous
purposes, including, but not limited to, sorting laundry, folding
fabric items, and supporting a laundry basket. The laundry sorting
function can relate to the shelving function, as described above,
or to a plurality of bins designated for particular types of
laundry. The bins can be differentiated based on type of fabric,
such as delicates or regular, or color of the fabric items, such as
lights or darks. The hanging function relates to providing a
location to hang a fabric item, either directly on the location or
through a hanger supported at the location. The bulk dispensing
function is used in conjunction with the laundry appliance 20 and
relates to storing a bulk supply of detergent or other chemicals
and dispensing a charge of the detergent or other chemicals to the
laundry appliance 20 upon request from the laundry appliance 20 to
clean the fabric items. In this case, the bulk supply is considered
to be an amount greater than the charge. Examples of the laundry
aid include, but are not limited to, a laundry detergent, liquid
fabric softener, bleach, or other substance used for cleaning
fabric in a washing machine or clothes dryer. The resource
management function deals with managing electrical and/or water
supply to the vertical laundry module 10 and/or to the laundry
appliance 20 and/or to other areas of the home. The available
electrical and water resources can be managed to ensure that the
vertical laundry module 10 and the laundry appliance 20 properly
function without detrimentally affecting the performance of the
other vertical laundry modules 10 and laundry appliances 20. The
resource supply and/or recovery/reclamation function relates to
providing resources to the vertical laundry module 10 and/or
laundry appliance 20 and/or reclaiming the resources from the
vertical laundry module 10 and/or laundry appliance 20. For
example, the reclamation unit of the aforementioned non-aqueous
washing apparatus performs the resource supply and/or
recovery/reclamation function. Other examples of this function
include, but are not limited to, water supply and recovery and suds
and additive recovery. The resource treatment function relates to
treating a resource that is supplied to the vertical laundry module
10 and/or laundry appliance 20. Examples of the treatment include,
but are not limited to, water heating, water filtering, and water
softening. The lighting function corresponds to providing
illumination either as general lighting to the laundry area or as
task lighting to a specific area of the vertical laundry module 10
and/or the laundry appliance 20 for performing a particular task.
For example, the task lighting can include a black light to
facilitate identification of spots and stains on fabric items. The
refrigeration function relates to cooling a chamber in the vertical
laundry module 10 so that items, such as food items, can be stored
in the cooled chamber and kept at a desired temperature. The
entertainment function relates to providing audio and/or visual
media that entertains the user. Examples of components that can be
integrated into or mounted to the vertical laundry module 10 for
providing the entertainment function include, but are not limited
to, a television, a video player, such as a VCR, DVD player, and
DVR, or an audio player, such as a radio, a cassette player, a
record player, a CD player, and a digital music player, such as an
MP3 player. The pet care function corresponds to providing food or
water to a household pet or a location where the household pet can
urinate or defecate, such as a kitty litter.
[0059] The data collection and communication function corresponds
to receiving data from the vertical laundry module 10 and/or the
laundry appliance 20 related to the operation of the vertical
laundry module 10 and/or the laundry appliance 20 and communicating
the data, such as through a network, to a computer or other device.
The home automation function relates to participating in a system
for controlling operation of various devices in the home. For
example, several devices, including the vertical laundry module 10
and the laundry appliance 20, can be included in the system and
controlled remotely or automatically. The home security function
relates to providing a home security system to detect intruders in
the home, and the home safety function relates to detecting harmful
substances, such as fire and smoke detection and carbon monoxide
detection. The power outlet function corresponds to providing an
electrical plug receptacle into which various electronic devices
can be plugged for receiving power. The power can be provided by an
external power supply, such as the main power supply for the home,
or a compact power supply, such as a battery stored in the vertical
laundry module 10. The module controller function relates to
providing a user-interactive control panel for controlling
operation of the vertical laundry module 10. The control panel can
receive input from the user, such as input regarding desired
operational modes for the vertical laundry module 10, and can
communicate output to the user, such as output related to the
operational status of the vertical laundry module 10 and/or the
laundry appliance 20.
[0060] Exemplary laundry care functions include, but are not
limited to, washing, drying, refreshing, sanitizing, sink, ironing,
hand steaming, and stain treatment. The washing function
corresponds to subjecting a clothing item to a wash process wherein
wash liquid is used to clean the fabric item, such as hand-washing
clothing items in a sink, which is especially suited for delicate
items, including lingerie and sweaters. The drying function relates
to evaporation of liquid from a fabric item by subjecting the
fabric item to forced air, which can optionally be heated. The
fabric item can be hung or laid flat for non-tumble drying. The
refreshing function involves exposing the fabric item to a
refreshing medium for wrinkle removal and/or odor removal of the
fabric item without fully washing the fabric item. The refreshing
function thereby improves the appearance and smell of the fabric
item. The sanitizing function is similar to the refreshing
function, except that the fabric item is exposed to a sanitizing
medium that disinfects the fabric item by removal of germs,
microbes, and the like. The refreshing and sanitizing functions can
be performed independently of one another or simultaneously. For
example, the fabric item can be exposed to steam, which can reduce
wrinkles and odors from clothing (the refreshing function) while
removing germs (the sanitizing function), or the fabric item can be
exposed to air containing a material that imparts a pleasant scent,
such as in the form of a cool mist, to the fabric item (the
refreshing function). The refreshing and/or sanitizing functions
can utilize misting technologies, which can use nebulizers that
incorporate chemicals that remove wrinkles, odors, germs, microbes,
and combinations thereof. The sink function can involve several
processes, such as soaking the fabric item to wash the fabric item
or to treat a stain prior to washing or simply wetting the fabric
item. The ironing and hand steaming functions relate to removing
wrinkles from the fabric item with an iron and a hand steamer,
respectively. The stain treatment function removes a stain on a
fabric item without washing the fabric item or treats the stain
before washing the fabric item. The stain treatment function
conserves water, electricity, and laundry aids since fabric items
can be spot-cleaned instead of washed in a full load. In turn,
fewer loads of fabric items will need to be cleaned in the washing
machine and dryer.
[0061] Specific embodiments of vertical laundry modules 10
containing these features and functionality will now be described.
Referring to FIG. 3, according to a first embodiment of the
invention, the vertical laundry module 10 has approximately the
same height and depth as the associated laundry appliance 20, as
described previously, and comprises three drawers 112, 114, 116
that slidably open from the front face 12a of the vertical laundry
module 10 and a backsplash 130. The drawer 112, shown extended from
the vertical laundry module 10, and the drawer 114, shown retracted
into the vertical laundry module 10, are similar in size while the
drawer 116, also shown extended from the vertical laundry module
10, is shallower. The vertical laundry module 10 further comprises
four supports 14 that are connected to the bottom face 12f. The
supports 14 are illustrated as posts on which the vertical laundry
module 10 rests, however, the supports 14 can also comprise wheels
so that the vertical laundry module 10 is mobile and can easily be
moved to a different location, for example, to clean underneath or
behind the vertical laundry module 10.
[0062] The basic structure of the drawer will be described with
reference to the lowermost drawer 112. The drawer 112 comprises a
drawer body 118 defining an interior storage space 120 and an open
top allowing the user to access the interior storage space 120 when
the drawer 112 is extended from the vertical laundry module 10. A
front panel 122 is further joined to the front wall of the drawer
body 118 using any suitable fastening means. The front panel 122
has a handle 124 integrally formed on the front surface of the
front panel 122 to enable the user to pull the drawer 112 from the
vertical laundry module 10 to access the interior storage space
120. The drawer 112 can be mounted to slidably open from the front
face 12a using any suitable mounting means. For example, a runner
126 can be attached to the outer surface of the right and left side
walls of the drawer body 118 that interacts with a corresponding
track or wheels (not shown) attached to the inside surface of the
right and left side faces 12b, 12c of the vertical laundry module
10.
[0063] The drawer 116 of comprises multiple integral compartments
128 formed in interior of the drawer 116. The compartments 128 can
be formed on a separate tray dimensioned to fit within the interior
of the drawer 116 so that the compartments 128 can optionally be
removed from the drawer 116.
[0064] The backsplash 130 comprises a front face 132a, a right side
face 132b, a left side face 132c, rear face 132d, and a top face
132e. The backsplash 130 is mounted on the top face 12e of the
laundry module 10 and extends substantially the width w of the
vertical laundry module 10 such that the right side face 132b, left
side face 132c, and rear face 132d of the backsplash 130 are
respectively aligned with the right side face 12b, left side face
12c, and rear face 12d of the vertical laundry module 10. The front
face 132a of the illustrated embodiment is devoid of any controls
or features.
[0065] The backsplash 130 can comprise one or more of the
functional elements described above for the vertical laundry module
10, including, but not limited to, storage, staging, lighting,
module controller, and power outlet. FIGS. 4a-4c show some of the
possible functions that can be incorporated in the backsplash 130.
Referring to FIG. 4a, the backsplash 130' can comprise a storage
function in the form of a storage compartment 134a with, for
example, a sliding door 134b covering the compartment. Referring to
FIG. 4b, the backplash 130'' can comprise a storage function in the
form of a pivoting storage compartment 135a that opens from the
front of the backsplash 130'' to reveal an interior storage bin
135b. Referring to FIG. 4c, the backsplash 130''' can comprise a
staging function in the form of an open storage compartment 136
that allows for convenient access to laundry aids used right before
or right after laundry washing or drying such as a stain treatment
product, a bleach product, a spray de-wrinkler, or the like.
Referring to FIG. 4d, the backsplash 130'''' can comprise a
lighting function in the form of a light 138a for illuminating an
area on top of the vertical laundry module 10, a module controller
function in the form of a control panel 138b, and a power outlet
function in the form of multiple electrical outlets 138c for
electrically connecting small appliances, such as an iron. The
light 138a can be a standard light or a black light useful for
illuminating stains on fabric items.
[0066] The vertical laundry module 10 can comprise different
non-laundry care functions. For example, the vertical laundry
module 10 can comprise the combination of a storage function, a
shelving function, and a hanging function. Referring to FIGS.
5a-5b, a second embodiment of the vertical laundry module 10 is
shown wherein the vertical laundry module 10 has approximately the
same height as the associated laundry appliance 20, as described
previously, and comprises two drawers 212, 214 and a
cantilever-type hanging rod 240 that is extendable/retractable from
the laundry module 10.
[0067] The drawer 212 comprises a drawer body 218 defining an
interior storage space 220. A front panel 222 is further joined to
the front wall of the drawer body 218 using any suitable fastening
means. The front panel 222 has a handle 224 integrally formed along
the top edge of the front panel 222 of the drawer 212 to enable the
user to pull the drawer 212 from the vertical laundry module 10 to
access the interior storage space 220. The drawer 212 can be
mounted to slidably open from the front face 12a using any suitable
mounting means. For example, a runner 226 can be attached along the
lower outer surface of the right and left side walls of the drawer
body 118 that interacts with a corresponding track or wheels (not
shown) attached to the inside surface of the vertical laundry
module 10.
[0068] The drawer body 218 can comprise open sides and a shelf 250.
The open sides allow the user to easily access the contents of the
drawer 212 and to easily insert and remove large items. The shelf
250 can be adjustable to adjust the vertical position of the shelf
250 or to completely remove the shelf 250. The shelf 250 can have a
solid surface, a perforated surface, such as a mesh screen suitable
for flat-drying fabric items, or a combination of both surface
types. The drawer 212 can also contain a removable receptacle 252,
such as a waste bin for trash or items to be recycled, or a hamper
for fabric items to be washed. The drawer 212 can be provided with
multiple removable receptacles 252 that can be used to sort items,
such as sorting fabric items into loads to be cleaned by color or
fabric type.
[0069] The drawer 214, shown retracted into the vertical laundry
module 10 in FIG. 5a and extended from the vertical laundry module
in FIG. 5b, is shallower than drawer 212 and comprises multiple
integral compartments 228 formed in interior of the drawer 214. The
compartments 228 can be formed on a separate tray dimensioned to
fit within the interior of the drawer 214 so that the compartments
228 can optionally be removed from the drawer 214.
[0070] The hanging rod 240 comprises a cantilever-type rod that can
be extended from a storage compartment formed in the vertical
laundry module 10 as shown in FIG. 5a. The hanging rod 240 is
provided on the vertical laundry module 10 as a convenient place to
hang fabric items when the hanging rod 240 is extended. When not
needed, the hanging rod 240 can be retracted into the storage
compartment and out of the way of the user as shown in FIG. 5b. The
hanging rod 240 can be operated by a push-push mechanism, whereby
the end of the hanging rod 240 in the retracted position is pushed
inward to release the hanging rod 240 to the extended position and
pushed inward a second time to retract the hanged rod 240 into the
vertical laundry module 10. The hanging rod 240 is more fully
disclosed in our docket no. US20050290, filed concurrently
herewith, and titled "Retractable Hanging Element," which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0071] As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b the vertical laundry module 10
can optionally comprise a pedestal 260 that is mounted to the
bottom of the vertical laundry module 10. The width and depth of
the pedestal 260 are approximately equal to the width w and depth d
of the vertical laundry module 10. The height of the pedestal 260
can vary. The pedestal 260 functions as an adapter so that the
vertical laundry module 10 can be used with different models of
laundry appliances 20 that have different heights H. This allows
the user to tailor the height of the vertical laundry module 10 to
an existing laundry appliance 20 or to a laundry appliance 20
purchased at a later time. The pedestal 260 can be added to any of
the embodiments of the vertical laundry module 10 discussed herein.
Similar to the case when the vertical laundry module 10 is stacked
on top of the horizontal module 26 (FIG. 2f), when the vertical
laundry module 10 comprises the pedestal 260, the effective upper
surface of the vertical laundry module 10 is the upper surface of
the vertical laundry module 10.
[0072] The vertical laundry module 10 can comprise a non-laundry
care function and a laundry care function. For example, the
vertical laundry module 10 can comprise the combination of a
storage function, a shelving function, a sorting function, a
hanging function, a drying function, and a refreshing and/or
sanitizing function. Referring to FIG. 6, a third embodiment of the
vertical laundry module 10 is shown wherein the vertical laundry
module 10 has approximately the same height as the associated
laundry appliance 20 and comprises a drawer 312, a cantilever-type
hanging rod 340, a hanging rod 342 and a shelf 350 positioned
inside the drawer 312, and a control panel 360 for controlling the
drying, refreshing, and/or sanitizing functions.
[0073] The drawer 312 comprises a drawer body 318 defining an
interior drying/refreshing/sanitizing space 320. A front panel 322
is further joined to the front wall of the drawer body 318 using
any suitable fastening means. The front panel 322 has a handle 324
integrally formed along the top edge of the front panel 322 of the
drawer 312 to enable the user to pull the drawer 312 from the
vertical laundry module 10 to access the interior space 320. The
drawer 312 can be mounted to slidably open from the front face 12a
using any suitable mounting means. For example, multiple guide
rollers 326 can be attached to the outer surface of the right and
left side walls of the drawer body 318. The guide rollers 326
interact with a corresponding track (not shown) attached to the
inside surface of the vertical laundry module 10.
[0074] The hanging rod 342 and the shelf 350 are positioned in the
interior space 320 of the drawer body 318. The hanging rod 342 can
have spaced notches 344 for hangers to space fabric items so that
hanging items do not shift and bunch as the drawer 312 is slid open
and shut. The hanging rod 342 can further be removably mounted in
the drawer 312 so that the hanging rod 342 can optionally be
removed from the drawer 312.
[0075] The shelf 350 can be positioned in the drawer 312 at a
distance from the hanging rod 342 such that the shelf 350 will be
below any fabric items hung on the hanging rod 342 or can be
removed from the drawer 312 to accommodate hanging fabric items
that require more space. The shelf 350 can have a solid surface, a
perforated surface, such as a mesh screen suitable for flat-drying
fabric items, or a combination of both surface types. The front and
rear walls of the drawer body 318 can have multiple horizontal
brackets 352 for removably mounting additional shelves, for example
when the hanging rod 342 is removed or when fabric items are not
being hung from the hanging rod 342.
[0076] The hanging rod 340 comprises a cantilever-type rod similar
to hanging rod 240 (FIGS. 5a-5b) that can be extended from n the
vertical laundry module 10 or retracted into the vertical laundry
module 10 and out of the way of the user as shown in FIG. 6. The
hanging rod 340 can be operated by a push-push mechanism as
described above.
[0077] To utilize the drying function, fabric items are hung from
the hanging rod 342 or laid on the shelf 350, and air is forced
through the interior space 320. Air can be ducted in from the
laundry appliance 20 in the form of the clothes dryer or can be
generated independently so that the drying function can be used
when the clothes dryer is not in operation. In either case, the air
can optionally be heated. Similarly, to utilize the refreshing
and/or sanitizing function, fabric items are hung from the hanging
rod 342 or laid on the shelf 350 and exposed to a suitable
refreshing and/or sanitizing medium. Two or more of the drying,
refreshing, and sanitizing functions can be performed
simultaneously. The control panel 360 can be used to control
various aspects of the drying, refreshing, and sanitizing
functions, including, but not limited to, cycle time, forced air
temperature, refreshing medium temperature, and sanitizing medium
temperature. The vertical laundry module 10 can also singularly
comprise a drying function, a refreshing function or a sanitizing
fuiction or can comprise any combination of the three.
[0078] The vertical laundry module 10 can comprise a storage
function in the form of a door closing an interior storage space
and a hanging function. Referring to FIG. 7, a fourth embodiment of
the invention is shown wherein the vertical laundry module 10 has
approximately the same height as the associated laundry appliance
20 as described previously and comprises an interior storage space
420 closed by a door 470 and a hanging T-bar 480. The door 470
opens from the front face 12a of the vertical laundry module 10 to
reveal the interior storage space 420. A handle (not shown) can be
formed on the front surface of the door 470 to enable the user to
grip the handle and pull the door 470 open.
[0079] Two shelves 450, 452 are positioned in the interior storage
space 420. The shelves 450, 452 can be adjustable to adjust the
vertical positions of the shelves 450, 452 or to completely remove
the shelves 450, 452. The shelves 450, 452 can have a solid
surface, a perforated surface, such as a mesh screen suitable for
flat-drying fabric items, or a combination of both surface
types.
[0080] The door 470 can comprise a peg board 472 located on the
inside surface of the door 470. The peg board 472 comprises
multiple holes 474 fittable with hooks 476 or other devices that
can be used, for example, for hanging tools or other items. The peg
board 472 can be integrally formed with the door 470 or can be a
separate component mounted to the door 470 in any suitable
manner.
[0081] Additionally, the hanging function is also carried out by
the hanging T-bar 480 mounted to a top face 12e of the vertical
laundry module 10. The hanging T-bar 480 comprises a post 482
slidably mounted to the top face 12e, a generally triangular body
484 at an upper end of the post 482, and a generally horizontal bar
486 mounted at a forward end of the body 484. Fabric items can be
hung, such as on a hanger, from the bar 486, and the height of the
bar 486 relative to the top 12e face can be adjusted by sliding the
post 482 upward or downward and securing the post 482 in a desired
position by a clamp 488. The hanging T-bar 480 can further be
removed from the clamp 488 to remove the hanging T-bar 480 from the
vertical laundry module 10.
[0082] The vertical laundry module 10 shown in FIG. 7 can also
comprise a removable mat 490. The mat 490 can comprise a first side
492 and a second side 494 such that the mat 490 can be positioned
with the first side 492 facing upwards, as shown in FIG. 7, or the
mat 490 can be removed and flipped over, so that the second side
494 faces upwards. Each side 492, 494 can have a different color,
pattern, and/or texture that can, for example, be used for
different tasks or functions. The mat 490 can cover the vertical
laundry module 10 or both the vertical laundry module 10 and the
laundry appliance 20.
[0083] Another example of a combination of multiple non-laundry
care functions for a vertical laundry module 10 is the combination
of a shelving function, a staging function, and a hanging function.
Referring to FIGS. 8a-8b, a fifth embodiment of the vertical
laundry module 10 is shown wherein the vertical laundry module 10
has approximately the same height and depth as the associated
laundry appliance 20 and comprises a fold-out shelf 550, a
cantilever-type hanging rod 540, an open storage compartment 580,
and a backsplash 530.
[0084] The fold-out shelf is more completely described in our
docket no. US20050503, filed concurrently herewith, and titled
"Modular Laundry System with Shelf Module," which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety. The shelf comprises a right
and left shelf assemblies 552 that respectively comprise upper,
shelf portions 554 and lower, base portions 556. The base portions
556 are mounted for sliding movement relative to a compartment 590
in the vertical laundry module 10 such that each base portion 556
can be moved independently of the other and a single shelf assembly
552 can be extended from the vertical laundry module 10 at a time.
Movable support tubes 558 are connected at one end to the
respective base portions 556 and at a second end to the respective
shelf portions 554. The support tubes 558 are movable with the
respective shelf portions 554 as the shelf portions 554 pivot
relative to the respective base portions 556. Legs 560 are
connected at one end to the shelf portions 554 and are movable
relative to the shelf portion 554. FIG. 8a illustrates the fold-out
shelf in a stored position wherein the fold-out shelf is contained
within the compartment 590, wherein the shelf portions 554, support
tubes 558, and legs 560 are in a generally vertical orientation.
FIG. 8b illustrates the fold-out shelf in an extended position,
wherein the fold-out shelf is located exteriorly of the compartment
590, and the shelf portions 554 are in a generally horizontal
orientation and supported, at least in part, by the support tubes
558 and legs 560.
[0085] The hanging rod 540 comprises a cantilever-type rod similar
to hanging rod 240 (FIGS. 5a-5b) that can be extended from the
vertical laundry module 10 as shown in FIG. 8b or retracted into
the vertical laundry module 10 and out of the way of the user as
shown in FIG. 8a. The hanging rod 540 can be operated by a
push-push mechanism as described above.
[0086] The open storage compartment 580 is positioned in the top
face 12e of the vertical laundry module 10 such that it is forward
from the backsplash 530. The open configuration of the storage
compartment 580 allows the user to quickly and easily access items
stored within the storage compartment 580.
[0087] The backsplash 530 is positioned on the top face 12e of the
vertical laundry module 10 and is similar to the backsplash 130
(FIG. 3) described above. The backsplash 530 can incorporate any of
the features discussed with reference to FIGS. 4a-4c.
[0088] The combination of a non-laundry care function and a laundry
care function can comprise a storage function and a washing
function. Referring to FIGS. 9a-9b, a sixth embodiment of the
invention is shown wherein the vertical laundry module 10 has
approximately the same height as the associated laundry appliance
20, as described previously, and comprises two drawers 612, 614, a
pivoting storage compartment 680, and a sink 690. The vertical
laundry module comprising a sink is more completely described in
our docket no. US20050291, filed concurrently herewith, and titled
"Sink Station with Cover," which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
[0089] The drawers 612, 614 are similar to the drawers discussed
above for other embodiments of the invention and can comprise any
of the features included on the other drawers. The drawers 612, 614
respectively define interior storage spaces 620, 622 and are
mounted to slidably open from the front face 12a of the vertical
laundry module 10 using any suitable mounting means. The topmost
drawer 614 is positioned below the storage compartment 680 and the
sink 690.
[0090] The pivoting storage compartment 680 utilizes the space in
front of the sink 690 where a drawer cannot be positioned. The
compartment 680 comprises an open-top bin 682 defining an interior
storage space 684 that pivotably opens from the front face 12a of
the vertical laundry module 10. A front panel 686 is attached from
the front wall of the bin 682 and a handle 688 is integrally formed
along the upper edge of the front panel 686. The compartment 680
can be opened to an acute angle .alpha. to access the bin 682 such
that items in the bin 682 will not fall out when the compartment
680 is opened.
[0091] The sink 690 is positioned in the top of the vertical
laundry module 10 and comprises a basin 692 defining an open top, a
spout 694, and necessary plumbing, such as a drain pipe 696. The
spout 694 is pivotable such that the spout 694 can extend upward
from the basin 692, as illustrated in FIG. 9a, and can be folded
into the basin 692 as shown in phantom line. A cover 698 is
operably coupled to the vertical laundry module 10 such that the
cover 698 is movable between a closed position (FIG. 9b) where the
cover 698 overlies the open top of the basin 692 and a stored
position (FIG. 9a). The cover 698 can be operably coupled to the
vertical laundry module 10 through a coupling assembly 699 that
allows the cover 698 to be lifted up to a generally vertical
orientation and slid behind the vertical laundry module 10 along
the rear face 12d. The cover 698 allows the sink 690 to be covered
when not in use and forms the effective upper surface of the
vertical laundry module 10 when in the closed position. The cover
698 and spout 694 can be mechanically linked so that when the cover
698 is moved from the closed position to the stored position, the
spout 694 automatically pivots out of the basin 692 to an upright
position, and when the cover 698 is moved from the stored position
to the closed position, the spout 694 automatically pivots into the
basin 692 to a stored position. The sink 690 can be plumbed into
the laundry appliance 20 in the form of the washing machine or can
have independent plumbing. The sink 690 can be used to treat stains
on fabric items or to hand-wash or soak delicate fabric items.
[0092] The sixth embodiment of the invention can be modified to
include a backsplash in which case the vertical laundry module 10
would have approximately the same depth as the associated laundry
appliance 20, in addition to having approximately the same height.
The cover 698 could be modified to hingedly connect to the vertical
laundry module 10 in front of the backsplash.
[0093] The combination of a non-laundry care function and a laundry
care function can comprise a storage function and an ironing
function. Referring to FIG. 10, a seventh embodiment of the present
invention is shown wherein the vertical laundry module 10 has
approximately the same height as the associated laundry appliance
20, as described previously, and comprises four drawers 712, 714,
716, 718, a sliding shelf 750 comprising an ironing board 790, and
a docking station 792 for charging a cordless iron 794. The
vertical laundry module comprising an ironing function is more
completely described in our docket no. US20050295, filed
concurrently herewith, and titled "Ironing Station," which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0094] The drawers 712, 714, 716, 718 are similar to the drawers
discussed above for other embodiments of the invention and can
comprise any of the features included on the other drawers. The
drawers 712, 714, 716, 718 define interior storage spaces and are
mounted to slidably open from the front of the vertical laundry
module 10 using any suitable mounting means.
[0095] The sliding shelf 750 comprises a shelf platform 752 that is
mounted in the vertical laundry module 10 using any suitable
mounting means such that the shelf 750 can slidably extend and
retract from the vertical laundry module 10. A front panel 754 is
connected to the forward end of the shelf platform 752 with a
handle 756 integrally formed along the upper edge of the front
panel 754. The shelf platform 752 movably supports an ironing board
790. The ironing board 790 can be slidably mounted to the shelf
platform 752 on a track (not shown). The front panel 754 of the
sliding shelf 750 can be configured to pivot forwardly to a
generally horizontal orientation so that the ironing board 790 can
be pulled forward to allow the pointed end of the ironing board 790
to extend forwardly of the front panel 754. The ironing board 790
can also be configured to pivot from the top face 12e of the
vertical laundry module 10. The docking station 792 for charging
the cordless iron 794 can be formed on the top face 12e of the
vertical laundry module 10. The docking station 792 is preferably
located near the rear of the top face 12e. Locating the docking
station 792 at the rear of the top face 12e keeps the iron out of a
small child's reach and provides a clear work area for the user in
front of the docking station 792.
[0096] The seventh embodiment of the vertical laundry module 10
could also comprise the backsplash, in which case the vertical
laundry module 10 would have approximately the same depth as the
associated laundry appliance 20, in addition to having
approximately the same height. The docking station 792 can be moved
forward to accommodate the backsplash.
[0097] The combination of a non-laundry care function and a laundry
care function can comprise a storage function and a stain treatment
function. Referring to FIG. 11, an eighth embodiment of the present
invention is shown wherein the vertical laundry module 10 has
approximately the same height as the associated laundry appliance
20, as described previously, and comprises three drawers 812, 814,
816 and a stain treatment assembly 820.
[0098] The drawers 812, 814, 816 are similar to the drawers
discussed above for other embodiments of the invention and can
comprise any of the features included on the other drawers. The
drawers 812, 814, 816 define interior storage spaces and are
mounted to slidably open from the front of the vertical laundry
module 10 using any suitable mounting means.
[0099] The stain treatment assembly 820 comprises a basin 822 with
a pivoting cover 824 attached to the top face 12e by hinges 826.
When the cover 824 is positioned to cover the basin 822 when not in
use, the cover 824 is flush with the top face 12e of the vertical
laundry module 10 to form a generally continuous surface with the
associated laundry appliance 20. A supply container 828 for storing
a supply of a stain treatment agent is mounted in a pocket 830 in
the basin 822. A stain treatment wand 832 connected to a tube 834
is stored in another pocket 836 formed in the basin 822. The wand
832 and tube 834 can be extended from the pocket 836 to treat a
stain on a fabric item and retracted into the pocket 836 for
storage. The wand 832 and tube 834 are preferably fluidly connected
to both the supply container 828 and a source of water or steam.
The vertical laundry module 10 comprising the stain function can be
plumbed into the laundry appliance 20 in the form of the washing
machine for the source of water. A stain drawer 838 is provided
near the top of the vertical laundry module 10 and forms a drain to
receive used stain treatment agent. The stain drawer 838 comprises
a hollow drawer body 840 and a mesh screen 842 disposed on the
upper surface of the drawer body 840. A front panel 844 with an
integrally formed handle 846 is attached to the drawer body 840 The
stain drawer 838 forms a vacuum cavity in the drawer body 840
located beneath the mesh screen 842 and fluidly coupled to a source
of vacuum mounted in the vertical laundry module 10. To use the
stain treatment function, the stained fabric item is placed on the
mesh screen 842, and the stain treatment agent is applied to the
stain through the wand 830. The stain treatment agent is pulled
through the fabric item by vacuum force and suctioned through the
mesh screen 842.
[0100] The eighth embodiment of the vertical laundry module 10 can
also comprise a backsplash, in which case the vertical laundry
module 10 would have approximately the same depth as the associated
laundry appliance 20, in addition to having approximately the same
height. The backsplash can be positioned on the top face 12e of the
vertical laundry module 10, rearwardly of the cover 824.
[0101] The combination of two non-laundry care functions can
comprise a storage function and a bulk dispensing function.
Referring to FIG. 12, a ninth embodiment of the invention is shown
wherein the vertical laundry module 10 has approximately the same
height as the associated laundry appliance 20, as described
previously, and comprises a drawer 912 that defines an interior
storage space and a bulk dispensing drawer 990. The drawer 912 and
bulk dispensing drawer 990 are mounted to slidably open from the
front face 12a of the vertical laundry module 10.
[0102] The bulk dispensing drawer 990 comprises a drawer body 992
having a front panel 996 joined to the front wall of the drawer
body 992 using any suitable fastening means and a handle 998
integrally formed along the top edge of the front panel 996 of the
bulk dispensing drawer 990 to enable the user to pull the bulk
dispensing drawer 990 from the vertical laundry module 10. The bulk
dispensing drawer 990 can house, at least partially, a bulk
dispensing assembly comprising one or more refillable containers
994 that store a supply of a laundry aid and are fluidly connected
to a dispensing apparatus (not shown) that discharges a
predetermined amount of laundry aid upon request from the laundry
appliance 20. The bulk dispensing assembly can also be controlled
by a control panel 960 located on the vertical laundry module 10.
An example of a suitable bulk dispensing apparatus is described in
German Patent No. 8033429, published May 19, 1982, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0103] The ninth embodiment of the vertical laundry module 10 could
also comprise the backsplash, in which case the vertical laundry
module 10 would have approximately the same depth as the associated
laundry appliance 20, in addition to having approximately the same
height.
[0104] Other combinations of non-laundry care and laundry care
functions not specifically shown in the drawings are possible.
Additionally, any of these combinations can include a
backsplash.
[0105] In the above embodiments, the drawers are opened by the
handles. As an alternative, the drawers can be fitted with an
automated opening capability. The mechanism can, for example, be
operated through a push-push mechanism by pushing the front of the
drawers, or by a control panel on a face or backsplash of the
vertical laundry module 10. The drawer could also be opened by
hands-free operation such as a foot actuated pedal or a kickspace
formed near the bottom end of the vertical laundry module 10.
[0106] The laundry system can also be adapted to prevent
transference of vibration between the laundry appliance 20 and the
vertical laundry module 10. Consequently, vibration caused by
operation of one of the vertical laundry module 10 and/or of the
laundry appliance 20 does not transfer to other vertical laundry
modules 10 and laundry appliances 20 in the laundry system. Thus,
the other vertical laundry modules 10 and laundry appliances 20
remain relatively stationary, and any items supported by the
vertical laundry module 10 and the laundry appliances 20 will not
shake or fall from the respective vertical laundry module 10 and
the laundry appliances 20. The laundry system can incorporate any
suitable means for damping vibration or preventing transference of
vibration. For example, vibration dampening or isolation pads can
be positioned between adjacent components of the modular laundry
system. The isolation pads can be made of a material, such as
rubber, that dampens vibrations.
[0107] In addition to having aesthetically matching backsplashes
30, 24, the vertical laundry module 10 and the laundry appliance 20
can have matching designs to create a laundry system with an
aesthetically coherent appearance. The outer surfaces of the
vertical laundry module 10 can have the same design as the laundry
appliance 20 such that the outer surface of the laundry module 10
is the same material, texture, and color as the outer surface of
the laundry appliance 20. This can be accomplished by having a
module frame and interchangeable parts, including panels, drawers,
doors, backsplashes, etc., made to match known models of laundry
appliances 20. When the vertical laundry module 10 and the laundry
appliance 20 match one another, not only does the laundry system
provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance, but a consumer is
more likely to purchase multiple laundry system items to create a
coherent appearance in the laundry area rather than purchasing a
hodgepodge of gadgets to fulfill their laundry care and non-laundry
care functional needs in the laundry area. Various items can be
added to the vertical laundry module 10 and the laundry appliance
20 to contribute to the aesthetically coherent appearance. For
example, mats, similar to the mat 490 shown in FIG. 7, having a
matching color/pattern and/or texture can be placed on top of the
vertical laundry module 10 and the laundry appliance 20. The mats
can cover one or more of the vertical laundry module 10 and/or
laundry appliance 20.
[0108] While the invention has been specifically described in
connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that this is by way of illustration and not of
limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be
construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.
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