U.S. patent application number 15/060897 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-08 for combination washer/dryer apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hg LAUNDRY SYSTEMS, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Hg LAUNDRY SYSTEMS, LLC. Invention is credited to Thomas E. GILL, Ralph F. HAKE.
Application Number | 20160258098 15/060897 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56849729 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160258098 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HAKE; Ralph F. ; et
al. |
September 8, 2016 |
COMBINATION WASHER/DRYER APPARATUS
Abstract
A combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus for receiving,
washing, and drying clothes or other washable items includes a
housing for resting atop a generally horizontal surface (like the
floor), with the housing being generally box-like and having a
bottom portion. A first drum is pivotally mounted within the
housing, and the first drum is pivotable about a pivot axis that is
oriented generally between about 10 degrees and 50 degrees up from
the bottom portion of the housing and a movable door is mounted at
an angle of between about 40 degrees and 80 degrees up from the
bottom portion of the housing. So constructed, a compact
washer/dryer combination is provided that minimizes the risk of
water leaking through the door and that is easy to load and
unload.
Inventors: |
HAKE; Ralph F.; (Laguna
Niguel, CA) ; GILL; Thomas E.; (Laguna Niguel,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hg LAUNDRY SYSTEMS, LLC |
Laguna Niguel |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hg LAUNDRY SYSTEMS, LLC
Laguna Niguel
CA
|
Family ID: |
56849729 |
Appl. No.: |
15/060897 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62129137 |
Mar 6, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 35/002 20130101;
D06F 37/04 20130101; D06F 58/04 20130101; D06F 15/02 20130101; D06F
58/30 20200201; Y02B 40/56 20130101; D06F 23/02 20130101; D06F
29/02 20130101; D06F 35/006 20130101; D06F 21/08 20130101; D06F
58/206 20130101; D06F 25/00 20130101; D06F 2105/26 20200201; Y02B
40/00 20130101; D06F 2103/50 20200201; D06F 23/06 20130101; D06F
39/088 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 23/06 20060101
D06F023/06; D06F 25/00 20060101 D06F025/00 |
Claims
1. A combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus for receiving,
washing, and drying clothes or other washable items, the apparatus
comprising: a housing for resting atop a generally horizontal
surface, the housing being generally box-like and having a bottom
portion; and a first drum pivotally mounted within the housing,
wherein the first drum is pivotable about a pivot axis that is
oriented generally between about 10 degrees and 50 degrees up from
the bottom portion of the housing.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is
generally between about 10 degrees and 40 degrees up from the
bottom portion of the housing.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is
generally between about 10 degrees and 35 degrees up from the
bottom portion of the housing.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is
generally between about 15 degrees and 20 degrees up from the
bottom portion of the housing.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is at
a fixed orientation.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first drum is
movably mounted within the housing such that the orientation of the
pivot axis relative to the housing can be changed.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first drum is
movably mounted within the housing with a movable mount and the
movable mount can be operated such that the orientation of the
pivot axis relative to the housing can be changed.
8. A combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus as claimed in claim
1, wherein the housing has a movable door for permitting a user to
add or remove items to be washed and/or dried, and the movable door
is oriented at an angle of between about 40 degrees and 80 degrees
up from the bottom portion of the housing.
9. A combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus as claimed in claim
1, wherein the housing has a movable door for permitting a user to
add or remove items to be washed and/or dried, and the movable door
is oriented at an angle of between about 50 degrees and 80 degrees
up from the bottom portion of the housing.
10. A combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the first drum comprises an inner drum and further
comprising an outer drum rotatably encasing the inner drum.
11. A combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the first drum is mounted for oscillation in both
the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.
12. A combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus as claimed in
claim 1, wherein the first drum is mounted for rotation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/129,137 filed Mar. 6,
2015, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Laundry generally has been cleaned with the application of
three forms of cleaning action: chemical action, such as with
detergents and other cleaning chemicals; mechanical action, such as
by agitation, tumbling, rubbing the clothes by hand; and heat,
typically applied by heated water. Typically drying is accomplished
by circulating heated air around tumbling clothes in a drum.
[0003] Some global home laundry markets are "laundry pair" markets
where much of the sales are of a matched washer and dryer set (the
United States is such a "laundry pair" market). In Europe and in
Asia, the separate sale of dryers is a fraction of the number of
washers. This is because of the limited space in the home, limited
drain and vent infrastructure, higher energy costs, and the
inefficiency of small drum or condensing dryers which take hours to
dry clothes. Combination washer/dryers are sold worldwide in small
volumes because drying efficiency is poor resulting in limited
capacity and long drying times.
[0004] Most washer machines sold are either top loader machines or
front loader machines. A top loader washer machine design is shown
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,277 of Wunderlich. The basic modern day top
loading automatic washer consists of an outer drum, an inner basket
with agitator, a drive motor, a suspension system, controls, a hot
and a cold water fill, a drain pump and a lid. Many consumers
consider the top loader to be more convenient than the front loader
for loading and unloading. Typically, the outer and inner tubs
(drums) are set on a vertical axis. Moreover, a type of combination
top loader combination washer/dryer machine is shown in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,457,969 of Roaf.
[0005] In a modern front load (horizontal) washer, the same sorts
of elements are found as in the top load washer, but typically
turned sideways on a horizontal axis. A type of front loader washer
machine is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,459 of Keith.
[0006] Most washer/dryer combination machines sold are front
loading and consist of an outer drum, an inner basket, drive motor,
a suspension system, controls, a hot and cold water fill, a drain
pump a heater and a blower and a door. Typically the outer and the
inner tubs (drums) are set on a horizontal axis. Not necessarily,
but frequently, these include a condenser to collect and expel
condensate to assist in moisture removal from the clothes. A type
of combined washer dryer machine is shown in U.S. Patent
Application Publication Number US 2006/0086001 to Jeong et al.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In a first example form, the present invention relates to a
combination washer/dryer apparatus in which the washer and the
dryer occupy (and share) a single housing. This saves space,
material, and cost.
[0008] Preferably, the combination apparatus comprises a
combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus for receiving, washing,
rinsing, and drying clothes or other washable items. Preferably,
the apparatus includes a housing for resting atop a generally
horizontal surface (like the floor), with the housing being
generally box-like and having a bottom portion. A first drum is
pivotally mounted within the housing, and the first drum is
pivotable about a pivot axis that is oriented generally between
about 10 degrees and 50 degrees up from the bottom portion of the
housing.
[0009] Preferably, the pivot axis is generally between about 10
degrees and 40 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing.
More preferably, the pivot axis is generally between about 10
degrees and 35 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing.
Most preferably, the pivot axis is generally between about 15
degrees and 20 degrees up from the bottom portion of the
housing.
[0010] Optionally, the apparatus is configured and constructed such
that the pivot axis is held at a fixed orientation within the
housing. Alternatively, the apparatus is configured and constructed
such that the first drum is movably mounted within the housing in
such a way that the orientation of the pivot axis relative to the
housing can be changed.
[0011] Preferably, the housing has a movable door for permitting a
user to add or remove items to be washed and/or dried, and the
movable door is oriented at an angle of between about 40 degrees
and 80 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing.
[0012] Preferably, the first drum comprises an inner drum and an
outer drum is provided for rotatably encasing the inner drum.
Optionally, only a single drum can be provided.
[0013] Optionally, the first drum is mounted for oscillation in
both the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions and/or the
first drum is mounted for rotation.
[0014] Optionally, the combination washer/dryer utilizes a shared
single drum which is tilted at an angle relative to the horizontal,
preferably of between about 10 and 35 degrees and most preferably
between about 15 and 20 degrees. This tilt of the drum aids in both
the washing cycle and the drying cycle by providing a tumbling
agitation action. It can also wash and rinse using less water and
avoid having the level of water in the drum during the wash cycles
overlie the bottom of the front door to the washer/dryer apparatus,
thereby minimizing the likelihood of leakage through the front
door.
[0015] Preferably, the machine is low-speed (low-RPM) and thus
minimizes the centrifugal or centripetal force and is relatively
vibration free. This facilitates utilization of "uni-body"
construction. Elements of the machine may be incorporated into a
low-cost molded component. For example, the chassis, ducting,
blower mounts, etc., typically found in a washer or dryer can be a
part of the molded components. This substantially reduces material,
labor and assembly costs and time. This "uni-body" construction
generally cannot be utilized by known front and top load machines
because of the extensive use of suspension systems and
counter-balancing components needed to accommodate the high spin
rates required by those machines.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a combination
washer/dryer apparatus according to an example embodiment of the
present invention, and showing a door attached to an opening
thereof and being in the closed position.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a combination
washer/dryer apparatus according to another example embodiment of
the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a combination
washer/dryer apparatus according to another example embodiment of
the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an inner drum according to
another example embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a combination
washer/dryer apparatus according to another example embodiment of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a combination
washer/dryer apparatus according to another example embodiment of
the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of the combination
washer/dryer apparatus of FIG. 6, shown with the drum moved to a
new orientation.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a combination washer/dryer
according to another example embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like numerals
refer to like elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-8 show
particular aspects of a combination washer/dryer according to
example embodiments of the present invention. In a first example
form, the present invention relates to a combination washer/dryer
apparatus 10 in which the washer and the dryer occupy (and share) a
single housing (typically, a metal cabinet) 12. This saves space,
material, and money. Preferably, the housing 12 is box-like, with
front and rear sides, left and right sides, and a top and bottom
14. The bottom 14 is adapted for supporting the apparatus upon a
support surface, such as a floor, a cabinet, or other generally
flat, horizontal surface. Typically, the sides and top and bottom
are flat panels.
[0025] In the particular illustrative example shown in FIG. 1, the
front and rear panels are folded into two facets. For example, the
upper facet 13a of the rear panel is substantially vertical
(perpendicular to the bottom), while the lower rear facet 13b is
obliquely canted. Similarly, the lower facet 13c of the front panel
is substantially vertical (perpendicular to the bottom), while the
upper front facet or door 22 is obliquely canted. Other housing
shapes can be employed, as desired, for example, with one or more
curved surfaces or other surface features, or for example, comprise
one or more legs extending therefrom for providing support to the
first drum. Moreover, as is common in this field, the bottom 14 of
the housing 12 can be provided with leveling feet 17 (see FIG. 2).
According to one example form, about two or more feet 17 can be
mounted to the bottom portion 14 of the housing 12 to account for
an unlevel support surface. According to one example form, about
four or more feet are mounted to the bottom portion 14 of the
housing 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower rear facet 13b of the
rear panel can be substantially vertically aligned with the upper
rear facet 13a to form a generally flat panel.
[0026] Preferably, the combination apparatus comprises a
combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus 10 for receiving,
washing, and drying clothes or other washable items. Preferably,
the housing 12 is well suited for resting atop a generally
horizontal surface (like the floor). A drum 20 is pivotally mounted
within the housing, and the drum is pivotable about a pivot axis 21
that is oriented at an angle .alpha. relative to the bottom portion
14. The angle .alpha. is generally between about 10 degrees and 50
degrees as measured up from the bottom portion 14 of the housing to
the pivot axis 21. A motor 32 is mounted within the housing 12 and
a belt wraps around the drum 20 and mounts to a shaft of the motor
32. Rotation of the motor shaft causes rotation of the drum 20
about the pivot axis 21.
[0027] According to example forms, the drum 20 is generally
pivotally mounted to a rear plate 24, for example, wherein a
universal joint is provided such that the drum 20 is capable of
rotation relative to the rear plate 24 about the pivot axis 21. The
joint generally provides for a water-tight seal such that water
within the drum is incapable of leaking between the plate 24 and
the drum 20. According to some example forms, a drum support member
36 can be provided for supporting the open end of the drum. In
example forms, the drum support member 36 comprises a rotatable
member 37, which provides a continuously smooth support as the drum
rotates about the pivot axis 21.
[0028] In example forms, the drum is generally pivotally mounted to
the plate 24, and the plate 24 is generally mounted to a support 30
which is generally fixedly mounted to portions of the housing 12.
Optionally, the plate 24 may be mounted to portions of the housing
or other portions of the apparatus 10 as desired. In example forms,
controls can be incorporated with the machine to provide for
controlling the rotational movement of the drum, or for example,
the input of water and/or air therein to take the article(s) being
cleaned therein through the entirety of the cycle(s). In example
forms, the drum can rotate in either direction (e.g., clockwise or
counter-clockwise) at different intervals depending on the cycle
(i.e. wash, rinse or dry). According to one example form, during
the wash and rinse cycles, the drum will rotate about 3 times in
one direction and then about 3 times in the reverse direction for a
predetermined number of sequences, for example, about 8 or more,
for example about 10 according to one example embodiment. According
to one example form, during the drying cycle, the drum will rotate
for a greater number of times before reversing, for example about
12 or more revolutions, for example about 15 revolutions according
to one example form. This will continue until the clothes are dry,
typically determined by a moisture sensing device common in the
industry.
[0029] The rear plate 24 generally comprises at least one opening
extending therethrough for inputting or outputting air and/or water
to or from the drum 20. For example, according to one example form,
the rear plate 24 comprises a water input valve 44 (and conduit 45
extending therefrom) for providing the input of hot/cold water into
the drum. An upper portion of the plate 24 comprises a heating
element 40 and conduit 42 extending therebetween for providing
warm/hot air within the drum 20. In example forms, an air blower is
generally configured for moving air across the heating element 40
such that the air is warmed prior to entering the drum. For
example, air is move across the heating element 40 whereby warm/hot
air moves through the conduit 42, through the plate 24 and within
the drum 20. A drain 46 (and conduit 50 extending therefrom) is
provided near a lower portion of the plate 24 for receiving water
to be drained out of the drum. According to some example forms, a
vacuum may be employed to facilitate removal of the water from the
drum 20. Generally, the drain 46 is positioned on the plate such
that at least a majority of the water within the drum freely enters
the drain 46. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a lower drain port
232 formed through the stationary rear plate 230 is generally
positioned such that substantially all of the water W within the
drum can freely drain out through the lower drain port. Optionally,
other ports 234, 236 may be provided at the rear plate 230 for
inputting/outputting water/air to or from the drum 220.
[0030] An exhaust conduit 52 is provided near an open end of the
drum 20, for example, which is generally coupled to a ring member
54 of the drum 20. According to example forms, a ring or collar 54
is generally mounted to an upper portion of the drum 20 and
provides an opening extending within the drum such that the conduit
52 couples to the opening for receiving air exhausted from the
drum. In some example forms, the drum 20 is capable of rotation
while the collar 54 generally remains stationary. Optionally, a
lint filter or other filter may be provided.
[0031] Preferably, the pivot axis angle .alpha. is generally
between about 10 degrees and 40 degrees. More preferably, the pivot
axis angle .alpha. is generally between about 10 degrees and 35
degrees. Most preferably, the pivot axis angle .alpha. is generally
between about 15 degrees and 20 degrees. This tilt of the drum aids
in both the washing cycle and the drying cycle by providing a
tumbling agitation action. It can also reduce the water
requirements in wash and rinse cycle and avoid having the level of
water in the drum during the wash cycles overlie the bottom of the
front door to the washer/dryer apparatus, thereby minimizing the
likelihood of leakage through the front door. Moreover, the tilt or
angle of the pivot axis can be chosen to be lower for greater
tumbling effect or can be chosen to be higher for greater
protection against water leakage. Taking such considerations to a
logical extreme, if the pivot axis angle were increased all the way
to 90 degrees (so that the pivot axis is vertical), maximum
protection against water leakage through the door is achieved, but
at the expense of eliminating tumbling action (which works with
gravity). At the other extreme, if the pivot axis angle were
decreased to zero (a horizontal pivot axis), tumbling action is
maximized, but protection against leakage through the door is at a
minimum.
[0032] Optionally, the apparatus 10 is configured and constructed
such that the pivot axis 21 is held at a fixed orientation within
the housing. Thus, in such an embodiment, the drum is stationary
(other than rotation/pivoting motion). For example, as depicted in
FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the pivot axis 21 is generally held at a fixed
orientation within the housing. Alternatively, the apparatus 10 can
be configured and constructed such that the drum 20 is movably
mounted within the housing 12 in such a way that the orientation of
the pivot axis 21 relative to the housing 12 can be changed. This
can be accomplished in a number of ways. For example, an upper end
of the drums can be supported by a pivot bearing and the lower end
can be raised and lowered with a jack screw to vary the pivot axis
angle (orientation). Also, the lower ends of the drums can be
pivotally mounted and the upper ends raised and lowered to change
the angle, such as with a cable, a rack and pinion gear
arrangement, a jack screw, etc. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, a center
axial drum 320 is mounted to a drum carrier 330 (e.g., with
bearings, seals, etc.), which in turn is mounted to a pivot arm
332. The pivot arm 332 pivots about a pivot 334. The orientation of
the pivot arm 332 relative to the housing can be varied, thereby
varying the pivot axis orientation, for example between a first
angle .alpha.1 and a second angle .alpha.2. According to one
example form, a retractable jack 350 is provided for supporting the
end portion of the drum 320 while also causing pivotal movement of
the drum 320 about pivot 334 by employing a motor and belt similar
to the embodiment of FIG. 1. If substantial angular adjustment is
to be provided, it may be necessary to include a flexible or
sliding joint between the housing and the upper ends of the drums,
for as the pivot axis angle is varied, the ends of the drums will
go through an arcuate movement within the housing, and the flexible
or sliding joint can accommodate for the such.
[0033] According to some example embodiments, the pivot axis of the
drum is generally oriented at the first angle .alpha.1 when the
apparatus 300 is washing and rinsing the clothes, and the drum 320
is generally oriented at the second angle .alpha.2 when the
apparatus 300 is drying the clothes. According to one example form,
the first angle .alpha.1 is generally oriented between about 35 and
60 degrees when washing and/or rinsing the clothes, and the second
angle .alpha.2 is generally oriented between about 10 and 30
degrees when drying the clothes. Thus, rotation of the drum 320 at
a first angle .alpha.1 when washing prevents any water near the lid
and reduces the overall water consumption, and rotation of the drum
320 at the second angle .alpha.2 provides for maximizing the
tumbling action when drying. According to some example forms, the
angle .alpha. relative to the bottom portion 14 or horizontal
surface is can be adjusted while the drum 320 remains in rotation.
For example, when the clothes or garments therein are ready to be
dried, the angle .alpha. can be varied between an angle generally
less than .alpha.1 to an angle that is generally greater or equal
to .alpha.1. In example forms, varying the angle of the pivot axis
of the drum 320 relative to horizontal while the drum is in
rotation is generally preferred. Optionally, the drum may cease all
rotation so that the retractable jack can be provided for changing
the angle .alpha., and then maintain an angle throughout the
entirety of the wash or dry cycle. Accordingly, according to some
example forms of the invention, the angle of the pivot axis of the
drum relative to the bottom can be varied while there is at least
some rotation of the drum.
[0034] Preferably, the housing has a movable door 22, 122, 222 for
permitting a user to add or remove items to be washed and/or dried,
and the movable door 22, 122, 222 is oriented at an angle .beta. of
between about 40 degrees and 80 degrees as measured up from the
bottom portion of the housing 12 (see FIGS. 1-3 and 5). According
to example forms, the movable door 22, 122, 222 can generally be
configured for movement in a plurality of different directions
relative to the housing or drum. For example, as shown in FIGS.
1-3, the door 22, 122 is generally configured for traversing up and
down between a closed position and an open position. Optionally,
the door 22, 122 may be configured for horizontal movement in a
side-to-side motion, or for example, be hinged or otherwise movably
connected to the housing and/or drum. Optionally, the door is
mounted to a portion of the drum. The door can be movably fixed to
the drum, and may be mounted thereto such that the door generally
remains stationary while the drum is capable of rotation relative
to the door. In example forms, the door can be slightly lifted or
slid upward, thereby providing access within the drum. This allows
for a minimum intrusion into the space where the machine is
located. According to some example forms, the door includes a
vacuum bag that deploys into the inner drum, as will be described
below.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows a washing/drying apparatus comprising an outer
drum 120 and an inner drum 121, for example, wherein the outer drum
120 rotatably encases the inner drum 121. In example forms, the
inner drum 121 rotatably mounts about a pivot axis 21 that is
oriented at an angle .alpha., which is generally between about 10
and 40 degrees relative to a generally horizontal axis, or for
example, relative to a bottom portion 114 of the housing 112.
Generally, the outer drum 120 substantially encases the inner drum
121 but preferably allows for rotation thereof relative thereto in
both the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. As shown in
FIG. 4, the lower portion of the inner drum can be perforated. The
perforations allow air and water to flow in and out of the inner
drum. The actual amount of perforations are dictated by performance
results from further testing.
[0036] In example forms, the inner drum 121 is connected to a
conduit shaft (pipe shaft) that allows warm air to enter the inner
drum 121. The shaft is connected to a drive belt, gear, pulley or
other suitable drive mechanism connected to a drive motor that will
turn the inner drum. The conduit shaft is ultimately in
communication with a heating conduit 142. The heating conduit
preferably comprises a heating element 140 positioned therein or at
least along a portion thereof such that a blower 136 provides an
airflow across the heating element 140 and and supplies heated air
through the conduits to within the inner drum 121. According to
some example forms, the drive motor 132 preferably provides input
to the blower 136, for example so that the drive of the motor also
drives the blower. Optionally, the drive motor 132 is generally
separate from the drive of the blower 136. Preferably, according to
some example embodiments, the outer drum 120 comprises a water and
detergent input 160, a drain coupling 146 (and conduit extending
therefrom), and an air exhaust conduit 152.
[0037] After the drum has been loaded with clothes or other objects
to be washed, and an appropriate amount of water and detergent is
in the drum, the drum will oscillate, for example, in a similar
manner as the inner drum of current front load machines. While the
drum is oscillating/rotating, air is being blown through the pipe
shaft creating a jacuzzi-like turbulence, hastening the wash cycle.
When the wash cycle is complete, water is drained or evacuated by
activating a drain pump or vacuum pump (via the drain 146),
simultaneously closing the blast gate (or other suitable valve) and
a bag or bladder or bellow will deploy from the top of the tank or
door, using fluid (air/water) or other mechanical means pressing
against the clothes and squeezing the water from the clothes. The
vacuum or drain pump will pull the washing wastewater into the
drain 146, and ultimately into a receiving tank until the water is
further drained from the machine 100. According to some example
forms, when the liquid has exited the drum, the drain pump will be
activated and the water is exited to the drain in the home.
[0038] Upon draining the liquid, the bag is recalled into the
top/lid and the machine is ready for the rinse cycle. The drum
rotates/oscillates for a shorter time together with the blower
action, for example, as the same as the wash cycle, to rinse the
clothes. Again, the bag deploys, pressing against the clothes,
thereby allowing the water being removed therefrom. Optionally, the
rinsing and water removal process may be repeated again to ensure
most (if not all) of the cleaning agent is removed from the
clothes.
[0039] When the rinse cycle(s) are completed and the bag has
deployed for the last time pressing against the clothes to remove
as much water as possible, the bag is recalled and the blower 136
and heating element 140 are activated, and the drum
rotates/oscillates, causing the clothes to tumble within the inner
drum.
[0040] According to one example form, the machine is low-speed
(low-RPM), and thus relatively vibration free. This facilitates
utilization of "uni-body" construction. Elements of the machine may
be incorporated into a low-cost molded component. For example, the
chassis, ducting, blower mounts, etc. typically found in a washer
or dryer can be a part of the molded components. This substantially
reduces material, labor and assembly costs and time. This
"uni-body" construction generally cannot be utilized by the front
and top load machines because of the extensive use of suspension
systems and counter balancing components needed to accommodate the
high spin rates required by those machines.
[0041] According to another example form, the present invention
comprises a combination washer-and-dryer apparatus comprising a
unibody housing having at least one drum for receiving, washing,
and drying clothes or other washable items, wherein the at least
one drum is generally rotatably mounted about an axis that is
generally offset at an angle relative to a generally vertical axis,
wherein the axis of the at least one rotatable drum is generally
offset between about 65-80 degrees relative to the vertical axis.
Optionally, a door is provided for opening and closing access to
the at least one drum, and for proper retention of contents therein
substantially within the at least one drum, which may be relieved
by one or more conduits or pipes for the addition and/or removal of
air and/or water and/or vapor to/from the drum, and which is
generally provided for washing and drying patterned textiles,
clothes, or other garments or at least washable items.
[0042] FIG. 8 shows a washer/dryer apparatus 400 according to
another example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted,
the washer/dryer apparatus 400 generally comprises the elements as
described above, for example, a drum rotatably mounted to a rear,
fixedly-mounted plate, a drive motor and belt for providing
rotation to the drum relative to the plate, and a housing or frame
412. According to some example forms, the apparatus 400 generally
comprises a substantially horizontally oriented washer/dryer
apparatus 400 (typically perceived as a front loading machine), and
wherein a portion of the frame 412 thereof is generally pivotally
mounted to a support or base member 416 that is generally provided
for placement against a floor or support surface. Thus, according
to example forms, the apparatus 400 is generally pivotable relative
to the base member 416 such that the drum can generally be
positioned at an angle .alpha. relative to a horizontal portion of
the base member. For example, the angle .alpha. can preferably be
oriented between about 0 degrees for orienting the drum in a
generally horizontal manner to about 90 degrees for orienting the
drum in a generally vertical manner. In example forms, the base
member 416 generally comprises one or more stability feed for
resting atop a support surface. Optionally, one or more wheels can
be incorporated therein for accommodating movement of the base
member 416 atop the support surface.
[0043] It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to
the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described
and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for
the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example
only. Thus, the terminology is intended to be broadly construed and
is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. For
example, as used in the specification including the appended
claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "one" include the plural,
the term "or" means "and/or," and reference to a particular
numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, any methods
described herein are not intended to be limited to the sequence of
steps described but can be carried out in other sequences, unless
expressly stated otherwise herein.
[0044] While the invention has been shown and described in
exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *