U.S. patent application number 15/091600 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-12 for laundry additive dispenser.
The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Ashutosh Kulkarni.
Application Number | 20170292217 15/091600 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59999285 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170292217 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kulkarni; Ashutosh |
October 12, 2017 |
Laundry Additive Dispenser
Abstract
An additive dispensing assembly for providing wash liquid to a
wash tub of a washing machine appliance is provided. The additive
dispensing assembly includes a water supply conduit configured to
provide a flow of water to the wash tub. An additive reservoir is
connected to the water supply conduit such that the flow of water
through the water supply conduit draws in and entrains the wash
additive prior to delivery of the wash liquid into the wash tub.
The resulting wash liquid has an optimal additive concentration
that is proportional to the amount of water delivered to the wash
tub.
Inventors: |
Kulkarni; Ashutosh;
(Bangalore, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59999285 |
Appl. No.: |
15/091600 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/022 20130101;
D06F 39/02 20130101; D06F 23/04 20130101; D06F 2204/088 20130101;
D06F 39/088 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/02 20060101
D06F039/02 |
Claims
1. A washing machine appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and
a transverse direction, the washing machine appliance comprising: a
cabinet; a wash tub positioned within the cabinet; a wash basket
rotatably mounted within the wash tub, the wash basket defining a
wash chamber for receiving articles for washing; and an additive
dispensing assembly positioned within the cabinet and configured to
provide wash liquid to the wash tub, the additive dispensing
assembly comprising: a water supply conduit extending between a
water supply and the wash tub; an additive dispenser for storing
and dispensing a wash additive; and a siphon channel extending from
the additive dispenser to the water supply conduit, wherein a flow
of water directed through the water supply conduit creates a siphon
which draws the wash additive into the water supply conduit to mix
with the flow of water and create a wash liquid that is dispensed
into the wash tub.
2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the siphon
channel is connected to the water supply conduit using a
venturi-shaped nozzle.
3. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the water
supply conduit is in fluid communication with both a hot water
supply through a hot water inlet and a cold water supply through a
cold water inlet.
4. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the siphon
channel is calibrated to provide a selected flow rate of the wash
additive.
5. The washing machine appliance of claim 4, wherein the selected
flow rate of the wash additive is proportional to a flow rate of
the flow of water through the water supply conduit.
6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising a
valve operatively coupled with the siphon channel for controlling
the flow of the wash additive through the siphon channel.
7. The washing machine appliance of claim 6, wherein the valve is a
solenoid valve that is selectively controlled based on at least one
of the selected wash cycle, the soil level of the articles to be
washed, and the article type.
8. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising a
pump operatively coupled with the siphon channel, the pump
configured to selectively dispense the wash additive from the
additive dispenser.
9. The washing machine appliance of claim 8, further comprising a
valve operatively coupled with the siphon channel for controlling
the flow of the wash additive through the siphon channel.
10. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash
additive is either detergent or fabric softener.
11. An additive dispensing assembly for providing wash liquid to a
wash tub of a washing machine appliance, the additive dispensing
assembly comprising: a water supply conduit extending between a
water supply and the wash tub; a solenoid valve operatively coupled
to the water supply and configured to selectively provide a flow of
water to the wash tub; an additive reservoir configured for
receiving a wash additive; and an additive supply conduit operably
coupling the additive reservoir to the water supply conduit such
that the flow of water through the water supply conduit creates a
negative pressure in the additive supply conduit which draws the
wash additive into the water supply conduit to mix with the flow of
water and create a wash liquid that is dispensed into the wash
tub.
12. The additive dispensing assembly of claim 11, wherein the
additive supply conduit is connected to the water supply conduit
using a venturi-shaped nozzle.
13. The additive dispensing assembly of claim 11, wherein the water
supply conduit is in fluid communication with both a hot water
supply through a hot water inlet and a cold water supply through a
cold water inlet.
14. The additive dispensing assembly of claim 11, wherein the
additive supply conduit is calibrated to provide a selected flow
rate of the wash additive.
15. The additive dispensing assembly of claim 14, wherein the
selected flow rate of the wash additive is proportional to a flow
rate of the flow of water through the water supply conduit.
16. The additive dispensing assembly of claim 11, further
comprising a valve operatively coupled with the additive supply
conduit for controlling a flow of the wash additive through the
additive supply conduit.
17. The additive dispensing assembly of claim 16, wherein the valve
is a solenoid valve that is selectively controlled based on at
least one of the selected wash cycle, the soil level of the
articles to be washed, and the article type.
18. The additive dispensing assembly of claim 11, further
comprising a pump operatively coupled with the additive supply
conduit, the pump configured to selectively dispense the wash
additive from the additive reservoir.
19. The additive dispensing assembly of claim 18, further
comprising a valve operatively coupled with the additive supply
conduit for controlling a flow of the wash additive through the
additive supply conduit.
20. The additive dispensing assembly of claim 11, wherein the wash
additive is either detergent or fabric softener.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to washing
machine appliances and more particularly to additive dispensers for
washing machine appliances.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for
containing water or wash liquid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach,
and/or other wash additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within
the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for
washing. During normal operation of such washing machine
appliances, the wash liquid is directed into the tub and onto
articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an
agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles
within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within
the wash chamber, etc.
[0003] During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a
volume of wash liquid is directed into the tub in order to wash
and/or rinse articles within the wash chamber. One or more fluid
additives may be added to the wash liquid to enhance the cleaning
or other properties of the wash liquid. The fluid additives may be
in powder or concentrated liquid form, and may be added to a
dispenser box of the washing machine appliance by, e.g., a user of
the washing machine appliance. The dispenser box may contain
various chambers for containing different additives, e.g., wash
detergent and softener.
[0004] However, to ensure proper detergent concentrations, users
must carefully measure the proper detergent amount for each cycle,
considering factors such as the size and type of the load, the
temperature of the water, and the selected wash cycle. Although
some washing machine appliances have bulk additive dispensers that
automatically dispense a controlled amount of detergent from a
storage reservoir, such bulk dispensers are configured to provide
fixed amounts of detergent for a given cycle, may not take into
consideration factors such as water amount, and are often complex
subsystems requiring many components.
[0005] Accordingly, a washing machine appliance having and additive
dispensing assembly that improves delivery of detergent is
desirable. More particularly, a simplified additive dispensing
assembly that provides an accurate detergent quantity for a given
load and improves wash and rinse performance would be particularly
beneficial.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present subject matter provides an additive dispensing
assembly for providing wash liquid to a wash tub of a washing
machine appliance. The additive dispensing assembly includes a
water supply conduit configured to provide a flow of water to the
wash tub. An additive reservoir is connected to the water supply
conduit such that the flow of water through the water supply
conduit draws in and entrains the wash additive prior to delivery
of the wash liquid into the wash tub. The resulting wash liquid has
an optimal additive concentration that is proportional to the
amount of water delivered to the wash tub. Additional aspects and
advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the
following description, or may be apparent from the description, or
may be learned through practice of the invention.
[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance
defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction is
provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet; a wash
tub positioned within the cabinet; and a wash basket rotatably
mounted within the wash tub, the wash basket defining a wash
chamber for receiving articles for washing. The washing machine
appliance further includes an additive dispensing assembly
positioned within the cabinet and configured to provide wash liquid
to the wash tub. The additive dispensing assembly includes a water
supply conduit extending between a water supply and the wash tub;
an additive dispenser for storing and dispensing a wash additive;
and a siphon channel extending from the additive dispenser to the
water supply conduit. A flow of water directed through the water
supply conduit creates a siphon which draws the wash additive into
the water supply conduit to mix with the flow of water and create a
wash liquid that is dispensed into the wash tub.
[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, an additive dispensing
assembly for providing wash liquid to a wash tub of a washing
machine appliance is provided. The additive dispensing assembly
includes a water supply conduit extending between a water supply
and the wash tub and a solenoid valve operatively coupled to the
water supply and configured to selectively provide a flow of water
to the wash tub. The additive dispensing assembly further includes
an additive reservoir configured for receiving a wash additive and
an additive supply conduit operably coupling the additive reservoir
to the water supply conduit such that the flow of water through the
water supply conduit creates a negative pressure in the additive
supply conduit which draws the wash additive into the water supply
conduit to mix with the flow of water and create a wash liquid that
is dispensed into the wash tub.
[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures.
[0011] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine
appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter with a door of the exemplary washing machine
appliance shown in a closed position.
[0012] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing
machine appliance of FIG. 1 with the door of the exemplary washing
machine appliance shown in an open position.
[0013] FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of an additive dispensing
assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter, wherein an additive supply conduit couples an
additive reservoir to the water supply conduit.
[0014] FIG. 4 provides a schematic view of an additive dispensing
assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter, wherein a solenoid valve controls the flow of wash
additive through an additive supply conduit.
[0015] FIG. 5 provides a schematic view of an additive dispensing
assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter, wherein a solenoid valve and pump control the flow
of wash additive through an additive supply conduit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0017] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a
vertical axis washing machine appliance 100. In FIG. 1, a lid or
door 130 is shown in a closed position. In FIG. 2, door 130 is
shown in an open position. Washing machine appliance 100 generally
defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a
transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular,
such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.
[0018] While described in the context of a specific embodiment of
vertical axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings
disclosed herein it will be understood that vertical axis washing
machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other
washing machine appliances having different configurations,
different appearances, and/or different features may also be
utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., horizontal
axis washing machines.
[0019] Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends
between a top portion 103 and a bottom portion 104 along the
vertical direction V. A wash basket 120 (FIG. 2) is rotatably
mounted within cabinet 102. A motor (not shown) is in mechanical
communication with wash basket 120 to selectively rotate wash
basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing
machine appliance 100). Wash basket 120 is received within a wash
tub or wash chamber 121 (FIG. 2) and is configured for receipt of
articles for washing. The wash tub 121 holds wash and rinse fluids
for agitation in wash basket 120 within wash tub 121. An agitator
or impeller (not shown) extends into wash basket 120 and is also in
mechanical communication with the motor. The impeller assists
agitation of articles disposed within wash basket 120 during
operation of washing machine appliance 100.
[0020] Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top panel
140. Top panel 140 defines an opening 105 (FIG. 2) that permits
user access to wash basket 120 of wash tub 121. Door 130, rotatably
mounted to top panel 140, permits selective access to opening 105;
in particular, door 130 selectively rotates between the closed
position shown in FIG. 1 and the open position shown in FIG. 2. In
the closed position, door 130 inhibits access to wash basket 120.
Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash basket
120. A window 136 in door 130 permits viewing of wash basket 120
when door 130 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of
washing machine appliance 100. Door 130 also includes a handle 132
that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift when opening and closing
door 130. Further, although door 130 is illustrated as mounted to
top panel 140, alternatively, door 130 may be mounted to cabinet
102 or any other suitable support.
[0021] A control panel 110 with at least one input selector 112
(FIG. 1) extends from top panel 140. Control panel 110 and input
selector 112 collectively form a user interface input for operator
selection of machine cycles and features. A display 114 of control
panel 110 indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown
timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users regarding
operation.
[0022] Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by
a controller or processing device 108 (FIG. 1) that is operatively
coupled to control panel 110 for user manipulation to select
washing machine cycles and features. In response to user
manipulation of control panel 110, controller 108 operates the
various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute
selected machine cycles and features.
[0023] Controller 108 may include a memory and microprocessor, such
as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute
programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a
cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such
as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one
embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored
in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the
processor or may be included onboard within the processor.
Alternatively, controller 100 may be constructed without using a
microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or
digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators,
comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform
control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control
panel 110 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may
be in communication with controller 108 via one or more signal
lines or shared communication busses.
[0024] During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry
items are loaded into wash basket 120 through opening 105, and
washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of
input selectors 112. Wash additives may be added to washing machine
appliance 100 to assist in the cleaning process. In this regard, as
will be described in detail below, an additive dispensing assembly
200 is configured to provide one or more wash additives, such as
powdered detergent, concentrated wash liquid, pretreating additive,
bleach, etc.
[0025] Water may be added to additive dispensing assembly 200 to
mix with wash additives and create a wash liquid that may be
dispensed into wash basket 120. One or more valves can be
controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling
wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles
being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once
wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash
basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with an impeller as discussed
previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 120.
[0026] After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed,
wash basket 120 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed
by again adding fluid to wash basket 120 depending on the specifics
of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller may again
provide agitation within wash basket 120. One or more spin cycles
also may be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after
the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle to wring wash fluid
from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket
120 is rotated at relatively high speeds. After articles disposed
in wash basket 120 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove
the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by reaching into wash
basket 120 through opening 105.
[0027] Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 through 5, an additive
dispensing assembly 200 that may be used with washing machine
appliance 100 will be described in more detail. Although the
discussion below refers to additive dispensing assembly 200, one
skilled in the art will appreciate that the features and
configurations described may be used for other additive dispensers
in other washing machine appliances as well. For example, additive
dispensing assembly 200 may be positioned elsewhere within cabinet
102, may have a different components or configurations, and may
dispense water, detergent, or other additives. Other variations and
modifications of the exemplary embodiment described below are
possible, and such variations are contemplated as within the scope
of the present subject matter.
[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, additive dispensing
assembly 200 may be mounted within cabinet 102 using a plurality of
mounting features, using mechanical fasteners, or in any other
suitable manner. Similarly, glue, snap-fit mechanisms,
interference-fit mechanisms, or any suitable combination thereof
may secure additive dispensing assembly 200 to cabinet 102. One
skilled in the art will appreciate that additive dispensing
assembly 200 may be mounted in other locations and use other
mounting means according to alternative exemplary embodiments.
[0029] Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, an exemplary
embodiment of additive dispensing assembly 200 will be described in
detail. As shown, water or wash liquid is provided to wash tub 121
through a water supply conduit 202. Water supply conduit 202 may
receive hot and cold water from a hot water inlet 204 and a cold
water inlet 206, respectively. In order to dispense wash liquid at
the desired temperature, hot and cold water may be selectively
dispensed in ratios that produce the desired water temperature. For
example, the flow of hot water through hot water inlet 204 may be
controlled using a hot water solenoid valve 205 and the flow of
cold water through cold water inlet 206 may be controlled using a
cold water solenoid valve 207.
[0030] Water supply conduit 202 may terminate at wash tub 121 in
any manner suitable for dispensing water and/or wash liquid into
wash tub 121. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment,
water supply conduit 202 is fluidly connected to wash tub 121
through a dispensing nozzle 210. However, according to alternative
embodiments, water supply conduit 202 may simply terminate at wash
tub 121 with no change in its diameter or may have a venturi-shaped
end.
[0031] Additive dispensing assembly 200 may further include an
additive dispenser 220, e.g., a reservoir for storing wash
additive. In this regard, additive dispenser 220 may be configured
to receive one or more wash additives. More particularly, according
to an exemplary embodiment, additive dispenser 220 is a reservoir
that is intended to store sufficient wash additives for multiple
wash cycles in order to avoid requiring the user to add a measured
quantity of wash additive prior to each wash cycle. In one
embodiment, the wash additive is a liquid and in another
embodiment, the wash additive is a powdered detergent.
[0032] Additive dispenser 220 is connected to water supply conduit
202 through an additive supply conduit 222. Additive supply conduit
222 is a siphon channel that draws in wash additive from additive
dispenser 220 when water flows through water supply conduit 202.
More particularly, as water is supplied through water supply
conduit 202 into wash tub 121, the flowing water creates a negative
pressure within additive supply conduit 222. This negative pressure
draws in wash additive from additive dispenser 220 in proportion to
the amount of water flowing through water supply conduit 202.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, additive supply conduit 222 is connected
to water supply conduit 202 through a venturi-shaped additive
nozzle 224. The additive supply conduit 222 and additive nozzle 224
may be sized and configured to ensure the desired amount of wash
additive is supplied for a given water flow rate through water
supply conduit 202. For example, by adjusting the diameter of the
additive supply conduit 222 and the flow restriction of additive
nozzle 224, the flowrate of wash additive may be adjusted.
[0034] According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, water
supply conduit 202 is fluidly connected to wash tub 121 through a
dispensing nozzle 210, and additive supply conduit 222 is connected
to water supply conduit 202 through a venturi-shaped additive
nozzle 224. In general, nozzles 210, 224 may be shaped in any
manner suitable for injecting wash liquid into wash tub 121 and
wash additive into water supply conduit 202, respectively.
[0035] According to the exemplary embodiment, nozzles 210, 224 are
shaped in the form of a venturi. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 3, venturi-shaped additive nozzle 224 may be a tapered end of
additive supply conduit 222. More specifically, additive supply
conduit 222 may define an inner surface 226 that defines an opening
228 through which additive supply conduit 222 is connected to water
supply conduit 202. Inner surface 226 may be tapered--i.e., may
decrease in internal diameter--as the additive supply conduit 222
approaches opening 228 and water supply conduit 202. In this manner
tapered inner surface 226 may result in a flow restriction of
additive supply conduit 222, and as a result of the Venturi effect,
the pressure of wash additive flowing through nozzle 224 may
decrease in pressure and increase in velocity. Notably, dispensing
nozzle 210 may be formed in a similar manner to provide wash liquid
to wash tub 121. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the
shape of nozzles 210, 224 may be varied in order to adjust flow
characteristics therethrough, and such variations are contemplated
as within the scope of the present subject matter.
[0036] As illustrated, additive supply conduit 222 is connected to
water supply conduit 202 slightly upstream of dispensing nozzle
210. In this manner, the flowing water may entrain, mix, and
dissolve the wash additive to form a wash liquid prior to
dispensing into wash tub 121 through dispensing nozzle 210.
According to alternative embodiments, additive supply conduit 222
may be connected further upstream on water supply conduit 202 or in
a location where wash additive may dissolve more quickly, e.g.,
near hot water inlet 204.
[0037] In operation, additive dispensing assembly 200 adds a wash
additive from additive dispenser 220 in proportion to the amount of
water flowing through water supply conduit 202. More specifically,
water is provided from cold water inlet 206 and hot water inlet 204
to achieve the desired water flowrate and temperature. This
flowrate and temperature may be controlled by controller 108 or may
be manually adjusted by the user. Water flows into the water supply
conduit 202 past additive nozzle 224, creating a negative pressure
in additive supply conduit 222. This negative pressure draws in
wash additive from additive dispenser 220. The wash additive
travels through additive supply conduit 222 and is injected into
water supply conduit 202 by additive nozzle 224. The water
traveling through water supply conduit 202 entrains, mixes, and
dissolves the wash additive to create a wash liquid that is
dispensed into wash tub 121. Notably, the concentration of wash
additive in the wash liquid it proportional to the amount of water
delivered to wash tub.
[0038] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG.
4, additive dispensing assembly 200 may further include a valve 230
for controlling the flow of wash additive through additive supply
conduit 222. For example, valve 230 may be a solenoid valve that is
electrically connected to controller 108. However, any other
suitable valve may be used to control the flow of wash additive.
Controller 108 may selectively open and close valve 230 to allow
wash additive to flow from additive dispenser 220 through additive
supply conduit 222. For example, during a rinse cycle where only
water is desired, valve 230 may be closed to prevent wash additive
from being drawn through additive supply conduit 222.
[0039] According to another alternative embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 5, additive dispensing assembly 200 may include both a valve
230 and a pump 232. Valve 230 may operate in the same manner as
described with respect to FIG. 4. Pump 232 may be used to pump a
desired amount of wash additive from additive dispenser 220 through
additive supply conduit 222, regardless of the flowrate of water.
This may be desirable, for example, for extra soiled loads for
which it is desirable to provide a concentrated wash liquid into
wash tub 121. Alternatively, pump 232 could supply a lower quantity
of wash additive for light loads that do not require concentrated
wash liquid. Although FIG. 5 illustrates pump 232 being used with
valve 230, one skilled in the art will appreciate that pump 232
also be used independently of valve 230 in alternative
embodiments.
[0040] One skilled in the art will appreciate that in addition to
the configurations of additive dispensing assembly 200 described
herein, alternative configurations of additive dispensing assembly
200 are possible and within the scope of the present subject
matter. For example, although only one additive dispenser 220 is
described herein, one skilled in the art will appreciate that more
than one additive dispenser may be included in alternative
embodiments, e.g., for holding a wash detergent and a softener.
Other configurations are also possible.
[0041] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *