Whirlpool Corporation

Carl E Eichman

James R Mulder

Gerald L Kretchman

James I Czech

Vincent P Gurubatham

Dennis W Hauch

Garrett K Kinyon

A support structure for a vertically arranged combination household appliance, more particularly a front loading dryer assembly arranged above a top loading washer assembly, includes vertical main support members, horizontal members and other members. The structure adequately supports both appliance assemblies of the combination appliance during transportation and usage, provides improved operating performance during off balance washer spin conditions or dryer tumbling, and maintains unitary appliance characteristics by being an integral part of the combination appliance design and by being located entirely interior to the appliance cabinetry.

Washer/dryer frame construction

A front-serviceable appliance of the type requiring removal of a cabinet top for servicing. The invention permits the use of a horizontally sliding cabinet top. The appliance includes resilient retaining clips that secure the cabinet top and simultaneously prevent accidental disconnection of a cabinet-top actuated electrical connection. Also included in a mounting for a water-inlet vacuum-break that allows the vacuum-break to pivot downwardly to provide clearance for sliding of the cabinet top for removal or replacement. The sliding cabinet top reduces vertical space required to gain service access, while the electrical connection eliminates the need for a separate fastener, thus greatly simplifying cabinet top actuation.

Removable cabinet top for front-serviceable appliance

A combined appliance for washing and drying laundry of the over/under type. The appliance includes a washer tub wherein the ratio of the tub diameter to the tub depth is approximately 1.3, and further includes a dryer having a drum wherein the ratio of the drum diameter to the drum depth is approximately 1.3. A washer basket is disposed in the washer tub, and the ratio of the dryer drum volume to the capacity of the washer basket is approximately 2.4. The volume of the dryer drum is greater than 4 cubic feet, and the washer basket capacity is greater than 2 cubic feet. The rearwardmost extent of the washer tub is closer to a vertical centerline of the dryer drum than to a rear of the dryer drum, thus enhancing access to the interior of the washer and facilitating transfer of the laundry from the washer to the dryer.

Washer/dryer configuration

A dispenser for a granular wash additive is provided which comprises a reservoir for receiving the additive and has a liquid inlet and a narrow slot-like opening for dispensing the additive. A tunnel member or chute is provided in the liquid flow path between the inlet and outlet, which is to be covered by the additive so that a portion of the inlet liquid will be directed below and within the pile of additive to effect a complete dispensing of the additive. An insert is provided for dispensing liquid additive from the same dispenser.

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Lincoln, MI, United States of America

Carl E Eichman