Whirlpool Corporation

James R Mulder

Gerald L Kretchman

Carl E Eichman

James I Czech

John W Pielemeier

Joel M Snider

Paul R Staun

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 hose retainer is provided for removably securing hoses within a cabinet of the appliance. The retainer includes a hook for securing the apparatus to a structure inside the appliance, a slit for receiving an end of a hose, and in one embodiment at least one aperture for receiving an end of a second hose. In a second embodiment the apparatus includes an arm and projection for securing an end of the second hose. The appliance includes access ports for affording access to a portion of the hoses.

Shipment hose storage for appliances

A centrifugal liquid additive dispenser is provided for an automatic washer having a high stroke rate oscillating vertical agitator and a high spin speed which is readily assembled onto and removed from the agitator by means of a deformable annular wall with inwardly projecting buttons which engage below a lip on the agitator and are held in a locked position by a movable locking ring. The dispenser has a cup which is designed to prevent the dispensing of liquid below a rotational speed of 300 R.P.M.

Centrifugal dispenser for automatic washer with high speed spin

A foreign objects trap for an automatic washer is provided in the wash liquid flow path just upstream of the pump which has a settling chamber and a separator plate to trap foreign objects. The separator plate has irregularly shaped tubes therethrough which, in conjunction with a closely spaced wall of the trap housing, prevent passage of lighter than water objects. A lower portion of the housing is removable for cleaning and is transparent for visual inspection.

Foreign objects trap for automatic washer

A laundry additive dispenser for use with laundry appliances has a tiltable bin pivotally mounted for user access on a panel of the laundry appliance. The bin is divided into three sections which are exposed when the bin is tilted forward to a receiving position and may be filled with liquid or granular laundry additives. The bin is then tilted back to a dispensing position. The sections of the bin for dispensing liquid laundry additives each have a siphon therein. Solenoid operated valves selectively communicate each section with a water distribution path. When an appropriate valve is opened water flows in the proper section of the bin and when the water-additive solution reaches an appropriate level, siphoning action begins and the entire contents of the section is dispensed to a clothes treatment zone in the appliance. Each section is provided with an overflow tube to insure that the liquid level in the section does not reach a level so as to prevent the siphoning action.

Growing community of inventors

Berrien Township, Berrien County, MI, United States of America

James R Mulder