Laundry treating appliance with separate container

An apparatus and method towards a laundry treating appliance for drying laundry comprising a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber and having a front and a rear and a motor rotating the drum that tumbles laundry within the treating chamber while also including a separate container for drying a second load of laundry simultaneously.

BACKGROUND

Laundry treating appliances, in particular clothes dryers, can have a configuration based on a rotating drum that defines a treating chamber in which laundry items are placed for treating according to a cycle of operation. A controller can be operably connected with the dispensing system and can have various components of the laundry treating appliance to execute the cycle of operation. The cycle of operation can be selected manually by the user or automatically based on one or more conditions determined by the controller.

The effectiveness of the clothes dryer is based on how dry laundry is at the end of a cycle. Too dry of laundry, such as “bone dry” is harsh on the laundry and wastes energy as the laundry is over-dried, and not dry enough feels wet to the consumer, which can lead to an unnecessary service call. Typically, it is desired to stop the drying cycle when the laundry has a desired residual moisture content falling within a particular range (e.g., 2-4%). Sensors can be utilized to determine the moisture content in a load of laundry and communicate this information to the controller.

In some clothes dryers, a separate drying apparatus, such as a drying rack or a removable container, can be used for drying items separately from the standard tumbled load, i.e. delicates or shoes. Depending on the configuration, the separate drying apparatus can be used in place of or in combination with drying laundry in the treating chamber defined by the rotating drum.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure sets forth a laundry treating appliance for drying laundry comprising a rotatable drum at least partially defining a first treating chamber and having a front and a rear, at least one opening in the front providing access to the first treating chamber, a first door selectively movable between an opened position and a closed position to open/close the opening, and a separate container mounted to the door and disposed within the treating chamber when the door is in the closed position and configurable between a first and a second position, with the separate container forming a self-supporting structure in the second position.

The present disclosure further sets forth a laundry treating appliance for drying laundry comprising a rotatable drum at least partially defining a first treating chamber and having a front and a rear, at least one opening in the front providing access to the first treating chamber, a first door selectively movable between an opened/closed positions to open/close the opening, and a separate container rotatably mounted within the dryer with a set of bearings located between the front and the separate container and a turning blade extending into the first treating chamber.

DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the disclosure herein relate to a laundry treating appliance that includes a separate container. The separate container can be mounted or coupled to a door providing access to a treating chamber of the laundry treating appliance. In one configuration, the laundry treating appliance is a dryer having a controller capable of receiving information related to controlling a drying cycle for the dryer. The separate container is configured to receive laundry not suitable for a regular tumbling cycle within a main chamber of the dryer. By way of non-limiting example laundry not suitable for a regular tumbling cycle can include shoes and delicates.

The controller can be configured to receive information related to the presence of the separate container, the position of the separate container, a drying cycle with the separate container in use, a drying cycle without the separate container in use, maintenance issues for the separate container, or the like. The controller for the laundry treating appliance is not limited to these functions, and it should be understood that functions related to the controller discussed herein are for illustrative purposes only and not meant to be limiting.

In one aspect of the disclosure discussed herein the separate container is mounted to a door for the dryer and configured to contract and expand between first and second positions. The first position can be a stowed, contracted, or non-use position where the separate container is not necessary for a normal drying cycle of the dryer. The second position can be a treatment, expanded, or use position where the separate container is needed for, by way of non-limiting example, a delicate drying cycle.

In another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein, the separate container is removably mounted to the door for the dryer and configured to be placed in the door when needed for use. The removably mounted separate container can be an expandable container as well, spring loaded for easy storage, or can have a cage or framed body for holding laundry not suitable for tumbling in the main chamber of the dryer. It is further contemplated that the removably mounted container can have an outer frame configured to be covered in a mesh fabric where the mesh fabric can be utilized to hold in smaller laundry items when necessary. It is further contemplated that the removably mounted separate container can be coupled to the door with a ramped coupler. The ramped coupler can include a quarter turn ramp or a vertical ramp.

Furthermore, in yet another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein the separate container is rotatably mounted within the dryer. In this aspect, the separate container can rotate with or at a varying speed when compared to a main drum of the dryer. This separate container can be utilized for laundry items safe for tumbling and needing to be kept separate from a main laundry load for drying. Items such as undergarments or items with lose strings may be safe for tumbling and benefit from remaining separate so as not to become entangled with other laundry items during the drying process.

By way of overview,FIG. 1is illustrative of an example of a laundry treating appliance in the form of a clothes dryer10that can be controlled according to aspects of the disclosure described herein. While aspects of the disclosure described herein are in the context of a clothes dryer10, the disclosure is not so limited and can be used with any type of laundry treating appliance, non-limiting examples of which include a washing machine, a combination washing machine and dryer and a refreshing/revitalizing machine.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the clothes dryer10can include a cabinet12in which is provided a controller14that can receive input from a user through a user interface16for selecting a cycle of operation and controlling the operation of the clothes dryer10to implement the selected cycle of operation.

The cabinet12can be defined by a front wall18, a rear wall20, and a pair of side walls22supporting a top wall24. A chassis can be provided with the walls being panels mounted to the chassis. A door26can be hingedly mounted to the front wall18and can be selectively movable between opened and closed positions to close an opening in the front wall18, which provides access to the interior of the cabinet12.

A rotatable drum28can be disposed within the interior of the cabinet between opposing stationary front and rear ends comprising bulkheads30,32wherein the front bulkhead30defines a front wall31of the drum28and rotationally supports an open front33and the rear bulkhead32defines a rear wall35of the drum28closing an open rear39of the drum28. The rear wall35of the drum28along with the door26and the rotatable drum28collectively define a treating chamber34. As illustrated, the treating chamber34is not fluidly coupled to a drain, though other implementations may include drain lines. Thus, in this implementation, liquid introduced into the treating chamber34will not be removed merely by draining. The rotatable drum is for tumble drying a main laundry load36within the treating chamber34.

Non-limiting examples of laundry that can be treated according to a cycle of operation include, a hat, a scarf, a glove, a sweater, a blouse, a shirt, a pair of shorts, a dress, a sock, a pair of pants, a shoe, an undergarment, and a jacket. Furthermore, textile fabrics in other products, such as draperies, sheets, towels, pillows, and stuffed fabric articles (e.g., toys), can be treated in the clothes dryer10.

The drum28can include at least one lifter29. In most dryers, there can be multiple lifters. The lifters can be located along an inner surface of the drum28defining an interior circumference of the drum28. The lifters can facilitate movement of the main laundry load36within the drum28as the drum28rotates.

The drum28can be operably coupled with a motor54to selectively rotate the drum28during a cycle of operation. The coupling of the motor54to the drum28can be direct or indirect. As illustrated, an indirect coupling can include a belt56coupling an output shaft of the motor54to a wheel/pulley on the drum28. A direct coupling can include the output shaft of the motor54coupled to a hub of the drum28.

An air system can be provided to the clothes dryer10. The air system supplies air to the treating chamber34and exhausts air from the treating chamber34. The supplied air can be heated or not. The air system can have an air supply portion that can form, in part, a supply conduit38with an air inlet39open to ambient air via a rear vent37and another end fluidly coupled to an inlet grill40, which can be in fluid communication with the treating chamber34. A heating element42can lie within the supply conduit38and can be operably coupled to and controlled by the controller14. If the heating element42is turned on, the supplied air will be heated prior to entering the drum28.

The air system can further include an air exhaust portion that can be formed in part by an exhaust conduit44. A lint trap45can be provided as the inlet from the treating chamber34to the exhaust conduit44. A blower46can be fluidly coupled to the exhaust conduit44. The blower46can be operably coupled to and controlled by the controller14. Operation of the blower46draws air into the treating chamber34as well as exhausts air from the treating chamber34through the exhaust conduit44. The exhaust conduit44can be fluidly coupled with a household exhaust duct (not shown) for exhausting the air from the treating chamber34to the outside of the clothes dryer10.

The air system can further include various sensors and other components, such as at least one thermistor, or an inlet thermistor47and a thermostat48, which can be coupled to the supply conduit38in which the heating element42can be positioned. The inlet thermistor47and the thermostat48can be operably coupled to each other. Alternatively, the inlet thermistor47can be coupled to the supply conduit38at or near to the inlet grill40. Regardless of its location, the inlet thermistor47can be used to aid in determining an inlet temperature (IT) of air entering the treating chamber34. Another thermistor, or outlet thermistor51and a thermal fuse49can be coupled to the exhaust conduit44proximate an air outlet53of the treating chamber34, with the outlet thermistor51being used to determine an outlet temperature (OT) of air exiting the treating chamber. Alternatively, the outlet thermistor47can be coupled to the exhaust conduit44at or near to the lint trap45.

A first conductivity sensor50can be positioned in the interior of the treating chamber34to monitor the amount of moisture of the laundry in the treating chamber34. The first conductivity sensor52can be located at the front of the treating chamber34at a bottom portion of the front wall31of the drum28. It is also contemplated that the first conductivity sensor50can be integrated with the lint trap45or at any location in the interior of the dispensing dryer10such that the first conductivity50can accurately sense the moisture content of the laundry. A second conductivity sensor52can be mounted at the rear of the treating chamber34, for example, on the real wall35of the drum28as illustrated. The conductivity sensors50,52can be operably coupled to the controller14such that the controller14receives output from the conductivity sensors50,52. While two conductivity sensors50,52are illustrated, this is not meant to be limiting and other configurations can be contemplated.

Each conductivity sensor50,52is normally two, spaced strips of metal forming part of an electrical circuit such that when a laundry item touches both strips it closes the circuit, which lets an electrical signal pass through, which is registered as a “hit”. The circuit is coupled to the controller14, which can monitor/analyze the frequency and duration of the hits over time to assess the dryness of the load. As the load dries, the frequency and duration will lessen as dry laundry is not as conductive as wet laundry.

The determination of a “dry” load can be based on the moisture content of the laundry, which may be set by the user based on the selected cycle, an option to the selected cycle, or a user-defined preference. The moisture content can be determined using a single moisture sensor, such as a conductivity sensor, located at the front of the treating chamber. The conductivity sensor can be used to calculate a projected drying time. In exemplary implementations, the conductivity sensors are not used for an absolute determination of dryness because they may not be accurate below approximately 10% moisture content and a load (at least in certain exemplary implementations) is typically not considered dry unless it has less than 5% moisture content or, more typically, 2-4%. Thus, the output of the conductivity sensor is used to calculate a drying time that is expected to have less than 5% moisture content.

Together the inlet and outlet thermistors47,51can provide a thermal signal for an end of cycle estimation when either a signal from the conductivity sensors is no longer being produced because all of the laundry is wet, or an error has occurred. Additionally, when the dryness level drops below 10% a thermal signal from the inlet and outlet thermistors47,51can be utilized to determine an end of cycle estimation time.

Together the inlet and outlet thermistors47,51along with the first and second conductivity sensors50,52can provide information as a single model to the controller14. The single model can use information from the inlet and outlet thermistors47,51to determine the temperature differential between incoming and outgoing air. This information can be in addition to or compared with the moisture content of the laundry sensed by the first and second conductivity sensors. These four pieces of input can together form the single model necessary for determining an end of cycle for the clothes dryer10.

A dispensing system57can be provided for the clothes dryer10to dispense one or more treating chemistries to the treating chamber34according to a cycle of operation. As illustrated, the dispensing system57can be located in the interior of the cabinet12although other locations are also possible. The dispensing system57can be fluidly coupled to a water supply68. The dispensing system57can be further coupled to the treating chamber34through one or more nozzles69. As illustrated, nozzles69are provided to the front and rear of the treating chamber34to provide the treating chemistry or liquid to the interior of the treating chamber34, although other configurations are also possible.

As illustrated, the dispensing system57can include a reservoir60, which can be a cartridge, for a treating chemistry that is releasably coupled to the dispensing system57, which dispenses the treating chemistry from the reservoir60to the treating chamber34. The reservoir60can include one or more cartridges configured to store one or more treating chemistries in the interior of cartridges. A suitable cartridge system can be found in U.S. Pub. No. 20150240407 to Hendrickson et al., filed Apr. 28, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,920,468, issued Mar. 20, 2018, entitled “Method for Converting a Household Cleaning Appliance with a Non-Bulk Dispensing System to a Household Cleaning Appliance with a Bulk Dispensing System,” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

A mixing chamber62can be provided to couple the reservoir60to the treating chamber34through a supply conduit63. Pumps such as a metering pump64and a delivery pump66can be provided to the dispensing system57to selectively supply a treating chemistry and/or liquid to the treating chamber34according to a cycle of operation. The water supply68can be fluidly coupled to the mixing chamber62to provide water from the water source to the mixing chamber62. The water supply68can include an inlet valve70and a water supply conduit72. It is noted that, instead of water, a different treating chemistry can be provided from the exterior of the clothes dryer10to the mixing chamber62.

The treating chemistry can be any type of aid for treating laundry, non-limiting examples of which include, but are not limited to, water, fabric softeners, sanitizing agents, de-wrinkling or anti-wrinkling agents, and chemicals for imparting desired properties to the laundry, including stain resistance, fragrance (e.g., perfumes), insect repellency, and UV protection.

The dryer10can also be provided with a steam generating system80which can be separate from the dispensing system57or integrated with portions of the dispensing system57for dispensing steam and/or liquid to the treating chamber34according to a cycle of operation. The steam generating system80can include a steam generator82fluidly coupled with the water supply68through a steam inlet conduit84. A fluid control valve85can be used to control the flow of water from the water supply conduit72between the steam generating system80and the dispensing system57. The steam generator82can further be fluidly coupled with the one or more supply conduits63through a steam supply conduit86to deliver steam to the treating chamber34through the nozzles69. Alternatively, the steam generator82can be coupled with the treating chamber34through one or more conduits and nozzles independently of the dispensing system57.

The steam generator82can be any type of device that converts the supplied liquid to steam. For example, the steam generator82can be a tank-type steam generator that stores a volume of liquid and heats the volume of liquid to convert the liquid to steam. Alternatively, the steam generator82can be an in-line steam generator that converts the liquid to steam as the liquid flows through the steam generator82.

It will be understood that any suitable dispensing system and/or steam generating system can be used with the dryer10. It is also within the scope of the invention for the dryer10to not include a dispensing system or a steam generating system.

FIG. 2is a schematic view of the controller14coupled to the various components of the dryer10. The controller14can be communicably coupled to components of the clothes dryer10such as the heating element42, blower46, inlet thermistor47, thermostat48, thermal fuse49, outlet thermistor51, first and second conductivity sensor50,52, motor54, inlet valve70, pumps64,66, steam generator82and fluid control valve85to either control these components and/or receive their input for use in controlling the components. The controller14is also operably coupled to the user interface16to receive input from the user through the user interface16for the implementation of the drying cycle and provide the user with information regarding the drying cycle.

The user interface16can be provided with operational controls such as dials, lights, knobs, levers, buttons, switches, and displays enabling the user to input commands to a controller14and receive information about a treatment cycle from components in the clothes dryer10or via input by the user through the user interface16. The user can enter many different types of information, including, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options. Any suitable cycle can be used. Non-limiting examples include, Casual, Delicate, Super Delicate, Heavy Duty, Normal Dry, Damp Dry, Sanitize, Quick Dry, Timed Dry, and Jeans.

The controller14can implement a treatment cycle selected by the user according to any options selected by the user and provide related information to the user. The controller14can also comprise a central processing unit (CPU)74and an associated memory76where various treatment cycles and associated data, such as look-up tables, can be stored. One or more software applications, such as an arrangement of executable commands/instructions can be stored in the memory and executed by the CPU74to implement the one or more treatment cycles.

In general, the controller14will effect a cycle of operation to effect a treating of the laundry in the treating chamber34, which can or cannot include drying. The controller14can actuate the blower46to draw an inlet air flow58into the supply conduit38through the rear vent37when air flow is needed for a selected treating cycle. The controller14can activate the heating element42to heat the inlet air flow58as it passes over the heating element42, with the heated air59being supplied to the treating chamber34. The heated air59can be in contact with the main laundry load36as it passes through the treating chamber34on its way to the exhaust conduit44to effect a moisture removal of the laundry. The heated air59can exit the treating chamber34, and flow through the blower46and the exhaust conduit44to the outside of the clothes dryer10. The controller14continues the cycle of operation until completed. If the cycle of operation includes drying, the controller14determines when the laundry is dry. The determination of a “dry” load can be made in different ways, but is often based on the moisture content of the laundry, which is typically set by the user based on the selected cycle, an option to the selected cycle, or a user-defined preference.

During a cycle of operation, one or more treating chemistries can be provided to the treating chamber34by the dispensing system57as actuated by the controller14. To dispense the treating chemistry, the metering pump64is actuated by the controller14to pump a predetermined quantity of the treating chemistry stored in the reservoir60to the mixing chamber62, which can be provided as a single charge, multiple charges, or at a predetermined rate, for example. The treating chemistry can be in the form of a gas, liquid, solid, gel or any combination thereof, and can have any chemical composition enabling refreshment, disinfection, whitening, brightening, increased softness, reduced odor, reduced wrinkling, stain repellency or any other desired treatment of the laundry. The treating chemistry can be composed of a single chemical, a mixture of chemicals, or a solution of a solvent, such as water, and one or more chemicals.

Turning toFIG. 3A, a perspective view of the clothes dryer10illustrates a separate container88coupled to the door26in a first position90. It is further contemplated that the separate container88can be mounted at the rear of the treating chamber34. The first position90can be a collapsed position or stowed position in which portions, by way of non-limiting example multiple, illustrated as three, concentric ring portions92, are received within each other. While illustrated as concentric rings, the concentric ring portions92are not so limited and can be any shape, by way of non-limiting example concentric ovals, squares, rectangles, or the like. The first position90can be characterized with the separate container88being relatively flat with respect to the door26.

The separate container88can include a screen face94made of a mesh material for containment of laundry items within the separate container88and through which air from the treating chamber34can still move freely. The separate container88can be formed from sufficiently pliable materials, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), or rubber silicone that can also withstand high temperatures.

InFIG. 3B, the separate container88is illustrated in a second position96. The second position can be an expanded or treatment position in which portions, by way of non-limiting example the three concentric ring portions92, are expanded out to form a secondary treating chamber98. It is further contemplated that the concentric ring portions92are molded from a flexible, elastomeric, perforated membrane99forming a collapsible basket100having at least one vent opening121. Laundry items not suitable for normal drying cycles within the treating chamber34can be placed in the secondary treating chamber98for drying.

FIG. 4Aillustrates a cross-sectional view of the separate container88in the first position90as viewed along line IV-IV fromFIG. 3A. It can more clearly be seen that the collapsible basket100can include stiffening rings102, by way of non-limiting example six stiffening rings, coupled to consecutive pliable portions104, forming the perforated membrane99. Each stiffening ring102can be mounted to the pliable portions104via hinges105on opposing sides of the stiffening ring102. The stiffening ring102can be formed from polypropylene another thermoplastic, or a metal such as stainless steel. The stiffening ring102and pliable portions104can be coupled in the manufacturing process via 2-shot injection over molding or insert molding. It is further contemplated that while illustrated as separate pliable portions104, the collapsible basket100can be a single continuous piece of rubber silicone, TPE, TPV or the like. A basket door101can be hingedly mounted to the front of door26such that access to the second treating chamber is possible without opening the dyer door26to gain access to the treating chamber34.

A dryer vent106can be provided proximate the door26at a lower portion of the front wall18. The dryer vent106can include a main vent108and a secondary vent110. The main vent108can be directly fluidly coupled to the treating chamber34. A portion of the collapsible basket100can overly the secondary vent110such that a basket vent112faces the secondary vent110when the collapsible basket is in the first position90.

During a drying cycle when the collapsible basket is stowed, or in the first position90, circulating air (A) within the treating chamber34can pass through the screen face94, through the basket vent112, and through the secondary vent110. Circulating air (A) can also pass directly into the drying vent106via the main vent108. In this manner, a drying cycle in which the second treating chamber98is not in use can cycle normally.

FIG. 4Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the separate container88in the second position96as viewed along line IV-IV fromFIG. 3B. In the expanded, or second position96, the collapsible basket100has been pulled out toward the treating chamber34in a direction indicated by arrow114. A second laundry load116can be received within the second treating chamber98through the basket door101. The second laundry load116can be any item not suitable for tumble drying within the treating chamber34. By way of non-limiting example laundry items designated as the second laundry load116can include but are not limited to delicates, undergarments, and shoes.

In the second position96, the basket vent112remains opposite the secondary vent110. The circulating air (A) can pass through the screen face94and come into contact with items defining the second laundry load116during operation. The circulating air (A) can then pass through the basket vent112and secondary vent110as illustrated. The vents112,110can be formed from a rigid thermoplastic or metal rotatably fixed to the collapsible basket100. When in the second position96the secondary vent can be folded down and serve as a stop maintaining the container in the expanded second position96. The secondary vent110can be relatively flat and wide substantially filling the width and depth of the container and act as a shelf or separator while it is in the second position96. Multiple holes ensure adequate airflow.

FIG. 5Ais a separate container188according to another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein. The separate container188is substantially similar to the separate container88ofFIG. 3A. Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the separate container88applies to the separate container188unless otherwise noted.

Separate container188is illustrated in a first position190where a set of retractable panel portions204are in a stowed position218held in place with, by way of non-limiting example a first clasp220alocated near the top125aof dryer door126. It is further contemplated that the first position190can be defined as the set of retractable panel portions204in the stowed position218proximate the bottom125bor sides126a,126bof the dryer door126. The top125aas the location for the stowed position218is for illustrative purposes only and not meant to be limiting. A second clasp220bis located at the bottom125bof dryer door126such that when pulled into a second position196(FIG. 5B) the set of retractable panel portions204define a second treating chamber198.

The set of panel portions204is made up of individual panel portions204aeach of which can include vent openings221. Each individual panel portion204acan be semi-circular such that each panel portion204afollows the contour of the dryer door126. Each individual panel portion204acan define a wider portion at a center222and taper to narrow portions defining opposing ends224a,224b. The opposing ends224a,224bcan be rotatably mounted at opposing sides126a,126bof the dryer door126with, by way of non-limiting example, a torque hinge228.

FIG. 5Billustrates separate container188in the second position196. The set of retractable panels204when expanded forms a half sphere shape. Though illustrated as half of a sphere, different shapes are also contemplated. The half sphere shape is formed from individual panel portions204athat are consecutively smaller in size. In this manner, the individual panel portions204acan be received within each other and stowed as illustrated inFIG. 5A. The smallest of the individual panel portions204ais received by the second clasp220bat a bottom225bof the dryer door126where it can be, by way of non-limiting example, snapped into place. Vent openings221enable circulating air to flow through the individual panel portions204awhen in operation.

FIG. 6Ais a separate container288according to another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein. The separate container288is substantially similar to the separate container88ofFIG. 3A. Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 200, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the separate container88applies to the separate container288unless otherwise noted. While the dryer door is not illustrated, like separate container88, separate container288can be mounted to a dryer door.

FIG. 6Ais a front view of the separate container288in a collapsed, or first position290. The separate container288can be a collapsible basket300formed from concentric ring portions292formed from pliable portions304. The concentric ring portions292can include at least one stiffening ring302, illustrated as five consecutively smaller stiffening rings302, coupling consecutive pliable portions304to each other. It is contemplated that the pliable portions304each include a central hinge303and are mounted to consecutive stiffening rings302at mounting hinges305. It is further contemplated that the central hinge303and mounting hinges305are made of the same material as the pliable portions304and are bending points within the pliable portions304. A perforated face294can be formed of the same flexible material as the pliable portions304and be centrally located with respect to the stiffening rings302. The perforated face can include a plurality of vent openings321.

When in the first position290, as illustrated inFIG. 6B, the collapsible basket300can become essentially flat. This can be the position for the collapsible basket300when not in use. The pliable portions304are folded with a fan fold at the central hinges303and received within consecutive stiffening rings302.

FIG. 6Cillustrates the collapsible basket300in a second position296, where the collapsible basket300is expanded to define a second treating chamber298. In the second position296, the second treating chamber298can receive a second laundry load (not shown) as described herein. Vent openings321can also be provided on the pliable portions304to enable air circulation.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure herein,FIG. 7Ais a separate container388substantially similar to the separate container88ofFIG. 3A. Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 300, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the separate container88applies to the separate container388unless otherwise noted.

A perspective view of the separate container388shows a collapsible basket300having lateral frames430where when locked in place via a locking mechanism431form a second treating chamber398. The locking mechanism431can extend parallel to and along the same plane as the lateral frames430when in place. It is contemplated that the locking mechanism431can be located anywhere along the door and is depicted proximate the dryer door top425afor illustrative purposes and is not meant to be limited.

The separate container388can form the collapsible basket300where when in a first position390, as illustrated inFIG. 7B, lateral frames430are oriented in a substantially vertical position. The lateral frames430are hung at regular intervals from a first end432mounted to a stationary vertical frame434, much like louvers for window blinds. The lateral frames430can be of varying width (W) and fold onto each other via connecting hinges436mounted at first and second ends438a,438bto consecutive lateral frames430.

To retain the lateral frames430in a vertical or horizontal position, a retaining member, rotatably fixed to the top or bottom of the door326can be provided. This feature, while not illustrated, can be similar to the clasp220binFIG. 5A. It is further contemplated that the retaining member can be a similar in nature to a kickstand, and rotate out to retain the collapsible basket300in the first and second positions390,396.

When in a second position396as illustrated inFIG. 7C, the lateral frames430are oriented in a substantially horizontal configuration to define a second treating chamber398. Space (S) between the lateral frames430can vary and serve to allow circulating air (A) into the second treating chamber398. When in use, the second treating chamber398can hold a second load of laundry (not shown) for drying.

In still another aspect of the disclosure herein,FIG. 8Ais a separate container488substantially similar to the separate container88ofFIG. 3A. Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 400, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the separate container88applies to the separate container488unless otherwise noted.

Separate container488is illustrated in a second position496, or expanded position as described herein. The first position (not shown) is much like the first position of the separate containers188,288as illustrated inFIG. 3AandFIG. 6Brespectively. Unlike separate container288, separate container488is a cylindrical shape defining a second treating chamber498. The separate container488can extend straight out from a dryer door426and terminate in a screen face494. The separate container488can be a collapsible basket500formed from stiffening rings502and pliable portions504much like the collapsible baskets already discussed herein. Unlike the collapsible baskets discussed herein, collapsible basket500does not have concentric ring portions, instead, stiffening rings502can be formed from an internal coil spring that in one aspect of the disclosure can be pushed to spring open into the second position496as illustrated.

The screen face494can double as a vent and a basket door501as illustrated inFIG. 8B. The screen face494can include a snap fit542where one of the screen face494or collapsible basket500includes a first member544formed to snap onto a second member546on the other of the screen face494or collapsible basket500. A secondary laundry load416can be received within the second treating chamber498through the basket door501.

In another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein and illustrated inFIG. 8B, the stiffening rings502can be sprung closed. The stiffening rings502can be formed from a coiled spring where when at rest remains compressed. In order to move to the second position496, the collapsible basket500, must therefore be pulled open. By way of non-limiting example hinged rods540can be utilized to pull the collapsible basket500to the second position496. When in an extended position as illustrated, the hinged rods540can click into place to become rigid and provide a framework for the collapsible basket500. The hinged rods540are depicted for illustrative purposes only and not meant to be limiting. Any sufficient structure within or along an exterior of the collapsible basket500for extending the basket into the second position496as illustrated is contemplated.

A separate container588substantially similar to the separate container88ofFIG. 3Ais illustrated inFIG. 9. Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 500, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the separate container88applies to the separate container588unless otherwise noted.

The separate container588can include a rigid mesh face640. The rigid mesh face640can be reinforced by semicircular framing642extending in both a generally vertical and horizontal direction. The rigid mesh face640can be a metal mesh or polymer mesh. It is contemplated that the separate container588is sufficiently rigid and formed to detach from a dryer door526when not in use as one piece. The separate container588can be, by way of non-limiting example, snapped into place.

In another aspect of the disclosure herein, the separate container588can include mounting arms644terminating in L-shaped ends646. By way of non-limiting example two mounting arms644are illustrated. The L-shaped ends646can be used to mount the separate container588to the dryer door via at least one coupler648, illustrated as two couplers.

A separate container688is further contemplated as depicted inFIG. 10. Like parts are identified with like numerals increased by 600 with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the separate container88applies to the separate container688unless otherwise noted. The separate container688includes a rigid framework742over which a mesh bag740can be applied. The rigid frame work742can be formed from frame components750spaced (S) such that a second laundry load716can be received within the separate container688without the use of a door or the like. It is also contemplated that a second laundry load716is placed within the separate container688prior to mounting the second container688to a dryer door626as illustrated. The mesh bag740can be, by way of non-limiting example snapped to the rigid framework742via snaps752, or coupled to the rigid frame work742in any suitable way.

FIG. 11is an enlarged view of the at least one coupler648. The coupler648can extend vertically to define a substantially cylindrical body670. A vertically extending quarter turn ramp672extends from an opening674at a top676of the cylindrical body670to a notch opening678at an interior680of the cylindrical body670. The L-shaped end646can be received at the opening674and upon turning the mounting arm644, by way of non-limiting example in a counter-clockwise direction as indicated by arrow (CC), can lock into place at the notch opening678with the L-shaped end646being received within the interior680. To remove, the mounting arm644can be turned, by way of non-limiting example, in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow (C), slide along the quarter turn ramp672until reaching the opening674at which point the mounting arm644can be lifted up (U) and the L-shaped end646removed from the opening674.

A coupler748substantially similar to the coupler648ofFIG. 11is illustrated inFIG. 12. Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the coupler648applies to the coupler748unless otherwise noted.

The coupler748can extend vertically to define a substantially cylindrical body770. A thickened portion771can extend from the cylindrical body770. A vertically extending ramp772extends from an opening774at a top776of the cylindrical body770downward into the thickened portion771. Much in the same way as described with the coupler648, an L-shaped end746of a mounting arm744can slide up the vertically extending ramp772and slide into the opening774.

The couplers648,748as described herein can be used in conjunction or separately for mounting any one of the separate containers as described herein. It should be understood, that combinations of features of the separate containers as described herein is also contemplated, and that the disclosure as described herein is for illustrative purposes only and not meant to be limiting.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure described herein, a separate container888is illustrated inFIG. 13as part of an exploded view of a clothes dryer810. The separate container888is substantially similar to the separate container88ofFIG. 3A. Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the separate container88applies to the separate container888unless otherwise noted.

The clothes dryer810can include a cabinet812defined by a front wall818, rear wall820, and side walls822and enclosed by a top wall824. The front wall818can have an open front833defining a dimension, by way of non-limiting example a diameter (D), opening into a drum828defining a treating chamber834. The clothes dryer810can further include a dryer door826which can be mounted to the cabinet812in any suitable manner.

A separate container888can be, by way of non-limiting example a substantially circular shape having a basket diameter (Db) at least slightly smaller than the diameter (D) of the open front833. The separate container88can define a mesh basket900, which in some aspects of the disclosure discussed herein can be collapsible. The mesh basket900can have a mesh frame940enclosing a second treating chamber898. The mesh basket900can extend from an interior face894to an exterior face895. A turning blade984can extend from the interior face894and across the interior face894a length less than or equal to the basket diameter (Db). A set of bearings986, by way of non-limiting example rings987a,987band ball bearings988, can mount to the exterior face895of the mesh basket900.

In operation, the mesh basket900is received within the open front833and the set of bearings986can be provided between the dryer door826and the mesh basket900such that the mesh basket900is free to spin about a horizontal axis (H) extending through the center of the open front833. The mesh basket900can spin independently of the rotating drum828. A main laundry load836can be lifted and rotated within the drum828during operation. The main laundry load836can come in contact with the turning blade984causing the mesh basket900to rotate about the horizontal axis (H). In this manner, though the rotation of the mesh basket900depends on the rotation of the drum828, the rate at which the drum828and the mesh basket900rotate are different from each other. While the drum828is mechanically coupled to a motor54(FIG. 1) and therefore mechanically rotated, the mesh basket900is passively rotated by way of the laundry load836.

It is further contemplated that a twist timer990can be coupled with, by way of non-limiting example the exterior face895of the mesh basket900. The twist timer990can be turned to unwind at a rate different than the rate at which the drum828rotates. The twist timer990can therefore rotate the mesh basket900at a rate that also differs from the rotation rate of the drum828. A second laundry load916disposed within the second treating chamber898can be tumbled, but at a different rate than the laundry load836within the treating chamber834. The rate at which the second laundry load916is tumbled can be a slower, or a gentler rate, than the rate at which the laundry load836is tumbled. This enables a drying cycle that can tumble two different loads at varying rates of rotation.

It should be understood that an additional shelf can be placed in any one of the separate containers described herein on which a pair of shoes can be placed or to serve as a separator for different laundry items. Furthermore, latches, hooks, clasps, and other features described herein can be any type of latch, hook, clasp, and are not limited by those illustrated.

Benefits associated with the embodiments described herein include enabling a clothes dryer to dry two loads of laundry in different chambers. In one aspect of the disclosure herein, laundry is tumbled in a treating chamber, while another load of laundry remains stationary is a separate container. Items, by way of non-limiting example, such as shoes or delicates, can withstand dryer temperatures, but tumbling can produce excessive noise or damage to the items.

In another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein, easy storage, and/or removal of the separate container as described herein enables a normal drying cycle to occur in the event a separate load of laundry does not require drying in a separate container.

Other benefits associated with other aspects of the disclosure discussed herein include enabling a drying cycle that can tumble two different loads at varying rates of rotation. Varying rates of rotation can enable gentle tumbling of certain laundry loads which can decrease drying times while still minimizing wear to laundry items due to tumbling.

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. It should also be noted that all elements of all of the claims can be combined with each other in any possible combination, even if the combinations have not been expressly claimed.