Abstract:
A system for dispensing substances into a washing machine is disclosed. A plurality of preferably different sized or shaped cartridges are located within removable drawers. Each cartridge contains a particular substance, such as laundry detergent, bleach, or fabric softener, that is released into the washing machine. The system also includes a means to identify the substance contained within the cartridge as well as when and how much of the substance should be released into the washing machine. At the appropriate time, the system dispenses an appropriate amount of substance into the washing machine. A pump pulls the substance out of the container and into the washing basin of a washing machine. Alternatively, a valve is opened and the substance pours into the washing basin due to gravitational forces.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 61/58,5038 filed Jan. 10, 2012, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    This invention was not federally sponsored. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the invention 
       [0003]    This invention relates to the general field of washing machines, and more specifically toward a system for dispensing substances into a washing machine. A plurality of preferably different sized or shaped cartridges are located within removable drawers. Each cartridge contains a particular substance, such as laundry detergent, bleach, or fabric softener, that is released into the washing machine. The system also includes a means to identify the substance contained within the cartridge as well as when and how much of the substance should be released into the washing machine. At the appropriate time, the system dispenses an appropriate amount of substance into the washing machine. A pump pulls the substance out of the container and into the washing basin of a washing machine. Alternatively, a valve is opened and the substance pours into the washing basin due to gravitational forces. 
         [0004]    Washing machines enable users to wash their clothes in a shorter period of time and with greater ease than otherwise possible when doing it by hand. Whether it is a top loading or side loading washing machine, the clothes are soaked in water and agitated to get the clothes clean. Often, one or more substances such as laundry detergent, fabric softener, or bleach are added to the water to aid the cleaning process. However, how much of each substance and when it is added depends upon various factors, including the type of substance and the wash cycle set on the washing machine. Many users will place laundry detergent directly into the washing machine as it fills with water, then place fabric softener into a special container that releases the fabric softener at the appropriate time, and may also place bleach into yet another container that releases the bleach at its appropriate time. 
         [0005]    Handling laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or other common substances used to clean clothes can be unpleasant and even harmful. For example, bleach, which may include chlorine, is a respiratory irritant that attacks mucous membranes and can burn the skin. When adding these substances to the washing machine, either into the washing basin or into a separate receptacle, the amount of each substance must be measured. Pouring from a container into a measuring device, and then into the appropriate location in the washing machine often results in inadvertent spills as well as requiring that the measuring device be cleaned. 
         [0006]    Thus there has existed a long-felt need for a system that dispenses an appropriate amount of a particular substance at the appropriate time into a washing machine without requiring a user to potentially come into contact with that substance. Furthermore, there is a need for a system that automatically dispenses a plurality of substances into a washing machine at the appropriate time during a wash cycle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The current invention provides just such a solution by having a system for dispensing substances into a washing machine. A plurality of preferably different sized or shaped cartridges are located within removable drawers. Each cartridge contains a particular substance, such as laundry detergent, bleach, or fabric softener, that is released into the washing machine. The system also includes a means to identify the substance contained within the cartridge as well as when and how much of the substance should be released into the washing machine. At the appropriate time, the system dispenses an appropriate amount of substance into the washing machine. A pump pulls the substance out of the container and into the washing basin of a washing machine. Alternatively, a valve is opened and the substance pours into the washing basin due to gravitational forces. 
         [0008]    It is a principal object of the invention to provide a system that enables users to safely, cleanly, and efficiently add substances to a washing machine. 
         [0009]    It is another object of the invention to provide a system for dispensing one or more substances into a washing machine at the appropriate time. 
         [0010]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a system for dispensing the correct amount of a particular substance into a washing machine. 
         [0011]    It is an additional object of the invention to provide a system for reducing human error in dispensing substances into a washing machine. 
         [0012]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a dispensing system that is self-contained so as to eliminate pouring a substance form a separate container into a washing machine. 
         [0013]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a system that regulates the amount of a substance dispensed into a washing machine to increase efficiencies and eliminate waste. 
         [0014]    In a particular embodiment, the current invention is a system for dispensing a substance into a washing machine comprising a plurality of cartridges, a plurality of level indicators, a plurality of barcode readers, a plurality of dispensing tubes, and a cover, where each cartridge comprises handle, a barcode, a vent, and a delivery tube adapter, where each of the plurality of dispensing tubes mates with a delivery tube of a cartridge, where a substance contained within each cartridge may flow through the delivery tube, where fluid that flows through the delivery tube is inserted into a washing machine, where each level indicator mates with the vent of a cartridge and determines the amount of substance contained within the cartridge, where each barcode reader reads data from a barcode of a cartridge and destroys the barcode of the cartridge, whereby the system for dispensing a substance dispenses a substance from each cartridge at a time and volume determined by the data read from the barcode of each cartridge. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, the current invention is a method of dispensing a substance into a washing machine comprising the steps of: accepting a cartridge, where the cartridge comprises a vent and a barcode; scanning the barcode of the cartridge; destroying the barcode of the cartridge such that it cannot be read again; inserting a level indicator through the vent and into the cartridge; and dispensing a substance contained within the cartridge into a washing machine; whereby data collected from scanning the barcode is used to determine the volume and timing of dispensing the substance contained within the cartridge into the washing machine. 
         [0016]    In an additional embodiment, the current invention is a system for dispensing a substance comprising: a barcode reader, a level indicator, and a cartridge, where the cartridge comprises a vent and a barcode, where the barcode reader reads the barcode of the cartridge, where the barcode reader destroys the barcode of the cartridge after the barcode reader has read the barcode, where the level indicator is inserted through the vent and determines the level of a substance remaining within the cartridge. 
         [0017]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. The features listed herein and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0018]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of a washing machine with a dispensing system according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a partial view of the dispensing system and its integration into a drawer of a washing machine according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of cartridges according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a washing machine with a dispensing system and integrated stain remover sprayer according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a cartridge according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with the references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of a washing machine with a dispensing system according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The dispensing system  10  according to the current invention resides on the top of a washing machine  90 . The dispensing system  10  has a cover  11  that is connected to the back of the dispensing system  10  by a hinge. The dispensing system  10  accepts cartridges, such as a detergent cartridge 20 , fabric softener cartridge  21 , and a bleach cartridge  22 . A level indicator  31  is used to determine the amount of fluid left within each cartridge. Barcode scanners  33  scan the barcode of each cartridge and then puncture (thereby destroying) each barcode after it is scanned. Described in more detail below, the barcode enables the dispensing system to determine what substance is in the cartridge as well as how much of and when to dispense the substance contained therein. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is a partial view of the dispensing system and its integration into a drawer of a washing machine according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. After a cartridge is inserted into the dispensing system, barcode readers  33  scan the barcode of each cartridge. After scanning the barcode, the barcode readers  33  move downward toward the cartridge and pierce each barcode thereby destroying it. By destroying the barcode, the dispensing system prevents repeated use (such as refilling) of the cartridges since the barcode reader  33  will not read a destroyed barcode. Level indicators  31  are also lowered though a vent in each cartridge. In a particular embodiment, each cartridge has a cap that covers the vent, which is removed before it is inserted into the dispensing system. At the appropriate time, fluid from each cartridge is dispensed through delivery tubes  35  to dispensing tubes  37 , which deposit the fluid in an appropriate area of a cleaning substance drawer  91  of a washing machine. The cleaning substance drawer  91  may include a detergent area  91 , a fabric softener area  93 , and a bleach area  94 . The dispensing tubes  37  deposit the appropriate fluid into the appropriate area. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of cartridges according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. Three cartridges are shown: a detergent cartridge  20 , fabric softener cartridge  21 , and a bleach cartridge  22 . The detergent cartridge  20  contains laundry detergent and is the largest of the three cartridges shown. The fabric softener cartridge  21  contains fabric softener and is the second largest cartridge shown. The bleach cartridge  22  is the smallest cartridge shown and contains bleach. Each cartridge includes a vent  27  that is covered with a cap (not shown) when stored or otherwise not in use and not inserted within the dispensing system. A barcode  25  is also placed on each cartridge, which is used to identify the particular substance contained within the cartridge and the particular use instructions associated therewith. 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a washing machine with a dispensing system and integrated stain remover sprayer according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The dispensing system  10 , in addition to a detergent cartridge, fabric softener cartridge, and bleach cartridge, may include a stain remover cartridge  23 . A tube extends therefrom and thrown an opening in the dispensing system and is connected to a sprayer  39 . The sprayer  39  includes a trigger, which can be pulled to dispense a stain remover substance contained within the stain remover cartridge  23 . Thus, a user may quickly and efficiently treat a stained item of clothing by using the sprayer  39  integrated with the dispensing system  10 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a cartridge according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The detergent cartridge  20  includes a handle  26  that is used to grasp the detergent cartridge. A vent  27  is an opening that is used to allow air to enter the detergent cartridge  20  as the substance contained therein is withdrawn. A level indicator (not shown in this figure) may also extend through the vent opening  27  to measure the amount of substance remaining in the detergent cartridge  20 . A barcode  25  identifies that particular substance within the detergent cartridge  20 . The substance within the detergent cartridge  20  is withdrawn through a delivery tube  35 . The delivery tube mates with the detergent cartridge  20  via a dispensing tube adapter  36 . As the detergent cartridge  20  is inserted into the dispensing system, the delivery tube  35  mates the delivery tube adapter  36 , which is integrated into the detergent cartridge. 
         [0030]    The level indicators are inserted through the vent and are used to determine the amount of substance remaining in the particular cartridge. A float moves up and down depending on the level of the substance (fluid) in the cartridge. In other words, as the substance is removed from the cartridge, the float travels downward. Sensors determine the location of the float, and through this the relative amount of substance left in the cartridge. 
         [0031]    In a particular embodiment, the dispensing system includes fluid pumps. The fluid pumps are in fluid connection with the cartridges via delivery tubes. Each fluid pump  50  is in electrical connection to a circuit board, such as a motherboard of the dispensing system or washing machine. Solenoid valves may also be utilitized to block and unblock the flow of the fluid from the cartridge and to the washing machine cleaning substance drawer. In this manner, the fluid pump and/or solenoid valves are turned on and off as directed by the internal circuitry of the system and/or washing machine. 
         [0032]    In another embodiment, the barcode includes data such as the type of substance within the cartridge, volume of the cartridge, manufacturing date, serial number, or codes or encrypted data that verifies the source and authenticity of the laundry detergent cartridge. By checking the data on the barcode of the cartridge, the system ensures that only compatible cartridges manufactured for the system will dispense the substance contained therein. Furthermore, the appropriate volume and timing of the substance to be dispensed is automatically read in by the system and implemented accordingly, thereby reducing user error. 
         [0033]    In an alternative embodiment, the barcode includes only encrypted identifying data that is used to query a remote network connected server. By way of example, the barcode reader reads in the data from the barcode. It then uses this data to make a request to a remote server over the internet. The request is made as an http request made over a wifi-network that is connected to the internet. The data from the barcode, either encrypted or decrypted, is transmitted to the remote server, which then responds with various data related to the cartridge. The response data may include confirmation as to whether or not the cartridge is authentic, whether or not the cartridge has been used previously, the substance located within the cartridge, the amount of substance that should be dispensed per load of laundry, at what point in the cycle the substance should be dispensed, and how much substance is located within the cartridge. 
         [0034]    The laundry detergent cartridge includes a vent, handle, and a barcode. The length of the laundry detergent cartridge of a particular embodiment is 14.5 inches, where the handle is 2.5 inches and the remaining portion is 12 inches, and the width of the laundry detergent cartridge is 5.875 inches. 
         [0035]    In an alternative embodiment, the laundry detergent cartridge has a generally trapezoidal shape, where the width of the top part is 5.875 inches and the width of the bottom part is 5.0625 inches. The height of the laundry detergent cartridge is 5.5 inches. The trapezoidal shape helps ensure that the laundry detergent cartridge has the proper orientation when it is placed into the dispensing system. Notches in the laundry detergent cartridge may be used to align the laundry detergent cartridge in the appropriate position and location in the dispensing system. 
         [0036]    A vent cap allows for air to vent into a cartridge as the substance contained within is removed from the cartridge. The vent cap may be a screw-type cap, wherein the vent cap is placed over a vent and screwed into position. When screwed shut, the vent cap closes the vent. When vent cap is unscrewed, the vent is opened and air is allowed to pass therethrough. Without venting the cartridge, fluid would not easily flow out of the cartridge and through the delivery tube. 
         [0037]    The fabric softener cartridge is smaller than the laundry detergent cartridge. Often, more laundry detergent is used than fabric softener per load of laundry. Therefore, the fabric softener cartridge needs to hold less fabric softener than the laundry detergent cartridge needs to hold laundry detergent. In this particular embodiment, the main part of the fabric softener cartridge is 7.125 inches long and 3.5 inches wide. The fabric softener cartridge also includes a handle for grasping and maneuvering the fabric softener cartridge and a vent cap for allowing air to vent into the fabric softener cartridge as fabric softener is removed from the fabric softener cartridge. 
         [0038]    In an alternative embodiment, the fabric softener cartridge has a generally trapezoidal shape, where the width of the top part is 3.5 inches. The height of the fabric softener cartridge is 5.25 inches. The trapezoidal shape helps ensure that the fabric softener cartridge has the proper orientation when it is placed into the dispensing system. Notches in the fabric softener cartridge align the fabric softener cartridge in the appropriate position and location in the dispensing system. 
         [0039]    In a particular embodiment, the laundry detergent cartridge holds 170 oz. of laundry detergent and the bleach cartridge holds 5 oz. of bleach. 
         [0040]    In practice, a user opens the lid to the dispensing system, removes the vent cap that covers the vent of a cartridge, and then inserts the cartridge into the dispensing system. The user then closes the lid and the dispensing system reads in the barcode located on the cartridge, verifies its authenticity, and then punctures the barcode making it unreadable in the future. If necessary and enabled, the dispensing system queries a remote server for additional information on the cartridge, such as type of substance, size of the container, and dispensing instructions. At the same time or subsequent to reading the barcode, level indicators are inserted through the vent to read in the level of substance remaining within the cartridge. 
         [0041]    The user will then place dirty laundry into the washing machine, and start a washing cycle. The dispensing system dispenses an appropriate amount of the substance contained within the cartridge into the washing machine at the appropriate time. For example, a first substance may be deposited into the cleaning substance drawer of the washing machine when the cleaning cycle begins, while a second substance is deposited fifteen minutes after the cycle beings, and then a third substance is deposited 5 minutes before the cleaning cycle ends. 
         [0042]    Multiple loads of laundry may be run for each cartridge. When the level indicators determine that there is little substance left within a particular cartridge, such as substance for five or fewer loads, a user is notified. Notifications include without limitation a blinking light, illuminated light, a beep, a buzz, a text message, an email, or red/yellow/green lights and/or bars. 
         [0043]    After a cartridge is empty, the user opens the lid of the dispensing system. As the lid is opened, the level indicators are removed from each cartridge and the user may grasp the handle of the empty cartridge and remove it from the dispensing system. If each cartridge is designed to deliver substance for the same number of loads of laundry, and not necessarily the same amount of substance, then all of the cartridges should need to be replaced at roughly the same time. 
         [0044]    The system described herein has been shown with three different sized cartridges. One skilled in the art will appreciate that fewer or more than three d cartridges of the same or different substances may be implemented. For example, a four-cartridge system may be used where four different substances are desired to automatically dispense into the washing machine. Furthermore, multiple cartridges of the same type and/or size and shape (such as multiple laundry detergent cartridges) may be implemented into the system. Additionally, gravity or pressure pumps may be used to move the fluid substance contained within the cartridge. 
         [0045]    It should be understood that while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention. 
         [0046]    All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.