Patent Publication Number: US-10774464-B2

Title: Laundry appliance having an ironing assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to laundry appliances, and more particularly to washer or dryer appliances having one or more features for pressing or steaming articles thereon. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Irons or ironing assemblies are commonly used to heat or press clothing articles. For instance, heat and steam may be conducted through a bottom plate of an ironing assembly in order to remove wrinkles from an article of clothing in contact with the bottom plate. In order to support the article of clothing and ironing assembly, as well as to prevent heat from damaging the surrounding area, a dedicated ironing board must generally be used. Oftentimes, it can be most effective to press an article of clothing soon after it has been treated by a laundry appliance. For instance, it may be easiest to remove or prevent wrinkles by pressing an article of clothing immediately after it has been washed or dried by a washing machine appliance or dryer appliance, respectively. Convenience or space concerns often lead users to store or use an iron in close proximity to his or her laundry appliances. In particular, it may be common to store or use an ironing assembly in a designated laundry room of a house or apartment. 
     In some instances, storing or using an ironing assembly within a designated laundry room or area may be especially difficult. For instance, a particular user&#39;s laundry room may be too small to accommodate a standard ironing board. Additionally or alternatively, the user may lack a suitable place to store the ironing assembly when it is not in use. Simply placing the ironing assembly on top of a nearby washing machine appliance or dryer appliance may cause a number of difficulties. For instance, movement of either the washing machine appliance or dryer appliance during use may cause the ironing assembly to fall off. Moreover, heat from the ironing assembly (e.g., immediately after use) may risk damaging the appearance or internal components of the washing machine appliance or dryer appliance. 
     As a result, there is a need for an improved laundry appliance or ironing assembly. In particular, it would be advantageous to provide a laundry appliance or ironing assembly addressing one or more of the above identified issues. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an ironing assembly is provided. The ironing assembly may include a casing received on a laundry appliance, an insulated mat, and a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) switch. The insulated mat may be selectively received within the casing. The GFCI switch may be mounted within the casing. 
     In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance is provided. The laundry appliance may include a cabinet and an ironing assembly. The cabinet may extend along a vertical direction between a top portion and a bottom portion. The cabinet may define a laundry chamber for the receipt of articles therein. The ironing assembly may include a casing received on a laundry appliance, an insulated mat, and a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) switch. The insulated mat may be selectively received within the casing. The GFCI switch may be mounted within the casing. 
     In yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, an ironing assembly is provided. The ironing assembly may include a casing received on a laundry appliance, a winding spool, and an insulated mat. The casing may include a platform positioned at a top end of the casing to receive an ironing press on the platform. The casing may define an internal cavity below the platform. The winding spool may be mounted within the internal cavity. The insulated mat may be selectively wound about the winding spool. The insulated mat may be movable between a storage position and a use position. The storage position may include the insulated mat received within the internal cavity about the winding spool. The use position may include at least a portion of insulated mat removed from internal cavity to receive and contact the ironing press. 
     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 
       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. 
         FIG. 1  provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance and dryer appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein an ironing assembly is in a storage position. 
         FIG. 2  provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance and dryer appliance of  FIG. 1 , wherein the ironing assembly is in a use position. 
         FIG. 3  provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance and dryer appliance according to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  provides a side view of an ironing assembly mounted to a laundry appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  provides a front perspective view of an ironing assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  provides a front schematic view of an ironing assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  provides a side cross-sectional view of an ironing assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     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. 
     In order to aid understanding of this disclosure, several terms are defined below. The defined terms are understood to have meanings commonly recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the arts relevant to the present disclosure. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. 
     Turning now to the figures,  FIGS. 1 and 2  provide various perspective views of a pair of laundry appliances (e.g., washing machine appliance  100 A and dryer appliance  100 B) that generally define an orthogonal directional system, including a vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T. As shown, each laundry appliance  100  ( FIG. 4 ) includes a cabinet  102  that defines a laundry chamber  104  for receiving clothes or articles therein. In particular, the washing machine appliance  100 A defines a wash chamber within which clothing articles may be washed, agitated, spun, etc. The dryer appliance  100 B defines a drying chamber within which clothing articles may be heated, tumbled, dried, etc. (e.g., after being washed within the washing machine appliance  100 A). 
     Although a discrete washing machine appliance  100 A and dryer appliance  100 B are shown, is understood that these are merely nonlimiting exemplary embodiments. The present disclosure may include or may be equally applied to any suitable laundry appliance. For instance, another laundry appliance or configuration may be provided, such as a frontloading washing machine appliance. 
     Generally, an ironing assembly  200  including a casing  210  may be provided on (e.g., supported on top of or mounted onto) a corresponding laundry appliance (e.g., dryer appliance  100 B). As shown, the corresponding laundry appliance may extend along the vertical direction V from a top portion  106  to a bottom portion  108 . Along the top portion  106 , a rigid upper panel  110  may be provided (e.g., perpendicular to the vertical direction V). In some such embodiments, the casing  210  of the ironing assembly  200  is positioned above the upper panel  110 . For instance, the ironing assembly  200  may rest on the upper panel  110 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 through 6 ,  FIGS. 4 through 6  provide various views of ironing assembly  200  according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 through 6 , casing  210  generally extends along the vertical direction V between a top end  212  and a bottom end  214 ; along the lateral direction L between a first end  216  and a second end  218 ; and along the transverse direction T between a front end  222  and a rear end  224 . In optional embodiments, one or more adhesives, magnets, or mechanical fasteners  226  (e.g., bolts, screws, hooks, brackets, etc.) may selectively join casing  210  to cabinet  102  (e.g., at a rear portion thereof). 
     Within casing  210 , an internal cavity  230  is defined (e.g., to selectively receive one or more components of ironing assembly  200 ). In particular, the internal cavity  230  may selectively receive an insulated mat  232 . Insulated mat  232  is generally formed from a suitable nonrigid heat resistant material or fabric. For instance, the insulated mat  232  may include treated or untreated cotton, high temperature silicone, fabric batting, or any other suitable material for contacting an active ironing press  240  (e.g., directly or indirectly through a clothing article while the clothing articles being steamed or pressed). 
     When assembled, the insulated mat  232  may be selectively moved (e.g., through an opening  234  defined by casing  210 ) between a storage position ( FIG. 1 ) and a use position ( FIG. 2 ). In the storage position, insulated mat  232  (e.g., most or all of insulated mat  232 ) may be received within internal cavity  230 . Generally, insulated mat  232  will be hidden from view and enclosed within casing  210 . By contrast, in the use position, insulated mat  232  (e.g., most or all of insulated mat  232 ) may be removed from internal cavity  230 . For instance, the insulated mat  232  may be pulled through an opening  234  (e.g., having a lateral width greater than the lateral width of the insulated mat  232 ) as the insulated mat  232  moves from the storage position to the use position. In the use position, insulated mat  232  may thus contact or receive ironing press  240  thereon. 
     In some embodiments, a handle  236  is attached or fixed to insulated mat  232  (e.g., permitting a user to move the insulated mat  232  between the storage position and use position). Thus, the handle  236  may generally move with the rest of insulated mat  232 . In some such embodiments, the handle  236  may remain outside of the internal cavity  230 , or otherwise accessible to user, while insulated mat  232  is in storage position. For instance, the handle  236  may be proximal to the front end  222  of casing  210  or opening  234  in the storage position. In the use position, the handle  236  may be distal to the front end  222  of casing  210  or opening  234 . In other words, the handle  236  may be spaced apart from casing  210  (e.g., along the transverse direction T). Additionally or alternatively, the handle  236  may be closer to a front portion of the laundry appliance on which casing  210  is supported (e.g., dryer appliance  100 B) when insulated mat  232  is in the use position compared to the storage position. 
     Turning briefly to  FIG. 7 , a schematic cross-sectional side view is provided of ironing assembly  200  according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, insulated mat  232  may be fixed or attached to a winding spool  250  mounted within casing  210  or internal cavity  230 . For instance, insulated mat  232  may have one end that is attached or fixed to a support rod  252  of winding spool  250  (e.g., opposite of handle  236 ). Support rod  252  may generally extend along the lateral direction L across a width that is, for example, larger than the width of insulated mat  232 . Moreover, support rod  252  may be rotatable about a spool axis A (e.g., parallel to lateral direction L). Thus, insulated mat  232  may be selectively wound about the winding spool  250 . In particular, when insulated mat  232  is in the storage position, at least a portion of insulated mat  232  may be wrapped around or about the spool axis A and support rod  252  within internal cavity  230 . 
     In certain embodiments, winding spool  250  includes a retraction spring  254  (e.g., coaxial with the spool axis A) that generally motivates or biases winding spool  250  to the storage position. For instance, the retraction spring  254  may extend from or about support rod  252 . The retraction spring  254  may be provided as a torsion spring, or any suitable elastic spring configured to motivate or bias the winding spool  250  to a wound position (e.g., the storage position). In optional embodiments, a mechanical retainer  256  (e.g., a magnet, adhesive, or hook) is fixed to handle  236 , or another suitable portion of insulated mat  232 , to hold insulated mat  232  in the use position (e.g., against upper panel  110  in opposition to the retracting or winding force provided by retraction spring  254 ). In additional or alternative embodiments, a ratcheting or gear assembly (not pictured) is provided on winding spool  250  to selectively hold insulated mat  232  in the use position (e.g., in opposition to the retracting or winding force provided by retraction spring  254 ). In further additional or alternative embodiments, a rotation lever (not pictured) is provided on winding spool  250  outside of internal cavity  230  to permit manual winding or rotation of winding spool  250  about spool axis A by a user. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 through 6 , a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) switch  260  is mounted within the casing  210 . For instance, GFCI switch  260  may be positioned, at least in part, within internal cavity  230 . As is understood, a plug or wire connected to a municipal power supply (e.g., through an electrical wall socket) may connect to GFCI switch  260 , such that GFCI switch  260  is in electrical communication (e.g., through one or more conductive wires or buses) with the municipal power source (e.g., during use). As is further understood, GFCI switch  260  may include one or buttons (e.g., testing button or reset button) for testing or adjusting the status of the GFCI switch  260 , as well as one or more indicator lights for communicating the status of the GFCI switch  260  to a user. Ironing press  240  may be in electrical communication with GFCI switch  260  (e.g., through a conductive power cord  242  of ironing press  240 ). From GFCI switch  260 , ironing press  240  may thus connect to the municipal power source. In other words, ironing press  240  may be in electrical communication with the municipal power source through GFCI switch  260 . 
     As shown, in certain embodiments, a power receptacle  262  having one or more electrical outlet plugs  264  (e.g., standard 3-prong outlets) may be mounted to casing  210 . An electrical device, such as ironing press  240 , having a mating inlet plug may selectively connect and disconnect from power receptacle  262 . In some such embodiments, GFCI switch  260  is provided within power receptacle  262  such that GFCI switch  260  is electrically connected between the municipal power source and outlet plugs  264 . Thus, an electrical device (e.g., ironing press  240 ) that is electrically connected to power receptacle  262  may also be electrically connected to GFCI switch  260 . 
     Although  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate ironing press  240  electrically connected to GFCI switch  260  through the outlet plugs  264  of power receptacle  262 , it is understood that a more permanent connection may be established. For instance, turning briefly to  FIG. 3 , ironing press  240  may be hardwired to casing  210  and the GFCI switch  260  therein. Thus, in exemplary embodiments, electrical communication between GFCI switch  260  and ironing press  240  is fixed. 
     Returning now to  FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, the power cord  242  from ironing press  240  ( FIG. 1 ) to casing  210  is provided as a retractable cord. As an example, power cord  242  may be fixed or attached to a winding spool  250  mounted within casing  210  or internal cavity  230  (e.g., in tandem with or, alternatively, separate from insulated mat  232 ). In some such embodiments, power cord  242  has one end that is attached or fixed to a support rod  252  of winding spool  250  (e.g., opposite of ironing press  240 ). Support rod  252  may generally extend along the lateral direction L across a width that is, for example, larger than the width of power cord  242 . Moreover, support rod  252  may be rotatable about a spool axis A (e.g., parallel to lateral direction L). Thus, power cord  242  may be selectively wound about the winding spool  250 . For instance, the power cord  242  may be provided in a storage position similar to or different from the insulated mat  232 . When power cord  242  is in the storage position, at least a portion of power cord  242  may be wrapped around or about the spool axis A and support rod  252  within internal cavity  230 . 
     Returning now generally to  FIGS. 1 through 7 , in certain embodiments, the casing  210  includes a platform  266  positioned above the internal cavity  230 . For instance, the platform  266  may extend along the lateral direction L and transverse direction T (e.g., perpendicular to the vertical direction V) at the top end  212  of casing  210 . Optional embodiments of the platform  266  extend from first end  216  to second end  218 . Additional or alternative embodiments of the platform  266  extend from front end  222  to rear end  224 . 
     Platform  266  is generally formed from a suitable rigid heat resistant material (e.g., metal, rigid high temperature polymers, etc.). When assembled, platform  266  may selectively receive or support an ironing press  240  thereon. As understood by one of ordinary skill, ironing press  240  generally includes one or more heating elements or steam systems to conduct heat or steam through a heating plate of the ironing press  240  (e.g., when the ironing press  240  is in contact with an article of clothing). Thus, platform  266  may be configured to support or contact the lower plate of the ironing press  240  without incurring noticeable or meaningful damage. 
     In certain embodiments, platform  266  defines a recess  268  complementary to the ironing press  240 . For instance, the recess  268  defined by the platform  266  may be generally shaped to match or bound a portion of ironing press  240  (e.g., the heating plate of the ironing press  240 ). In some such embodiments, the recess  268  includes a bottom surface  270  and perimeter wall  272  (e.g., extending about the perimeter of bottom surface  270 ) positioned below a top surface  274  of the platform  266 , but open along the vertical direction V to receive the ironing press  240 . In additional or alternative embodiments, recess  268  is defined by a vertically-extended perimeter wall positioned above top surface  274 . In alternative embodiments, platform  266  defines a flush top surface  272  (i.e., substantially free of any discrete recess). 
     In some embodiments, a detection switch  280  is provided in operative communication with recess  268  or platform  266  to detect ironing press  240 . As an example, detection switch  280  may be positioned within casing  210  below platform  266 . As a further example, detection switch  280  may be mounted directly beneath recess  268 . Detection switch  280  may be provided as any suitable sensor or switch that is configured to detect ironing press  240  within recess  268 . For instance, detection switch  280  may be provided as or include a proximity sensor (e.g., reed switch or hall effect sensor, which detects the presence of a magnet embedded in ironing press  240 ). 
     In certain embodiments, detection switch  280  is provided as a pressure switch. The weight or change in pressure caused by placing ironing press  240  on or within recess  268  may thus be detected at the detection switch  280 . In some such embodiments, platform  266  is a vertically-slidable assembly (e.g., vertically biased spring-loaded plate) that is configured to descend and engage detection switch  280  in response to receiving the weight or force of ironing press  240 . In other embodiments, platform  266  is a rigid (e.g., non-sliding) assembly whereat detection switch  280  is configured to detect the weight or force of ironing press  240 . 
     Generally, detection switch  280  may be provided as any suitable pressure-detecting device. In certain embodiments, detection switch  280  disposed in electrical communication with GFCI switch  260 . During use, detection of ironing press  240  at detection switch  280  may restrict or halt an electrical current through GFCI switch  260 . As an example, detection switch  280  may be a mechanically actuated microswitch. The microswitch may be configured to electrically connected to trip or actuate GFCI switch  260  to ground when the ironing press  240  is positioned on top of platform  266  and detection switch  280 . As another example, detection switch  280  may be a mechanical, normally closed gate switch in series connection with GFCI switch  260  (e.g., in electrical series between ironing press  240  and GFCI switch  260 ). Positioning ironing press  240  on top of platform  266  and detection switch  280  may thus cause the detection switch  280  to open, breaking the electrical connection between, for example, ironing press  240  and municipal power source to which GFCI switch  260  is connected. 
     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.