Patent Publication Number: US-9404213-B2

Title: Laundry appliance storage container and method for freshening contents thereof

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to appliances and more particularly, to a storage container that may be used to store clothes and/or other articles within a washing machine or dryer, a laundry appliance that incorporates such storage container, and a method for freshening the clothes and/or other articles. 
     Laundry appliances such as clothes washing machines and clothes dryers come in various configurations, including top load and front load configurations that define by their orientation the way in which a user loads articles into the machine. Regardless of the configuration, however, washing machines generally include a housing or a cabinet in which a wash tub is disposed for containing wash and rinse water. The housing includes a top or side cover with an opening to provide access to the tub. A lid is attached to the cover for movement between open and closed positions of the washing machine. A wash basket that receives the articles is rotatably mounted within the wash tub, and in certain configurations an agitating element is rotatably positioned within the wash basket. 
     Many laundry rooms are small, without much room to store clothes and other articles that need washing. This means that many users must use valuable space within the laundry rooms to store such clothing and/or articles until is time to wash them. 
     A need therefore exists for a removable storage container that may be stored within a laundry appliance when the appliance is not in use, which maximizes storage of articles inside the appliance, and which addresses the lack of space in a laundry room without modifying the functionality or the dimensions of the appliance. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As described herein, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention overcome one or more disadvantages known in the art. 
     For example, storing clothing and/or other articles within a removable storage container inside a laundry appliance, such as a washing machine or dryer when not in use, helps maximize the organization space of a laundry room, benefiting the consumer. Embodiments of the removable storage container permits storage of clothing and/or other articles inside the appliance and addresses the lack of space in a laundry room without modifying the functionality or the dimensions of the appliance that receives the removable storage container. 
     The storage container may be custom fit to the appliance to maximize the storage of clothing and/or other articles inside the appliance when the appliance is not in use. Such a container may also be used to freshen clothing or other articles when used with a laundry appliance capable of operation in a “freshening” mode. A laundry appliance may be configured in various ways to accommodate such a container. For example, in one embodiment when the storage container is inserted into the appliance, the appliance senses the presence of the storage container. In such an embodiment, the storage container may have a magnet or other device that indicates to a main control system of the appliance whether or not the storage container is inside the appliance, which would prevent operation of the appliance while the storage container is within the appliance. The storage container can be removed from the appliance before one or more operating cycles are run. 
     These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. Moreover, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary top load washing machine; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an exemplary top load washing machine; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of an exemplary top load washing machine with a partial access opening; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of an exemplary top load washing machine with a full access opening; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of an exemplary storage container; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of an exemplary laundry bag; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of an exemplary storage container with a deodorizing compartment; 
         FIG. 8  is side view of the exemplary storage container of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of the exemplary laundry bag of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of an exemplary storage container with a sitting surface; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the exemplary storage container of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an exemplary storage container handle shown in the down position; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an exemplary storage container handle shown in the up or carrying position; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an exemplary storage container handle shown in the down position; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an exemplary storage container handle shown in the up or carrying position; 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of an exemplary washing machine with an exemplary storage container inside the washing machine; 
         FIG. 17  is a side view of an exemplary washing machine with an exemplary laundry bag inside the washing machine; 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of an exemplary washing machine with an exemplary storage container inside and resting on the bottom of the washing machine; 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of an exemplary washing machine with an exemplary storage container inside the washing machine with a top lid of the washing machine closed; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine with the front door closed; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine with the front door open; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine with an exemplary storage container; 
         FIG. 23  is schematic view of an exemplary control system; and 
         FIG. 24  is a method of freshening contents of a washing machine which contains an internal storage container. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Described herein are embodiments of an apparatus and method for temporarily storing clothing and/or other articles inside an appliance, such as a clothes washing machine or a clothes dryer. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a removable storage container that can be stored inside the appliance to maximize space in a laundry room. The storage container may be custom fit to the appliance, so that one or more articles can be stored inside the appliance when the appliance is not in use, and/or may be freshened when the appliance is operated in a “freshening” mode. The one or more articles may comprise, but are not limited to, clothing, linens, footwear, etc. The storage container may have a magnet or other device that indicates to a main control system of the appliance whether or not the storage container is in the appliance. This indication can be used by a computer processor associated with the appliance to initiate (and/or prevent) one or more cycle activations of the appliance while the storage container remains inside. As an example of a cycle that can be initiated, a signal outputted from a storage container sensor may command the appliance to operate in a “freshening” mode, during which one or more elements of the storage container, such as an impeller, are operated to create airflow within appliance and/or through and/or around the storage container. The same or different signal from the storage container sensor may additionally, or alternatively, prevent the appliance from operating in a typical operating mode, such as a wash cycle, a spin cycle, etc., in which case, the storage container can be removed from the appliance before such cycles are run. 
     For context and to begin the discussion, reference can be had to  FIG. 1  in which there is depicted a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an appliance  100 , and more particularly a top load or vertical axis washing machine  102  that embodies the concepts of the present invention. It is contemplated however and a person of ordinary skill in the art understands that at least some of the benefits of the concepts recited herein can be realized in other types of appliances, including, without limitation, front load or horizontal-axis washing machines, front load clothes dryers, and top load clothes dryers. These concepts are therefore not intended to be limited to any particular type or configuration of the appliance  100 , such as the configuration and features of the vertical-axis washing machine  102 , which is shown merely for illustration. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an exemplary appliance  100  that embodies one or more features of the present invention.  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an exemplary top load washing machine  102  which includes a cabinet  104 , lid opening  106 , and control panel  110 .  FIG. 2  shows a cross-sectional side elevation of an exemplary top-loading washing machine  102  similar to that depicted in  FIG. 1 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the vertical-axis washing machine  102  includes a cabinet  104 , a cover  107  or lid opening  106 , and a backsplash  108  extending from the cover  107 . A control panel  110 , including a plurality of input selectors  112 , is coupled to the backsplash  108 . The control panel  110  and the input selectors  112  collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of appliance cycles and/or features. The control panel  110  may include, or be coupled with, the computer processor referenced herein. Optionally, the washing machine  102  may further include a display  114  indicating selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to a user. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 2 , a wash tub  116  is located within the cabinet  104 . Inside of the wash tub  116  is a wash basket  118 , which is movably disposed and rotatably mounted in the wash tub  116  in a spaced apart relationship from wash tub  116 . An agitator  120  can be rotatably positioned in the wash basket  118  on a vertical axis, which is substantially aligned and coincident with a center axis (not shown) of the wash basket  118 . In one embodiment, the agitator  120  is configured to impart oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in the wash basket  118  and the wash basket  118  is driven by a motor drive system  126 . Articles such as dirty clothes are loaded through the opening  124  of the washing machine  102 . The washing machine  102  further comprises a lid position sensor  130 , a lid recess  128 , a lid magnet  134  and a balance ring  136 , which will be discussed in connection with later described figures. 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 2 , the washing machine  102  has space within the cabinet  104  that can be used for storage when the washing machine  102  is not in use. Accordingly, one benefit of the storage container described herein is that it fits within and utilizes some of the space inside the washing machine  102  when the washing machine  102  is not in use. This can be advantageous to a user of the washing machine  102 , because it frees up space within the laundry room that would otherwise be needed to store clothes and/or other items between wash (or drying) cycles. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  are embodiments of top views of the washing machine  102  shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the washing machine  202  includes a cabinet  204 , a top surface  232  of the washer, a lid recess  228  within the interior of the cabinet  204 , a lid position sensor  230 , and a control panel  210  extending from the top surface  232  of the washer  202 . The wash extraction basket  218  is located within both the cabinet  204  and the opening  224 , and within the wash extraction basket  218  is the agitator  220 . In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 4 , opening  224  and the opening of the washing machine  202  may be completely curved, providing a full access opening. In an alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the opening  224  and the opening of the washing machine  202  may comprise both a circular or curved portion and flat portion located towards the control panel side  210  of the washing machine  202 , forming a “D” shape. The shape of the opening  224  and the opening of the washing machine  202  can influence (or dictate) the general outer shape of the storage container shown in  FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 . 
       FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11  are exemplary embodiments of a storage container  340 ,  440 .  FIGS. 5, 6 and 7  show top views of the exemplary storage container  340 .  FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11  depicts side views of the exemplary storage container  440  shown in  FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 . In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 5 , the exemplary storage container  340  may be a basket  360 , which comprises a support rim  342 , walls  344 , and a bottom  350 . The support rim  342  and the walls  344  of the basket  360  may correspond to the shape of the opening  224 . The basket  360  may be made from a variety of materials known in the art, such as plastic, stainless steel, painted steel, and aluminum. However, the basket  360  should not be made of materials that are water soluble or chemically non-resistant. The basket  360  may be made from standard manufacturing techniques; for example if the basket is plastic, it may be injection molded or thermally formed. Alternatively, if the basket  360  is metal, steel, or aluminum, it may be welded, mechanically fixed, or drawn. 
     The support rim  342  can be rigid or semi-rigid in structure. The support rim  342  may be designed to fit around the lid recess  228  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the opening  224  of the washing machine  202 . In such an embodiment, the support rim  342  is larger than the diameter of the opening  224  of the washing machine  202 , such that the support rim  342  rests on material that forms the opening  224  of the washing machine  202 . In one embodiment, the support rim  342  and the walls  344  are both curved  348  and flat  346 , and form the same “D” shape as shown in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, the rim  342  and walls  344  may be only curved. 
       FIGS. 8 and 10  more clearly show the curved wall  448  and flat wall  446  of the basket  460 . The walls  344  are rigid, and may be made from any material such as plastic and wire. The geometry of the rim  342  and the walls  344  of the basket is dependent upon the geometry of the opening  224  of the machine  202  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . For example, if the shape of the opening of the washing machine  202  is entirely curved, as shown in  FIG. 4 , then the basket  360  has a rim  342  and walls  344  that are completely curved  348 . However, if the shape of the opening of the washing machine  202  is both curved and flat, with a “D” shape, as shown in  FIG. 3 , then the basket  360  may have a rim  342  and walls  344  that are both flat  346  and curved  348 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The shape of storage container  340 ,  440  and the rim  342  is dependent upon the shape and geometry of the opening  224  and the opening of the washing machine  202  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and is designed to allow the lid (or door) of the washing machine to close when the storage container  340 ,  440  is inside. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the basket  360  also comprises at least one handle  352 , which is attached to the support rim  342 . The handle  352  may be located along any portion of the support rim  342  and is designed to allow the user to move the basket  360  from one location to another. The handle  352  is further described in  FIGS. 12, 13, 14 and 15 . The handle  352  may be of any shape and size that allows a user to easily transport the basket  460  and remove the basket from the appliance  100 , and which does not interfere with the ability of the storage container  340 ,  440  to fit within the opening  224  and the opening of the washing machine  202  while still allowing the lid of the machine to close when the basket  360  is inside. For example, the handle  352  may comprise finger grips, or may be of various configurations, such as but not limited to folding or telescoping, and provide for up and down movement of the handle  352 . 
     A magnet pocket  354  may be housed within the basket  360 . The magnet pocket  354  is used in conjunction with the sensor  230  on the washing machine  202 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The magnet pocket  354  may house a magnet  334  or other device that indicates to a computer processor associated with the washing machine  202  whether or not the storage container  340  is in the washing machine  202 . Such an indication can be used by the computer processor to prevent specific cycle activation while the storage container  340  is within the washing machine  302 . Hence, when the basket  360  is detected to be within the washing machine  202 , the computer processor can disable various cycle activities from starting, such as high speed spin. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , the magnet pocket  454  may be molded into the bottom of the support rim  442  of the basket  460 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 , the basket  360  may further comprise bottom ventilation and drain holes  356  and wall ventilation and drain holes  358 . The holes allow for air to escape through the basket  360 . As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10  the ventilation holes  456 ,  458  can have a rectangular shape. However, in practice, the ventilation holes  456 ,  458  may be of any suitable shape and/or size. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the basket  460  may further comprise a ring  464  around the bottom of the basket  460 . The ring  464  is attached to the bottom  450  of the basket and provides a sitting surface for the basket  460  to rest on a bottom of the wash basket of the machine  302 . The ring  464  may be made from the same material as the basket  460 . 
     In an alternate embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9 , the exemplary container  340 ,  440  may be a laundry bag  362 ,  462 . The laundry bag  362 ,  462  is comprised of a support rim  342 , 442  as previously described in connection with  FIG. 5  which is attached to a bag. The bag  362 , 462  may be detachable from the rim  342 , 442 . As shown, the bag  362 ,  462  may comprise an adjustable draw string at the upper, open portion, which is designed to fit over the rim  342 , 442 . The bag  362 , 462  may be made of mesh, nylon or any lightweight material and may be of any shape and size that has the ability to fit within the washing machine  102 ,  202 . The support rim  342  is rigid in structure and is designed to fit onto the rim of the opening of the washing machine  102 ,  202  or the lid recess  128 ,  228  of the washing machine  102 ,  202 . The rim  442  may have a ring-type shape that is easily attachable to the lid recess  128  of the washing machine  102  shown in  FIG. 2 . This rim  442  can be supported vertically inside the lid recess  128  as in the rigid basket embodiment described above. The flexible bag portion of the storage container  340 ,  440  would then occupy a portion of the interior of the washing machine  102 ,  202 , particularly if the washing machine  102 ,  202  had no central agitator (or had one that only protruded slightly upwards from the bottom of the wash tub). 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of the exemplary laundry basket  360  shown in  FIG. 5 , with the addition of a deodorizing compartment  370 .  FIG. 11  is a side view of the exemplary laundry basket shown in  FIG. 10 . The deodorizing compartment  370  may be located anywhere on the basket  360 , such as on the side of the basket  360 , near the rim  442 , or on the bottom  450  of the basket  460 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the deodorizing compartment  470  is located at the bottom  450  of the basket  460 . The deodorizing compartment  370  may hold a freshener  372  that deodorizes dirty clothes and/or other articles, while they are being stored in the basket  360 . The freshener  372  may be any freshener or deodorizer known in the art, including, but not limited to baking soda, a dryer sheet, or a perfume plug. 
       FIGS. 8, 12, 13, 14 and 15  are other embodiments of exemplary handles  452 , which are similar to the handles  352  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 8, 10 and 11 , the handle  452  may be a recessed handle which allows the user to grip the storage container  440 . In this embodiment, the handle has no moving parts. In alternative embodiments, the handle may have moving parts. In an embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the handle  552  may be a pop-up or liftable handle.  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the exemplary storage container handle  552  shown in the down position. The handle  552  may be in the down position when the storage container  440  is resting within the washing machine  102 ,  202 .  FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the exemplary handle  552  shown in the up position. When the handle  552  is in the up position, the storage container  440  may be carried by the user from one location to another. For example, a user may raise the handle to the up position when removing the storage container  440  from storage in the washing machine  102 , 202  to outside of the washing machine  102 ,  202  when a cycle is going to be run. A pop-up or liftable handle may be desirable when a low profile of the lid of the machine does not allow for the storage container rim to be very high. A pop-up or lift-able handle  552  can be tucked away in the storage container  440  and accessed when needed by lifting the handle up, and thus only a small amount of room is needed in order to operate the handle from the down to the up position, or vice versa. 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the handle may employ a pivot configuration.  FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an exemplary pivot handle  652  shown in the down position. When in the down position, and not in use, the pivot handle  652  is tucked or hidden within a handle recess  666  on the inner side of the basket.  FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the exemplary handle shown in the up position. When the handle  652  is rotated around a pivot  668  to the up position, the storage container  440  may be carried by the user from one location to another, by grasping the handle  652 , which projects beyond the storage container, similarly to that of  FIGS. 12 and 13 . For example, when the storage container is needed, the user would be able to lift and rotate the handle  652  to the carrying position. 
       FIGS. 16, 17, 18 and 19  are side views of the exemplary containers  340 ,  440  of  FIGS. 5 and 8  shown inside the washing machine  102 ,  202  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIG. 16  is a side view of the exemplary laundry basket  360 ,  460  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8  inside the washing machine  702  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIG. 17  is a side view of the exemplary laundry bag  362 ,  462  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9  inside the washing machine  702  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIG. 18  is a side view of the exemplary laundry basket  360 ,  460  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 10  inside and resting on the bottom of the washing machine  702  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIG. 19  is a side view of the exemplary laundry baskets  360 ,  460  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 8  inside the washing machine  702  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with a top lid  506  of the washing machine  702  closed. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 16, 17, 18 and 19 , articles, such as clothes, may be stored within the washing machine or clothes dryer  702  rather than on the floor. The storage container  740  fits within the opening  724  of the machine  702 . As shown, the storage container  740  rests proximate the lid recess  728 , allowing the support rim  742  of the storage container  740  to be held up by the material that forms the lid recess  728  of the machine  702 . Accordingly, the lid of the machine  702  can be closed after the storage container  740  has been inserted, thereby getting the clothes out of sight and allowing for optimal use of laundry room space. 
     The magnet pocket  754  is in close proximity to the basket position sensor  738 . Further, the magnet pocket  754  is in vertical alignment with the basket position sensor  738 . The proximity of the magnet pocket  754  to the storage container position sensor  738  allows for the machine  702  to be able to sense or detect the presence of the storage container  740  within the machine  702 , and thus prevent a cycle, such as a wash cycle or a spin cycle, from running. This detection method may be one of several detection means. In one embodiment, as shown with the storage container position sensor, the method uses a magnet and reed switch. In an alternate embodiment, there may be a feature on the storage container that engages a switch. In another embodiment, a metal to metal connection between the storage container and the washing machine (or dryer) is used in lieu of a switch. 
     In an alternate embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 , the appliance  800 , 900  may be a horizontal axis washing machine.  FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine  802  with the front door closed and  FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine  802  with the front door open. Appliance  800 , 900  comprises many of the same features as previously described and shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 , only differencing itself from  FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4  due to the shape of the storage container  940 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 22 , the storage container  940  may fit within the interior of the washing machine. 
     In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 22 , the exemplary storage container  940  may be a basket  960 , which comprises flat walls  946  and curved walls  948 . The shape of the opening  924  of the washing machine  902  may dictate at least the outer shape of the storage container  940 . The walls  946  of the storage container  940  may correspond to the same shape of the opening  924  of the machine  900 . For example, as shown, the storage container  940  has both a circular or curved portion and flat portion, forming a “D” shape. The walls  946 ,  948  are rigid, and may be made from any material and method as previously described. The storage container  940  has a drawer-type function. Once inside the washing machine  902 , the storage container  940  may rest on the clothes lifter or baffle  880  (shown in  FIG. 20 ), allowing a user to easily slide the storage container  940  in and out of the machine  902 . The storage container  940  rests on a baffle, which prevents the storage container  940  from tipping due to its weight. The diameter of the opening of many horizontal axis washing machines is less than the diameter of the clothes washing basket inside the machine. In such an embodiment, the storage container  940  can be configured and dimensioned to fit through the opening and rest on the baffles which protrude inwardly from the clothes washing basket wall. 
       FIG. 23  provides a basic schematic of how the lid position sensor and the basket position sensor communicate with a washing machine or dryer. Mechanical feedback is provided between the lid position sensor and the lid magnet. A typical embodiment is the use of a reed switch and magnet. The magnet creates a magnetic flux which closes the contacts of the reed switch when in close enough proximity. The reed switch is electrically connected to the appliance control and provides the signal for lid position. Likewise, mechanical feedback is provided between the basket position sensor and the basket magnet. Electrical feedback is provided between the lid position sensor and the machine controller. Likewise, electrical feedback is provided between the basket position sensor and the machine controller. 
       FIG. 24  depicts an embodiment of a method  1100  of freshening contents of a laundry appliance that contains an internal container. Preferably, one or more components of the appliance  100  perform at least steps  1120 ,  1125 ,  1130  and/or  1135 . Thus, an embodiment of the method  1100  may comprise steps  1120 ,  1125 ,  1130 ,  1135 ,  1140 ,  1145  and  1150 . The other steps shown in  FIG. 24  may be performed by one or more users of the appliance  100 . 
     For example, in step  1105 , a user fills a storage container freshener pocket with fragrant additive. In step  1110 , the user fills the container with clothes. In step  1115 , the user places the storage container inside of a machine, such as a washing machine or a dryer. In step  1120 , the user closes the lid of the machine and sets a control to a “freshening” mode on the control panel. Thus, from the appliance&#39;s perspective, step  1120  includes receiving an instruction from a user interface (of the appliance) to operate the appliance in the “freshening” mode. During the freshening mode, the washer activates the drive motor and spins the impeller at a speed in the range of 5 RPM to 500 RPM for an extended period of time. The physical geometry of the impeller, in the case of a top loading washing machine, is conducive to creating air movement when spun due to the ribs extending above the horizontal surface and extend radially outward toward the periphery of the impeller. Air movement occurs as a result of the impeller spinning, promoting carrying the scent from the freshening pocket to the clothes, and/or carrying away undesirable odors from the clothes to the outside of the washing machine. Additionally, the air movement promotes moving undesirable odors to the freshening pocket, so that the odors are eliminated by the contents of the freshener pocket. A common odor absorber is baking soda. In step  1125 , the appliance determines, using at least one of a lid sensor or door sensor, the storage container position sensor and the magnet, that the storage container is in place. The lid sensor or the door sensor may be a push-button or other sensor. This determination prevents inadvertent running of a wash cycle or a traditional spin cycle, while still allowing running of the freshening mode cycle. 
     In step  1130 , the machine spins an impeller at a pre-determined speed, which promotes air movement inside the machine. In one embodiment, where the appliance is a top loading washing machine, the impeller is located at a bottom of the wash extraction basket. In another embodiment, where the appliance is a front-loading washing machine or a front-loading dryer, the impeller may include one or more portions of a horizontally disposed wash basket and/or dryer basket. In step  1135 , the machine operates the impeller spin mode at a pre-determined interval and for a pre-determined duration while in the freshening mode. The impeller may spin in only one direction or may stop and spin in the other direction in order to change the airflow direction. This happens several times during the freshening mode depending on the length of time the machine is put into freshening mode. While the impeller spins, the basket remains stationary, commonly referred to as wash mode on typical top load washing machines. In this embodiment, there is no water in the basket. Typical operation of the impeller occurs when the clothes are saturated with water and agitation action is imparted by the impeller to the clothes. In this embodiment, the impeller spins with no water in the basket and creates air circulation as described. In another embodiment, the basket and impeller spin together to create airflow inside the wash chamber. This type of operation is typically referred to as spin mode to one familiar with the industry. In step  1140 , the movement of air promotes movement of the fragrance provided by the contents of the freshener pocket located in the storage container. In step  1145 , the fragrant air mixes with articles in the storage container to minimizes bad odors and freshen the articles being stored inside the washing machine (or dryer). In step  1150 , the freshening mode stops after a predetermined cycle time and/or when the user opens the lid or door of the washing machine (or dryer). 
     Thus, while there has been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.