Patent Publication Number: US-2022220657-A1

Title: Foreign substrate collector for a laundry appliance

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/136,315, filed Jan. 12, 2021, entitled FOREIGN SUBSTRATE COLLECTOR FOR A LAUNDRY APPLIANCE, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a laundry appliance, and more specifically, to a foreign substrate collector for a laundry appliance. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet. A door is operably coupled to the cabinet. A drum is disposed within the cabinet proximate to the door. A lifter is disposed within and operably coupled to the drum. A foreign substrate collector is disposed within the lifter. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet. A door is operably coupled to the cabinet and includes a barrier layer. A drum is disposed within the cabinet proximate to the door. A lifter is disposed within and operably coupled to the drum. A foreign substrate collector is disposed proximate the barrier layer. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet. A door is operably coupled to the cabinet. A drum is disposed within the cabinet proximate to the door. A lifter is disposed within and operably coupled to the drum. A foreign substrate collector is disposed proximate the drum. The foreign substrate collector includes a plurality of rollers with frictional members. The frictional members rotate against one another and against articles being processed. The frictional members collect foreign substrate particles from the articles and collects the foreign substrate particles on the plurality of rollers. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a laundry appliance of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a laundry appliance of the present disclosure operably coupled to an external receiving container; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a laundry appliance of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial side perspective view of a door of the present disclosure with a first filter and a second filter; 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of a vertical axis laundry appliance of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of a controller that is programmed for operating a variety of routines including a pet cycle of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram of a water routine of a pet cycle of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a top exploded perspective view of a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure with a filter in phantom; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of the foreign substrate collector of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional view of a drum illustrating a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure operably coupled to the drum; 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of the foreign substrate collector of  FIG. 10 , shown separated from the drum; 
         FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of a drum with a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of the foreign substrate collector of  FIG. 12 , shown separated from the drum; 
         FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure coupled to a lifter; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded top perspective view of the foreign substrate collector of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the foreign substrate collector of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial top perspective view of a drum with a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure, including a basket and a collection member; 
         FIG. 18  is an exploded top perspective view of a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded cross-sectional view of the foreign substrate collector of  FIG. 18  with a frame for a filter; 
         FIG. 20  is a top perspective view of a drum and a plurality of foreign substrate collectors of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of one of the foreign substrate collectors of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a partial cross-sectional view of the foreign substrate collector of  FIG. 21  taken at area XXII; 
         FIG. 23  is a partial top perspective view of a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure and positioned within a drum; 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the foreign substrate collector of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a top perspective view of a drum with a plurality of foreign substrate collectors of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 26  is a top perspective view of a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the foreign substrate collector of  FIG. 26  with a body and a plurality of bristles; 
         FIG. 28  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure with a brush; 
         FIG. 29  is a bottom plan view of the foreign substrate collector of  FIG. 28  with a filter and the brush; 
         FIG. 30  is a side elevational view of the foreign substrate collector of  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 31  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure with a first brush and a second brush; 
         FIG. 32  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure with a plurality of brushes; 
         FIG. 33  is a side elevational view of the foreign substrate collector of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a partially exploded top perspective view of a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure selectively disposed within a lifter; 
         FIG. 35  is a top perspective view of a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure coupled to a filter; 
         FIG. 36  is an exploded top perspective view of the foreign substrate collector of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a top perspective view of a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure with protrusions attached to a plurality of rollers; 
         FIG. 38  is a schematic diagram illustrating operation of a foreign substrate collector of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 39  is a first perspective view of an aspect of a lifter for a laundry appliance; 
         FIG. 40  is a second perspective view of the lifter of  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a first side elevation view of the lifter of  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a second side elevation view of the lifter of  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a third side elevation view of the lifter of  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 44  is a fourth side elevation view of the lifter of  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a top plan view of the lifter of  FIG. 39 ; and 
         FIG. 46  is a bottom plan view of the lifter of  FIG. 39 . 
     
    
    
     The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a foreign substrate collector. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-38 , reference numeral  10  generally designates a laundry appliance that includes a cabinet  12 . A door  14  is operably coupled to the cabinet  12 . Where the door  14  is positioned within a front panel of the cabinet  12 , the door  14  typically includes a barrier layer  16 . A drum  18  is disposed within the cabinet  12  proximate to the door  14 , and a pump  20  for a fluid delivery system  28  is operably coupled to the drum  18  for moving a flow of wash fluid  26  into and away from the drum. A lifter  22  is disposed within and operably coupled to the drum  18 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the laundry appliance  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  as a horizontal axis washer. Additionally or alternatively, the laundry appliance  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 5  as a vertical axis washer, such that the door  14  of the laundry appliance  10  is disposed on a top panel of the cabinet  12 . It is further contemplated that the constructions described herein may be applicable for a washer, a dryer, and/or a combination laundry appliance. A user interface  42  can be coupled to the cabinet  12  to select and control the various cycles of the laundry appliance  10 . In addition, a machine compartment  44  may be adjacent to the door  14  and is illustrated within a cavity  46  below the door  14 . The cabinet  12  also includes a top portion  48  and side portions  50  in addition to the front portion  40 . For performing various drying operations, the laundry appliance  10  can operate according to various operating systems. These operating systems can include, but are not limited to, an exhaust dryer, recirculating dryer, heat pump dryer, condensing dryer, and other similar operating systems. 
     The door  14  can be operably coupled to either the front portion  40  or the top portion  48  of the cabinet  12 , depending on the configuration of the laundry appliance  10 . It is generally contemplated that the door  14  is hingedly coupled to the cabinet  12  to provide selective access to an interior cavity  52  defined by the drum  18  in either the vertical, the horizontal or the angular or oblique axis configuration of the laundry appliance  10 . A frame  58  of the door  14  may be generally circular to correspond with a generally circular opening  60  defined by the cabinet  12 . Typically, the frame  58  is formed from a rigid, metallic material. However, it is also contemplated that the frame  58  may be formed from other materials known in the art, such as plastics. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the barrier layer  16  is positioned within the frame  58  of the door  14  to block materials from exiting the drum  18  of the laundry appliance  10 . For example, during a wash cycle, clothing is typically saturated with a combination of water and laundry chemistry, typically detergent, and during the wash cycle the clothes are rotated, spun, and generally agitated, such that, without the barrier layer  16 , clothing may exit the drum  18 . The barrier layer  16  may generally have a fishbowl construction. It is also contemplated that the barrier layer  16  may include a deflector  66  to help minimize water leakage from the drum  18 , such that the deflector  66  typically redirects water inward toward the drum  18 . This deflector  66  can also be used to spread and distribute wash fluid  26  and the articles being processed within the drum. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the laundry appliance  10  includes a ventilation assembly  80  operably coupled to the cabinet  12  and the drum  18 . The drum  18  can include a perforated wall  70  that is configured to provide for the passage of fluid, in the form of liquid and air, into and out of the drum  18 . The ventilation assembly  80  can include first and second filters  84 ,  86  operably coupled to the barrier layer  16  of the door  14 . The first and second filters  84 ,  86  are typically positioned within dedicated filter openings  64  within the barrier layer  16  to provide for the movement of material therethrough. The first and second filter  84 ,  86  can be incorporated into the deflector  66  of the barrier layer  16 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, the ventilation assembly  80  can include a foreign substrate collector  88  operably coupled to a rear interior portion  90  of the cabinet  12  proximate to the drum  18 . The ventilation assembly  80  also includes a blower  92  operably coupled to an airflow path  160  that moves process air  156  through the cabinet  12  and through the drum in particular. The blower  92  is configured to forcibly direct process air  156  through apertures  82  that are defined by the drum  18 , typically the rear wall of the drum  18 , to dispel particles of foreign substrates  94  from clothing and/or fabric items  96  that may be disposed within the drum  18 . 
     The ventilation assembly  80  is illustrated with the first and second filters  84 ,  86  being operably coupled to the door  14  of the laundry appliance  10 . It is generally contemplated that the first filter  84  is operably coupled to the blower  92 . The second filter  86  is operably coupled to an external receiving container  98  configured to collect the foreign substrates  94  removed by the blower  92  and collected by at least the second filter  86 . It is generally contemplated that the external receiving container  98  can include a dedicated air handler that operates to define a suction that creates an at least partial vacuum chamber within the receiving container  98 . This suction is configured to draw in the foreign substrates  94  from the second filter  86  and the drum  18  and into the receiving container  98 . The at least partial vacuum chamber of the external receiving container  98  assists in retaining the foreign substrates  94  within the external receiving container  98  during operation of the laundry appliance  10 , in addition to drawing the foreign substrates  94  into the external receiving container  98 . At the completion of a particular laundry cycle, or at another intermittent time period, the receiving container  98  can be emptied to dispose of the captured foreign substrates  94 . In certain aspects of the device, the first and second filters  84 ,  86  can be operable during performance of a pet cycle  122 . In such an aspect of the device, the first and second filters  84 ,  86  as well as the filter openings  64  can be operable to move to an open position during a pet cycle  122 . This allows the recovery ambient air  162  to move into the drum  18  and also allow the process air  156  to move to the external receiving container  98  through the second filter  86 . At the conclusion of the pet cycle  122 , the first and second filters  84 ,  86  and the associated filter openings  64  are operable to a closed position to perform during a standard wash cycle  172 . Typically, where the appliance  10  is a dryer only, the first filter  84  will be used to draw in ambient air  162  into the drum  18  and the second filter  86  will be used to expel used process air  156 , usually containing foreign substrates  94  out of the appliance  10 . Where the appliance  10  is a combination washer and dryer, the first and second filters  84 ,  86  will recirculate process air  156  within the appliance  10 . 
     In certain aspects of the device, it is contemplated that the receiving container  98  can be incorporated into a portion of the appliance  10  and inside the door  14  or the cabinet  12 . By way of example, and not limitation, where the receiving container  98  is incorporated into the door  14  of the appliance  10 , the process air  156  can flow from the drum  18  and into one of the first and second filters  84 ,  86 , through an air channel defined within the door  14  and then out the other of the first and second filters  84 ,  86 . The receiving container  98  can be disposed within the air channel within the door  14 . The receiving container  98  can also be positioned within the door  14  and proximate one or both of the first and second filters  84   86 . It is contemplated that the receiving container  98  can be positioned within the cabinet  12  near the opening for the door  14 . In these various aspects, the receiving container  98  can include a removable collector  88  or other filtration member that can be used to dispose of the captured particles of foreign substrates  94 . 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , it is also contemplated that the blower  92  can be operably coupled to the first filter  84  to project an airflow through the first filter  84  into the drum  18 . In such configuration, the blower  92  is operably and selectively coupled to the first filter  84  via a hose  100  operably coupled to the blower  92 . The hose  100  selectively couples to the first filter  84  in a closed position of the door  14 . For example, the door  14  is unattached to the hose  100  when the user opens the door  14  to access the interior cavity  52 . Once the door  14  is closed and latched to the cabinet  12 , then the hose  100  is operably coupled to the first filter  84  to direct the airflow into the interior cavity  52 . In certain aspects of the device, the first filter  84  can be incorporated into an ambient air  162  or recovery air filter opening  64  that is used to deliver and filter ambient air  162  that is drawn into the hose  100  by the blower  92  and the ventilation assembly  80 . In such an embodiment, the ambient air  172  is drawn into the drum  18  to remove the foreign substrate  94 . It is also contemplated that the first filter  84  can be used to filter process air  156  that is moved through the airflow path  160  and into the drum  18 . 
     The force with which the blower  92  projects the airflow into the interior cavity  52  within the drum  18  assists in directing the airflow within the interior cavity  52 . The suction generated by the external receiving container  98  redirects the airflow toward the second filter  86 . This circulation of airflow within the drum  18  assists in removing the foreign substrates  94  from the clothing items  96  disposed within the interior cavity  52 . As the ventilation assembly  80  is in operation, the drum  18  is simultaneously tumbling the clothing items  96  within the interior cavity  52 . The combination of tumbling to agitate and rearrange the clothing items, in combination with the operation of the ventilation assembly  80  to direct process air  156  toward the clothing assists in loosening the foreign substrates  94  from the clothing items  96  and directing the collected foreign substrates  94  within the foreign substrate collector  88 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 1-4 , the blower  92  is configured to direct the process air  156  through the airflow path  160  and into the drum  18 . The foreign substrate collector  88  can be operably coupled to a rear portion  102  of the drum  18 . In this configuration, the barrier layer  16  of the door  14  is free from the first and second filters  84 ,  86 , as the particles of foreign substrates  94  are collected by the foreign substrate collector  88 . The blower  92  can be positioned at an upper portion  104  of the cabinet  12 , such that the process air  156  is directed downward into the drum  18 . The force of the moving process air  156  assists in releasing the foreign substrates  94  from the clothing items  96 , and the direction of the flow of process air  156  circulates the foreign substrates  94  toward the foreign substrate collector  88 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 5-7  and as described further below, the combination of the ventilation assembly  80  and the tumbling of the clothing items  96  within the drum  18  typically correspond to the user selecting a pre-wash cycle  110 . The user can utilize the user interface  42  to one of a variety of routines  112  including, but not limited to, the pre-wash cycle  110 , described below. The user interface  42  can include a knob  114  configured for at least partial operation of a cycle of the laundry appliance  10 . The user interface  42  also includes a display screen  116  that displays the variety of routines  112  that a user may select. The routines  112  are executed by the controller  118  upon selection of one of the routines  112  by the user. The routines  112 , described in more detail below, include a variety of cycle options including, but are not limited to, regular cycle  120 , pet cycle  122 , and the pre-wash cycle  110 . 
     The pre-wash cycle  110  and the pet cycle  122  may include similar routine options, such that the pre-wash cycle  110  may appear if the user selects the pet cycle  122  option. For example, the user may select the pet cycle  122  option from the user interface  42 , and the controller  118  will present the user with additional selection options via the user interface  42 , referred to as pet cycle routines  124 . The pet cycle routines  124  will be described in more detail below, but as an example, the user may select the pre-wash cycle  110  from the presented pet cycle routines  124  presented on the user interface  42 , and the controller  118  will execute the pre-wash cycle  110 . The pre-wash cycle  110  can be in the form of a pre-wash air cycle that includes an air tumble segment that utilizes projected streams of process air  156  into the interior cavity  52  of the drum  18  to release foreign substrates  94  from the clothing and/or fabric items  96  disposed within the interior cavity  52 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 1 and 5-9 , in this configuration, one of the pet cycle routines  124  can be configured to increase the wash fluid  26  level within the drum  18 , a water routine  128 , upon selection of the pet cycle routine  124 . It is contemplated that the controller  118  may present the water routine  128  upon selection of the pet cycle routine  124 . For example, the user can select the pet cycle routine  124  on the user interface  42  and the controller  118  executes the water routine  128 . The water routine  128  results in an increase in the volume of wash fluid  26  that is disposed within the drum  18  while the clothing items  96  are tumbling within the drum  18 . The laundry appliance  10  may also be configured with an algorithm that includes a tumble routine  130 . The tumble routine  130  may also be presented by the controller  118  upon selection of the pet cycle routine  124 . It is generally contemplated that the tumble routine  130  may alter the speed and time of the clothing items  96  tumbling in the drum  18 . 
     The increased volume of wash fluid  26  executed by the selection of the water routine  128  generally lifts the particles of foreign substrates  94  from the clothing items  96  to be collected by the foreign substrate collector  88 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the foreign substrates  94  may be drawn into a mesh body  140  disposed within a housing  142  of the foreign substrate collector  88 . By way of example, not limitation and as described herein, the foreign substrate collector  88  is integrally formed with the lifter  22  of the laundry appliance  10 . The foreign substrates  94  are drawn through the housing  142  to the mesh body  140  by immersing the lifters  22  in the liquid simultaneously with the clothing items  96 . As described herein, the lifter  22  may be a single lifter  22  that is integrally formed with the foreign substrate collector  88 . Additionally or alternatively, the laundry appliance  10  may include a plurality of lifters  22  each integrally formed with a foreign substrate collector  88 . Stated differently, the foreign substrate collector(s)  88  are submerged in the increased liquid volume at the same time as the clothing items  96  are submerged. Thus, any released foreign substrates  94  can be collected by the mesh body  140  of the foreign substrate collector  88 . In certain aspects of the device, the lifter  22  having the foreign substrate collector  88  can be incorporated into a vertical axis appliance. In such an aspect, the level of the wash fluid  26  in the water routine  128  can be above the level of the lifter  22 . Accordingly, the lifters  22  and the foreign substrate collectors  88  are able to move continuously through the wash fluid  26  to capture the foreign substrates  94 . In this configuration, the wash fluid  26  is filled within the drum  18  to a first level during a standard wash cycle. During the water routine  128 , typically performed during a pet cycle  122 , the wash fluid  26  is filled to a second level that is higher than the first level. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 1 and 5-9 , it is also contemplated that by increasing the tumbling time of the clothing items  96  within the drum  18  that more foreign substrates  94  can be collected. For example, the longer the tumble routine  130  of the pet cycle routine  124 , the more contact the clothing items  96  typically have with the housing  142  of the foreign substrate collector  88 . It is generally contemplated that the incorporated algorithms including the water routine  128  and the tumble routine  130  are incorporated when the laundry appliance  10  is a vertical-axis laundry appliance. As mentioned above, the lifter  22  disposed within the illustrated laundry appliance  10  can be integrally formed with the foreign substrate collector  88 . 
     The lifter  22  includes the housing  142 , which may also be referred to as an outer casing. The housing  142  defines a filter space  134  therein and within which the foreign substrate collector  88  is disposed. The housing  142  generally defines a plurality of slots  144  along a length L of the housing  142 , which allows the foreign substrates  94  to pass through the housing  142 . The foreign substrate collector  88  is illustrated as with the mesh body  140 , which traps and retains the foreign substrates  94  that pass through the plurality of slots  144 . It is generally contemplated that the mesh body  140  can be accessed via an end  146  of the housing  142  to remove the mesh body  140  for cleaning. The mesh body  140  includes a mesh base  148  and a mesh wall  150 . Thus, the foreign substrates  94  are allowed to pass through the plurality of slots  144  and be retained within either or both of the mesh base  148  and the mesh wall  150 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 1 and 5-9 , the increased number of interactions between the clothing items  96  and the foreign substrate collector  88  further directs the foreign substrates  94  into the plurality of slots  144  to be retained by the mesh body  140 . It is advantageous for the laundry appliance  10  to incorporate either or both of these options during the routine to lift the foreign substrates  94  from the clothing items  96 . Accordingly, the user may be prompted to make a selection on the user interface  42  as to whether both the water routine  128  and the tumble routine  130  are to be executed. Additionally or alternatively, it is also contemplated that the mere selection of the pet cycle  122  can execute both the increase in liquid volume and the increased speed and/or time of the tumble routine  130 . 
     As schematically set forth in  FIG. 6 , it is generally contemplated that the pet cycle routine  124  may also include a post-wash cycle  170  configured to operate after the clothing items  96  have been removed from the drum  18 . The controller  118  may detect the end of a wash cycle  172  after the pet cycle routine  124  has been operated and can display on the user interface  42  the option for the post-wash cycle  170 . The post-wash cycle  170  is configured to remove remaining foreign substrates  94  within the drum  18  via the lifters  22 . Specifically, the post-wash cycle  170  may run a low level of water within the drum  18  and remove any potential remaining foreign substrates  94  within the drum  18 . The foreign substrates  94  are collected by filters  174  disposed within the lifters  22 , similar to the mesh body  140  mentioned above, and can be removed for cleaning after the post-wash cycle  170 . 
     It is also contemplated that the post-wash cycle  170  may also include recirculating the wash fluid  26  through the drum  18  via the pump  20 . The pump  20  may be operably coupled to a basin  176 , such as a sump of a tub  24 , or a separate container that collects the wash fluid  26  after the pet cycle  122  is complete. Upon selection of the post-wash cycle  170 , the collected wash fluid  26  will be pumped from the basin  176  via the pump  20  to circulate within the drum  18 . During circulation within the drum  18 , any potential remaining foreign substrates  94  can be collected by the foreign substrate collector  88  integrally formed with one of the lifters  22 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 8-38 , a variety of configurations of the foreign substrate collector  88  are depicted and will be described herein. It is generally contemplated that the foreign substrate collectors  88  described with respect to  FIGS. 8-34  are integrally formed with at least one of the lifters  22  disposed within the drum  18 . The foreign substrate collector  88 , as mentioned above, includes the housing  142 , which can define the plurality of slots  144  along the housing  142  of the foreign substrate collector  88 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the housing  142  may include a plurality of attachment features  180  disposed on an attachment portion  182  of the housing  142 . The drum  18  may define the plurality of apertures  82  through which the attachment features  180  of the housing  142  may extend to operably couple the lifter  22  to the drum  18 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, and 8-11 , the lifter  22  may define openings  184  between each of the attachment features  180 , such that the lifter  22  is at least partially raised relative to the drum  18 . It is generally contemplated that, in this configuration, the foreign substrates  94  released within the drum  18  may pass through the openings  184  defined by the lifter  22  between the lifter  22  and the drum  18 . The foreign substrate collector  88  may be formed from, but is not limited to, the filter  174  and a support  188 . The foreign substrate collector  88  may include a single filter  174  and/or multiple filters  174  operably coupled to the support  188  within the housing  142 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1, 12, and 13 , the housing  142  of the lifter  22  may be configured as a multilayered housing  190 , such that the housing  142  includes a plurality of layers  192  through which passages  194  are defined. Each of the plurality of layers  192  may be defined at various vertical heights, such that the plurality of passages  194  defined by each layer  192  may be generally misaligned to maximize the collection of and trapping of the foreign substrates  94 . The variation of the heights of the plurality of layers  192  allows the lifter  22  to collect the foreign substrates  94  at varying water levels within the drum  18 . The variable heights of the plurality of passages  194  maximizes the number of foreign substrates  94  that can be collected by the lifter  22  during various portions of the laundry cycle, regardless of whether the laundry cycle is the selected pet cycle routine  124 . 
     The lifter  22  in this configuration also includes a diverter  196  positioned along a projected surface  198  of the lifter  22 . The diverter  196  is configured to direct the foreign substrates  94  that may be floating within the liquid during the wash cycle and redirect the foreign substrates  94  into the lifter  22 . The diverter  196  redirects the foreign substrates  94  into the housing  142  while redirecting the clothing items  96  within the drum  18 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 14-16 , the housing  142  of the lifter  22  is illustrated as defining the plurality of slots  144  along at least one side  206  of the housing  142 . In one configuration illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the lifter  22  includes a sloped surface  200  disposed within the housing  142  and including the filter  174  disposed along the sloped surface  200 . The filter  174  is configured to collect the foreign substrates  94  that pass through the plurality of slots  144  defined by the housing  142  and as generally described above. The filter  174  may be operably coupled to an enclosure surface disposed along the housing  142  and operably coupled to the lifter  22 . The user may remove the filter  174  from the housing  142  to remove any potential collected foreign substrates  94  on the filter  174 . As the foreign substrates  94  enter into the slots  144 , the foreign substrates  94  are captured within the filter  174 . The material carrying the foreign substrates  94 , whether in the form of a flow of wash fluid  26  or a flow of process air  156 , is then directed by the sloped surface  200  within the filter space  134  back into the interior cavity  52  defined within the drum  18 . 
     In an alternate configuration illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the housing  142  of the foreign substrate collector  88  is illustrated as a basket  202 . The basket  202  may hingedly open to provide the user access to remove the foreign substrates  94  from a collection member  204  disposed within the basket  202 . It is generally contemplated that the collection member  204  may include a plurality of bristles  238  that extend from within the basket  202  to an area outside of the basket  202 . In this manner, the plurality of bristles  238  at least partially engage the clothing items  96  within the interior cavity  52  of the drum  18 . Additionally or alternatively, the collection member  204  may be concealed within the basket  202  to collect the foreign substrates  94  without engaging with the clothing items  96 . The basket  202  provides for the material carrying the foreign substrates  94  to enter into the basket  202  and also flow around the basket  202  so that the plurality of bristles can capture the foreign substrates  94 . 
     As mentioned above, the foreign substrate collector  88  includes the frame  188 . The frame  188  illustrated in  FIGS. 18-22  defines a plurality of recesses  210  configured to receive a plurality of projections  212  defined by the lifter  22 . The frame  188  includes the filter  174  configured to collect the foreign substrate  94  as they pass through the plurality of slots  144  defined by the housing  142 . The frame  188  may snap-fit and slide lock with the housing  142 , such that the user can position the frame  188  within the lifter  22  and slide the frame  188  relative to the housing  142  to lock the frame  188  within the housing  142 . The slide-lock  186  of the frame  188  of the filter  174  minimizes the potential for misalignment or removal of the frame  188  during operation of the laundry appliance  10 . 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 1 and 18-22 , the frame  188  can also define vertical planes  214  along which the filter  174  may be disposed. The vertical planes  214  are defined by planar portions  216  that extend between an outer frame  218  of the frame  188  to define the portion of the frame  188  in which the filter  174  may be positioned. It is also contemplated that the frame  188  may include horizontal planes  220  similarly configured as the vertical planes  214  and extending from an elongated attachment portion  222  of the frame  188 . It is also contemplated that the elongated attachment portion  222  from which the horizontal and vertical planes  220 ,  214  extend may define grooves  224 . The user may apply pressure along the grooves  224  of the elongated attachment portion  222  as the frame  188  is being positioned within the housing  142  to engage the slide-lock  186  to secure the frame  188  within the housing  142 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 23-27 , the lifter  22  is illustrated as having a greater width W, such that the lifter  22  has a generally crescent-shaped housing  142  disposed along an inner surface  230  of the drum  18 . The foreign substrate collector  88  is selectively positioned within the housing  142 . The foreign substrate collector  88  is selectively coupled to the housing  142  via a slit  232  defined by the housing  142 . It is generally contemplated that the foreign substrate collector  88 , as mentioned above, can slidably lock relative to the housing  142  to retain the foreign substrate collector  88  within the housing  142 . 
     In this configuration, the foreign substrate collector  88  includes a body  234 , a grasping portion  236 , and a plurality of bristles  238  disposed along the body  234 . The body  234  and the plurality of bristles  238  are configured to be disposed within the housing  142  and collect the foreign substrates  94  that pass through the plurality of slots  144  defined by the housing  142 . In certain aspects of the device, a portion of the bristles  238  can extend outside of the housing  142  to collect foreign substrate  94  within a flow of the wash fluid  26  contained within the drum  18 . The grasping portion  236  is operably coupled to the housing  142  via the slit  232  defined by the housing  142 . The grasping portion  236  is configured to assist the user in removing the foreign substrate collector  88  from the housing  142 . It is generally contemplated that the plurality of bristles  238  may be formed using additive manufacturing along the body  234  of the filter  174 . It is also contemplated that the bristles  238  may be separately formed and coupled to the body  234 . The plurality of bristles  238  are generally rigid relative to the body  234  of the foreign substrate collector  88 . The foreign substrates  94  are generally retained by the bristles  238 , and the user can remove the foreign substrates  94  from the bristles  238  by removing the foreign substrate collector  88  via the grasping portion  236 . 
     In a further alternate configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 28-33 , the foreign substrate collector  88  includes at least one brush  250  disposed along an edge  252  of the lifter  22 . The at least one brush  250  is rotatably coupled to the filter  174  of the foreign substrate collector  88  disposed within the housing  142 . The at least one brush  250  provides increased collection of the foreign substrates  94  in addition to the plurality of slots  144  defined by the housing  142 . The collection of increased foreign substrate  94  is due to the at least one brush  250  being configured to engage with the clothing items  96  within the laundry appliance  10 . The engagement between the brush  250  and the clothing items  96  can assist in removing the foreign substrates  94  from the clothing items  96  via frictional engagement. The foreign substrates  94  released may be collected by the brush  250  and/or may pass through the plurality of slots  144  defined in the housing  142 . The foreign substrates  94  are ultimately retained by the filter  174  disposed within the housing  142  regardless of the method of collection, as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1 and 8-27 . 
     The at least one brush  250  is rotatably coupled to the housing  142  and configured to at least partially engage the filter  174  to remove the foreign substrates  94  collected by the brush  250 . The at least one brush  250  may include a first brush  254  and a second brush  256  disposed along the edge  252  of the housing  142 . The first and second brushes  254 ,  256  maximize the interaction between the foreign substrate collector  88  and the clothing items  96  within the drum  18 . It is further contemplated that a plurality of brushes  258  may be utilized to remove and collect the foreign substrates  94  within the drum  18  into the foreign substrate collector  88 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 32 and 33 , the plurality of brushes  258  are disposed on each side  260  of the lifter  22 , such that side brushes  262  generally extend along the side  260  of the lifter  22 . It is generally contemplated that each side  260  of the lifter  22  may include at least two brushes  258  to maximize the number of foreign substrates  94  removed from the clothing items  96  within the drum  18 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 34 , the foreign substrate collector  88  is configured to be removed from the end  146  of the lifter  22  at an angled orientation  266 . By utilizing a handle  268  coupled to the filter  174 , the user can remove the foreign substrate collector  88  using the angled orientation  266 . The foreign substrate collector  88  is generally fixedly retained in the lifter  22  during operation. The angled orientation  266  secures the foreign substrate collector  88 , such that during the pet cycle  122  the foreign substrate collector  88  remains fixed. The user can easily remove the foreign substrate collector  88  from the lifter  22  at the angled orientation  266  to remove any foreign substrates  94  collected on the filter  174 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 35-38 , the foreign substrate collector  88  is illustrated as having the housing  142  that is operably coupled to the filter  174  of the laundry appliance  10 . The foreign substrate collector  88  also includes a plurality of rollers  270  that each include a shaft  272  and a frictional member  274 . The housing  142  defines guides  276  through which the shafts  272  of the plurality of rollers  270  extend to couple the rollers  270  to the housing  142 . The shafts  272  are rotatably coupled to the housing  142  within the guides  276 . The housing  142  is operably coupled to the filter  174  of the laundry appliance  10  via fasteners  278 . The fasteners  278  are illustrated as bolts extending through the housing  142 . However, it is generally contemplated that the fasteners  278  may include screws, magnets, or other fasteners generally known in the art. The foreign substrate collector  88  and the filter  174  are selectively removable from the drum  18 , so the user can clean the foreign substrates  94  from the frictional members  274  of the foreign substrate collector  88 . 
     It is generally contemplated that the clothing items  96  engage the frictional members  274  of the foreign substrate collector  88  during the selected laundry cycle. The foreign substrates  94  that may be disposed on the clothing items  96  may be removed from the clothing items  96  by the frictional members  274 . The plurality of rollers  270  are configured to rotate within the housing  142 . It is also contemplated that the plurality of rollers  270  may have a degree of resistance relative to the housing  142  to promote the frictional engagement between the clothing items  96  and the frictional members  274 . In an alternate configuration, the filter  174  may be coupled to the housing  142  and the frictional members  274 . In this configuration, the foreign substrates  94  collected by the frictional members  274  may be ultimately transferred to the filter  174 . The user can remove the filter  174  to remove the foreign substrates  94  from the drum  18  prior to a new laundry cycle. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 1 and 35-38 , the frictional members  274  may be formed from a generally sticky or tacky material to attract and retain the foreign substrates  94  from the clothing items  96 . By way of example, not limitation, the frictional members  274  may be formed from a silicone material, or other similar material that has a generally tacky exterior. It is also contemplated that the frictional members  274  may be formed from other polymeric materials known in the art, such as rubber, that is configured to be tacky or otherwise sticky to attract and retain the foreign substrates  94 . The frictional members  274  can also be formed from static producing materials that can be used to generate a static charge when rubbed or otherwise moved against other materials. 
     In an alternate configuration, the frictional members  274  may include protrusions  280  that outwardly extend from the rollers  270 . The protrusions  280  are configured to engage the clothing items  96 , similar to the brush  250  mentioned above, to remove and collect the particles of foreign substrates  94 . In addition, the housing  142  of the foreign substrate collector  88  may include a static member  282  that is configured to engage the frictional members  274  and generate a charge along each of the rollers  270 . The charge along the rollers  270  is an opposing charge to that of the particles of foreign substrates  94 . The charge on the rollers  270  generally helps attract the particles of foreign substrates  94  to the rollers  270  to collect the particles of foreign substrates  94  within the foreign substrate collector  88 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-38 , the laundry appliance  10  described herein is configured to maximize the removal of foreign substrates  94  from the clothing items  96 . The foreign substrates  94  include, but are not limited to, pet hair that may be disposed on the clothing items  96  prior to a wash cycle  172 . The laundry appliance  10  described herein is configured to remove the foreign substrates  94  via the various configurations of the foreign substrate collector  88  and various wash cycles  172 . The foreign substrate collector  88  can be used in either a washer and/or dryer construction of the laundry appliance  10 , depending on the needs of the user. Ultimately, the foreign substrate collector  88  allows the user to have clothing items  96  that are free from foreign substrates  94  by simply running a laundry cycle. 
     The invention disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet. A door is operably coupled to the cabinet. A drum is disposed within the cabinet proximate to the door. A lifter is disposed within and operably coupled to the drum. A foreign substrate collector is disposed within the lifter. 
     According to another aspect, the foreign substrate collector includes a housing that defines a filter space therein. The foreign substrate collector includes a filter that is disposed within the filter space. 
     According to yet another aspect, the foreign substrate collector includes at least one brush that is configured to agitate clothing items disposed within the drum. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one brush includes bristles that extend outside of a housing of the lifter. 
     According to another aspect, the at least one brush includes a roller that rotates about a shaft. The shaft and a portion of the at least one brush is positioned within a housing of the lifter. 
     According to yet another aspect, the foreign substrate collector includes a body having a plurality of bristles disposed along a length of the body. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a blower is operably coupled to the cabinet and is configured to direct airflow within the drum. The blower is configured to direct a flow of process air through lifters and the foreign substrate collector. 
     According to another aspect, a controller is configured to execute a pet cycle of said laundry appliance. The pet cycle operates to direct at least one of a flow of process air and a flow of wash fluid through the foreign substrate collector. 
     According to yet another aspect, the pet cycle includes a pre-wash air cycle that directs the flow of process air through the foreign substrate collector. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid delivery system delivers the flow of the wash fluid to the drum. The fluid delivery system delivers a first level of the wash fluid during a standard wash cycle. The fluid delivery system delivers a second level of the wash fluid during the pet cycle. The second level is higher than the first level. The pet cycle is configured to direct the flow of the wash fluid through the foreign substrate collector. 
     According to another aspect, the door is attached to a front panel of the cabinet and the drum rotates about one of a horizontal axis and an angled axis. 
     According to yet another aspect, the door is attached to a top panel of the cabinet and the drum rotates about a vertical axis. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet. A door is operably coupled to the cabinet and includes a barrier layer. A drum is disposed within the cabinet proximate to the door. A lifter is disposed within and operably coupled to the drum. A foreign substrate collector is disposed proximate the barrier layer. 
     According to another aspect, the door includes a first filter and a second filter operably coupled to the barrier layer of the door. 
     According to yet another aspect, a ventilation assembly operably coupled to the first filter. An external receiving container is operably coupled to the second filter. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second filter delivers process air from the drum, through the second filter and into the external receiving container. The first filter defines a recovery air opening for delivering ambient air from around the cabinet into the drum via the ventilation assembly. 
     According to another aspect, the second filter is defined within a deflector of the barrier layer of the door. 
     According to yet another aspect, the first and second filters are operable to an open position during a pet cycle. The first and second filters are operable to a closed position during a standard cycle. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a cabinet. A door is operably coupled to the cabinet. A drum is disposed within the cabinet proximate to the door. A lifter is disposed within and operably coupled to the drum. A foreign substrate collector is disposed proximate the drum. The foreign substrate collector includes a plurality of rollers with frictional members. The frictional members rotate against one another and against articles being processed. The frictional members collect foreign substrate particles from the articles and collects the foreign substrate particles on the plurality of rollers. 
     According to another aspect, the frictional members include static producing materials. The plurality of rollers engage one another to generate a static charge that attracts the foreign substrate particles. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.