Patent Publication Number: US-10774462-B2

Title: Laundry treating appliance with separate container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/596,147, filed Dec. 8, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Laundry treating appliances, in particular clothes dryers, can have a configuration based on a rotating drum that defines a treating chamber in which laundry items are placed for treating according to a cycle of operation. A controller can be operably connected with the dispensing system and can have various components of the laundry treating appliance to execute the cycle of operation. The cycle of operation can be selected manually by the user or automatically based on one or more conditions determined by the controller. 
     The effectiveness of the clothes dryer is based on how dry laundry is at the end of a cycle. Too dry of laundry, such as “bone dry” is harsh on the laundry and wastes energy as the laundry is over-dried, and not dry enough feels wet to the consumer, which can lead to an unnecessary service call. Typically, it is desired to stop the drying cycle when the laundry has a desired residual moisture content falling within a particular range (e.g., 2-4%). Sensors can be utilized to determine the moisture content in a load of laundry and communicate this information to the controller. 
     In some clothes dryers, a separate drying apparatus, such as a drying rack or a removable container, can be used for drying items separately from the standard tumbled load, i.e. delicates or shoes. Depending on the configuration, the separate drying apparatus can be used in place of or in combination with drying laundry in the treating chamber defined by the rotating drum. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure sets forth a laundry treating appliance for drying laundry comprising a rotatable drum at least partially defining a first treating chamber and having a front and a rear, at least one opening in the front providing access to the first treating chamber, a first door selectively movable between an opened position and a closed position to open/close the opening, and a separate container mounted to the door and disposed within the treating chamber when the door is in the closed position and configurable between a first and a second position, with the separate container forming a self-supporting structure in the second position. 
     The present disclosure further sets forth a laundry treating appliance for drying laundry comprising a rotatable drum at least partially defining a first treating chamber and having a front and a rear, at least one opening in the front providing access to the first treating chamber, a first door selectively movable between an opened/closed positions to open/close the opening, and a separate container rotatably mounted within the dryer with a set of bearings located between the front and the separate container and a turning blade extending into the first treating chamber. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a laundry treating appliance in the form of a clothes dryer including sensors. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a controller for the clothes dryer in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a door for the clothes dryer in  FIG. 1  with a separate container coupled to the door in a first position according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the separate container from  FIG. 3A  in a second position. 
         FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional side view of the separate container from  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional side view of the separate container from  FIG. 3B . 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a door for the clothes dryer in  FIG. 1  with a separate container coupled to the door in a first position according to another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein. 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the separate container from  FIG. 5A  in a second position. 
         FIG. 6A  is a front view of a separate container for the dryer of  FIG. 1  in a first position according to another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein. 
         FIG. 6B  is a side view of the separate container from  FIG. 6A  in a first position. 
         FIG. 6C  is a side view of the separate container from  FIG. 6A  in a second position. 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a separate container for the dryer of  FIG. 1  in a second position according to another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein. 
         FIG. 7B  is a side view of the separate container from  FIG. 7A  in a first position. 
         FIG. 7C  is a side view of the separate container from  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of a separate container for the dryer of  FIG. 1  according to yet another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein. 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of the separate container from  FIG. 8A  in another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a separate container for the dryer of  FIG. 1  according to yet another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein where the separate container can be mounted to the dryer via at least one coupler. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a separate container for the dryer of  FIG. 1  according to another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein where the separate container can be mounted to the dryer via at least one coupler. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a coupler, which can be the at least one coupler in  FIG. 9  or  FIG. 10  according to an aspect of the disclosure discussed herein. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another coupler, which can be the at least one coupler in  FIG. 9  or  FIG. 10  according to another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view exploded view of the dryer from  FIG. 1  with a separate container according to yet another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the disclosure herein relate to a laundry treating appliance that includes a separate container. The separate container can be mounted or coupled to a door providing access to a treating chamber of the laundry treating appliance. In one configuration, the laundry treating appliance is a dryer having a controller capable of receiving information related to controlling a drying cycle for the dryer. The separate container is configured to receive laundry not suitable for a regular tumbling cycle within a main chamber of the dryer. By way of non-limiting example laundry not suitable for a regular tumbling cycle can include shoes and delicates. 
     The controller can be configured to receive information related to the presence of the separate container, the position of the separate container, a drying cycle with the separate container in use, a drying cycle without the separate container in use, maintenance issues for the separate container, or the like. The controller for the laundry treating appliance is not limited to these functions, and it should be understood that functions related to the controller discussed herein are for illustrative purposes only and not meant to be limiting. 
     In one aspect of the disclosure discussed herein the separate container is mounted to a door for the dryer and configured to contract and expand between first and second positions. The first position can be a stowed, contracted, or non-use position where the separate container is not necessary for a normal drying cycle of the dryer. The second position can be a treatment, expanded, or use position where the separate container is needed for, by way of non-limiting example, a delicate drying cycle. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein, the separate container is removably mounted to the door for the dryer and configured to be placed in the door when needed for use. The removably mounted separate container can be an expandable container as well, spring loaded for easy storage, or can have a cage or framed body for holding laundry not suitable for tumbling in the main chamber of the dryer. It is further contemplated that the removably mounted container can have an outer frame configured to be covered in a mesh fabric where the mesh fabric can be utilized to hold in smaller laundry items when necessary. It is further contemplated that the removably mounted separate container can be coupled to the door with a ramped coupler. The ramped coupler can include a quarter turn ramp or a vertical ramp. 
     Furthermore, in yet another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein the separate container is rotatably mounted within the dryer. In this aspect, the separate container can rotate with or at a varying speed when compared to a main drum of the dryer. This separate container can be utilized for laundry items safe for tumbling and needing to be kept separate from a main laundry load for drying. Items such as undergarments or items with lose strings may be safe for tumbling and benefit from remaining separate so as not to become entangled with other laundry items during the drying process. 
     By way of overview,  FIG. 1  is illustrative of an example of a laundry treating appliance in the form of a clothes dryer  10  that can be controlled according to aspects of the disclosure described herein. While aspects of the disclosure described herein are in the context of a clothes dryer  10 , the disclosure is not so limited and can be used with any type of laundry treating appliance, non-limiting examples of which include a washing machine, a combination washing machine and dryer and a refreshing/revitalizing machine. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the clothes dryer  10  can include a cabinet  12  in which is provided a controller  14  that can receive input from a user through a user interface  16  for selecting a cycle of operation and controlling the operation of the clothes dryer  10  to implement the selected cycle of operation. 
     The cabinet  12  can be defined by a front wall  18 , a rear wall  20 , and a pair of side walls  22  supporting a top wall  24 . A chassis can be provided with the walls being panels mounted to the chassis. A door  26  can be hingedly mounted to the front wall  18  and can be selectively movable between opened and closed positions to close an opening in the front wall  18 , which provides access to the interior of the cabinet  12 . 
     A rotatable drum  28  can be disposed within the interior of the cabinet between opposing stationary front and rear ends comprising bulkheads  30 ,  32  wherein the front bulkhead  30  defines a front wall  31  of the drum  28  and rotationally supports an open front  33  and the rear bulkhead  32  defines a rear wall  35  of the drum  28  closing an open rear  39  of the drum  28 . The rear wall  35  of the drum  28  along with the door  26  and the rotatable drum  28  collectively define a treating chamber  34 . As illustrated, the treating chamber  34  is not fluidly coupled to a drain, though other implementations may include drain lines. Thus, in this implementation, liquid introduced into the treating chamber  34  will not be removed merely by draining. The rotatable drum is for tumble drying a main laundry load  36  within the treating chamber  34 . 
     Non-limiting examples of laundry that can be treated according to a cycle of operation include, a hat, a scarf, a glove, a sweater, a blouse, a shirt, a pair of shorts, a dress, a sock, a pair of pants, a shoe, an undergarment, and a jacket. Furthermore, textile fabrics in other products, such as draperies, sheets, towels, pillows, and stuffed fabric articles (e.g., toys), can be treated in the clothes dryer  10 . 
     The drum  28  can include at least one lifter  29 . In most dryers, there can be multiple lifters. The lifters can be located along an inner surface of the drum  28  defining an interior circumference of the drum  28 . The lifters can facilitate movement of the main laundry load  36  within the drum  28  as the drum  28  rotates. 
     The drum  28  can be operably coupled with a motor  54  to selectively rotate the drum  28  during a cycle of operation. The coupling of the motor  54  to the drum  28  can be direct or indirect. As illustrated, an indirect coupling can include a belt  56  coupling an output shaft of the motor  54  to a wheel/pulley on the drum  28 . A direct coupling can include the output shaft of the motor  54  coupled to a hub of the drum  28 . 
     An air system can be provided to the clothes dryer  10 . The air system supplies air to the treating chamber  34  and exhausts air from the treating chamber  34 . The supplied air can be heated or not. The air system can have an air supply portion that can form, in part, a supply conduit  38  with an air inlet  39  open to ambient air via a rear vent  37  and another end fluidly coupled to an inlet grill  40 , which can be in fluid communication with the treating chamber  34 . A heating element  42  can lie within the supply conduit  38  and can be operably coupled to and controlled by the controller  14 . If the heating element  42  is turned on, the supplied air will be heated prior to entering the drum  28 . 
     The air system can further include an air exhaust portion that can be formed in part by an exhaust conduit  44 . A lint trap  45  can be provided as the inlet from the treating chamber  34  to the exhaust conduit  44 . A blower  46  can be fluidly coupled to the exhaust conduit  44 . The blower  46  can be operably coupled to and controlled by the controller  14 . Operation of the blower  46  draws air into the treating chamber  34  as well as exhausts air from the treating chamber  34  through the exhaust conduit  44 . The exhaust conduit  44  can be fluidly coupled with a household exhaust duct (not shown) for exhausting the air from the treating chamber  34  to the outside of the clothes dryer  10 . 
     The air system can further include various sensors and other components, such as at least one thermistor, or an inlet thermistor  47  and a thermostat  48 , which can be coupled to the supply conduit  38  in which the heating element  42  can be positioned. The inlet thermistor  47  and the thermostat  48  can be operably coupled to each other. Alternatively, the inlet thermistor  47  can be coupled to the supply conduit  38  at or near to the inlet grill  40 . Regardless of its location, the inlet thermistor  47  can be used to aid in determining an inlet temperature (IT) of air entering the treating chamber  34 . Another thermistor, or outlet thermistor  51  and a thermal fuse  49  can be coupled to the exhaust conduit  44  proximate an air outlet  53  of the treating chamber  34 , with the outlet thermistor  51  being used to determine an outlet temperature (OT) of air exiting the treating chamber. Alternatively, the outlet thermistor  47  can be coupled to the exhaust conduit  44  at or near to the lint trap  45 . 
     A first conductivity sensor  50  can be positioned in the interior of the treating chamber  34  to monitor the amount of moisture of the laundry in the treating chamber  34 . The first conductivity sensor  52  can be located at the front of the treating chamber  34  at a bottom portion of the front wall  31  of the drum  28 . It is also contemplated that the first conductivity sensor  50  can be integrated with the lint trap  45  or at any location in the interior of the dispensing dryer  10  such that the first conductivity  50  can accurately sense the moisture content of the laundry. A second conductivity sensor  52  can be mounted at the rear of the treating chamber  34 , for example, on the real wall  35  of the drum  28  as illustrated. The conductivity sensors  50 ,  52  can be operably coupled to the controller  14  such that the controller  14  receives output from the conductivity sensors  50 ,  52 . While two conductivity sensors  50 ,  52  are illustrated, this is not meant to be limiting and other configurations can be contemplated. 
     Each conductivity sensor  50 ,  52  is normally two, spaced strips of metal forming part of an electrical circuit such that when a laundry item touches both strips it closes the circuit, which lets an electrical signal pass through, which is registered as a “hit”. The circuit is coupled to the controller  14 , which can monitor/analyze the frequency and duration of the hits over time to assess the dryness of the load. As the load dries, the frequency and duration will lessen as dry laundry is not as conductive as wet laundry. 
     The determination of a “dry” load can be based on the moisture content of the laundry, which may be set by the user based on the selected cycle, an option to the selected cycle, or a user-defined preference. The moisture content can be determined using a single moisture sensor, such as a conductivity sensor, located at the front of the treating chamber. The conductivity sensor can be used to calculate a projected drying time. In exemplary implementations, the conductivity sensors are not used for an absolute determination of dryness because they may not be accurate below approximately 10% moisture content and a load (at least in certain exemplary implementations) is typically not considered dry unless it has less than 5% moisture content or, more typically, 2-4%. Thus, the output of the conductivity sensor is used to calculate a drying time that is expected to have less than 5% moisture content. 
     Together the inlet and outlet thermistors  47 ,  51  can provide a thermal signal for an end of cycle estimation when either a signal from the conductivity sensors is no longer being produced because all of the laundry is wet, or an error has occurred. Additionally, when the dryness level drops below 10% a thermal signal from the inlet and outlet thermistors  47 ,  51  can be utilized to determine an end of cycle estimation time. 
     Together the inlet and outlet thermistors  47 ,  51  along with the first and second conductivity sensors  50 ,  52  can provide information as a single model to the controller  14 . The single model can use information from the inlet and outlet thermistors  47 ,  51  to determine the temperature differential between incoming and outgoing air. This information can be in addition to or compared with the moisture content of the laundry sensed by the first and second conductivity sensors. These four pieces of input can together form the single model necessary for determining an end of cycle for the clothes dryer  10 . 
     A dispensing system  57  can be provided for the clothes dryer  10  to dispense one or more treating chemistries to the treating chamber  34  according to a cycle of operation. As illustrated, the dispensing system  57  can be located in the interior of the cabinet  12  although other locations are also possible. The dispensing system  57  can be fluidly coupled to a water supply  68 . The dispensing system  57  can be further coupled to the treating chamber  34  through one or more nozzles  69 . As illustrated, nozzles  69  are provided to the front and rear of the treating chamber  34  to provide the treating chemistry or liquid to the interior of the treating chamber  34 , although other configurations are also possible. 
     As illustrated, the dispensing system  57  can include a reservoir  60 , which can be a cartridge, for a treating chemistry that is releasably coupled to the dispensing system  57 , which dispenses the treating chemistry from the reservoir  60  to the treating chamber  34 . The reservoir  60  can include one or more cartridges configured to store one or more treating chemistries in the interior of cartridges. A suitable cartridge system can be found in U.S. Pub. No. 20150240407 to Hendrickson et al., filed Apr. 28, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,920,468, issued Mar. 20, 2018, entitled “Method for Converting a Household Cleaning Appliance with a Non-Bulk Dispensing System to a Household Cleaning Appliance with a Bulk Dispensing System,” which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     A mixing chamber  62  can be provided to couple the reservoir  60  to the treating chamber  34  through a supply conduit  63 . Pumps such as a metering pump  64  and a delivery pump  66  can be provided to the dispensing system  57  to selectively supply a treating chemistry and/or liquid to the treating chamber  34  according to a cycle of operation. The water supply  68  can be fluidly coupled to the mixing chamber  62  to provide water from the water source to the mixing chamber  62 . The water supply  68  can include an inlet valve  70  and a water supply conduit  72 . It is noted that, instead of water, a different treating chemistry can be provided from the exterior of the clothes dryer  10  to the mixing chamber  62 . 
     The treating chemistry can be any type of aid for treating laundry, non-limiting examples of which include, but are not limited to, water, fabric softeners, sanitizing agents, de-wrinkling or anti-wrinkling agents, and chemicals for imparting desired properties to the laundry, including stain resistance, fragrance (e.g., perfumes), insect repellency, and UV protection. 
     The dryer  10  can also be provided with a steam generating system  80  which can be separate from the dispensing system  57  or integrated with portions of the dispensing system  57  for dispensing steam and/or liquid to the treating chamber  34  according to a cycle of operation. The steam generating system  80  can include a steam generator  82  fluidly coupled with the water supply  68  through a steam inlet conduit  84 . A fluid control valve  85  can be used to control the flow of water from the water supply conduit  72  between the steam generating system  80  and the dispensing system  57 . The steam generator  82  can further be fluidly coupled with the one or more supply conduits  63  through a steam supply conduit  86  to deliver steam to the treating chamber  34  through the nozzles  69 . Alternatively, the steam generator  82  can be coupled with the treating chamber  34  through one or more conduits and nozzles independently of the dispensing system  57 . 
     The steam generator  82  can be any type of device that converts the supplied liquid to steam. For example, the steam generator  82  can be a tank-type steam generator that stores a volume of liquid and heats the volume of liquid to convert the liquid to steam. Alternatively, the steam generator  82  can be an in-line steam generator that converts the liquid to steam as the liquid flows through the steam generator  82 . 
     It will be understood that any suitable dispensing system and/or steam generating system can be used with the dryer  10 . It is also within the scope of the invention for the dryer  10  to not include a dispensing system or a steam generating system. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic view of the controller  14  coupled to the various components of the dryer  10 . The controller  14  can be communicably coupled to components of the clothes dryer  10  such as the heating element  42 , blower  46 , inlet thermistor  47 , thermostat  48 , thermal fuse  49 , outlet thermistor  51 , first and second conductivity sensor  50 ,  52 , motor  54 , inlet valve  70 , pumps  64 ,  66 , steam generator  82  and fluid control valve  85  to either control these components and/or receive their input for use in controlling the components. The controller  14  is also operably coupled to the user interface  16  to receive input from the user through the user interface  16  for the implementation of the drying cycle and provide the user with information regarding the drying cycle. 
     The user interface  16  can be provided with operational controls such as dials, lights, knobs, levers, buttons, switches, and displays enabling the user to input commands to a controller  14  and receive information about a treatment cycle from components in the clothes dryer  10  or via input by the user through the user interface  16 . The user can enter many different types of information, including, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options. Any suitable cycle can be used. Non-limiting examples include, Casual, Delicate, Super Delicate, Heavy Duty, Normal Dry, Damp Dry, Sanitize, Quick Dry, Timed Dry, and Jeans. 
     The controller  14  can implement a treatment cycle selected by the user according to any options selected by the user and provide related information to the user. The controller  14  can also comprise a central processing unit (CPU)  74  and an associated memory  76  where various treatment cycles and associated data, such as look-up tables, can be stored. One or more software applications, such as an arrangement of executable commands/instructions can be stored in the memory and executed by the CPU  74  to implement the one or more treatment cycles. 
     In general, the controller  14  will effect a cycle of operation to effect a treating of the laundry in the treating chamber  34 , which can or cannot include drying. The controller  14  can actuate the blower  46  to draw an inlet air flow  58  into the supply conduit  38  through the rear vent  37  when air flow is needed for a selected treating cycle. The controller  14  can activate the heating element  42  to heat the inlet air flow  58  as it passes over the heating element  42 , with the heated air  59  being supplied to the treating chamber  34 . The heated air  59  can be in contact with the main laundry load  36  as it passes through the treating chamber  34  on its way to the exhaust conduit  44  to effect a moisture removal of the laundry. The heated air  59  can exit the treating chamber  34 , and flow through the blower  46  and the exhaust conduit  44  to the outside of the clothes dryer  10 . The controller  14  continues the cycle of operation until completed. If the cycle of operation includes drying, the controller  14  determines when the laundry is dry. The determination of a “dry” load can be made in different ways, but is often based on the moisture content of the laundry, which is typically set by the user based on the selected cycle, an option to the selected cycle, or a user-defined preference. 
     During a cycle of operation, one or more treating chemistries can be provided to the treating chamber  34  by the dispensing system  57  as actuated by the controller  14 . To dispense the treating chemistry, the metering pump  64  is actuated by the controller  14  to pump a predetermined quantity of the treating chemistry stored in the reservoir  60  to the mixing chamber  62 , which can be provided as a single charge, multiple charges, or at a predetermined rate, for example. The treating chemistry can be in the form of a gas, liquid, solid, gel or any combination thereof, and can have any chemical composition enabling refreshment, disinfection, whitening, brightening, increased softness, reduced odor, reduced wrinkling, stain repellency or any other desired treatment of the laundry. The treating chemistry can be composed of a single chemical, a mixture of chemicals, or a solution of a solvent, such as water, and one or more chemicals. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3A , a perspective view of the clothes dryer  10  illustrates a separate container  88  coupled to the door  26  in a first position  90 . It is further contemplated that the separate container  88  can be mounted at the rear of the treating chamber  34 . The first position  90  can be a collapsed position or stowed position in which portions, by way of non-limiting example multiple, illustrated as three, concentric ring portions  92 , are received within each other. While illustrated as concentric rings, the concentric ring portions  92  are not so limited and can be any shape, by way of non-limiting example concentric ovals, squares, rectangles, or the like. The first position  90  can be characterized with the separate container  88  being relatively flat with respect to the door  26 . 
     The separate container  88  can include a screen face  94  made of a mesh material for containment of laundry items within the separate container  88  and through which air from the treating chamber  34  can still move freely. The separate container  88  can be formed from sufficiently pliable materials, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), or rubber silicone that can also withstand high temperatures. 
     In  FIG. 3B , the separate container  88  is illustrated in a second position  96 . The second position can be an expanded or treatment position in which portions, by way of non-limiting example the three concentric ring portions  92 , are expanded out to form a secondary treating chamber  98 . It is further contemplated that the concentric ring portions  92  are molded from a flexible, elastomeric, perforated membrane  99  forming a collapsible basket  100  having at least one vent opening  121 . Laundry items not suitable for normal drying cycles within the treating chamber  34  can be placed in the secondary treating chamber  98  for drying. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the separate container  88  in the first position  90  as viewed along line IV-IV from  FIG. 3A . It can more clearly be seen that the collapsible basket  100  can include stiffening rings  102 , by way of non-limiting example six stiffening rings, coupled to consecutive pliable portions  104 , forming the perforated membrane  99 . Each stiffening ring  102  can be mounted to the pliable portions  104  via hinges  105  on opposing sides of the stiffening ring  102 . The stiffening ring  102  can be formed from polypropylene another thermoplastic, or a metal such as stainless steel. The stiffening ring  102  and pliable portions  104  can be coupled in the manufacturing process via 2-shot injection over molding or insert molding. It is further contemplated that while illustrated as separate pliable portions  104 , the collapsible basket  100  can be a single continuous piece of rubber silicone, TPE, TPV or the like. A basket door  101  can be hingedly mounted to the front of door  26  such that access to the second treating chamber is possible without opening the dyer door  26  to gain access to the treating chamber  34 . 
     A dryer vent  106  can be provided proximate the door  26  at a lower portion of the front wall  18 . The dryer vent  106  can include a main vent  108  and a secondary vent  110 . The main vent  108  can be directly fluidly coupled to the treating chamber  34 . A portion of the collapsible basket  100  can overly the secondary vent  110  such that a basket vent  112  faces the secondary vent  110  when the collapsible basket is in the first position  90 . 
     During a drying cycle when the collapsible basket is stowed, or in the first position  90 , circulating air (A) within the treating chamber  34  can pass through the screen face  94 , through the basket vent  112 , and through the secondary vent  110 . Circulating air (A) can also pass directly into the drying vent  106  via the main vent  108 . In this manner, a drying cycle in which the second treating chamber  98  is not in use can cycle normally. 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the separate container  88  in the second position  96  as viewed along line IV-IV from  FIG. 3B . In the expanded, or second position  96 , the collapsible basket  100  has been pulled out toward the treating chamber  34  in a direction indicated by arrow  114 . A second laundry load  116  can be received within the second treating chamber  98  through the basket door  101 . The second laundry load  116  can be any item not suitable for tumble drying within the treating chamber  34 . By way of non-limiting example laundry items designated as the second laundry load  116  can include but are not limited to delicates, undergarments, and shoes. 
     In the second position  96 , the basket vent  112  remains opposite the secondary vent  110 . The circulating air (A) can pass through the screen face  94  and come into contact with items defining the second laundry load  116  during operation. The circulating air (A) can then pass through the basket vent  112  and secondary vent  110  as illustrated. The vents  112 ,  110  can be formed from a rigid thermoplastic or metal rotatably fixed to the collapsible basket  100 . When in the second position  96  the secondary vent can be folded down and serve as a stop maintaining the container in the expanded second position  96 . The secondary vent  110  can be relatively flat and wide substantially filling the width and depth of the container and act as a shelf or separator while it is in the second position  96 . Multiple holes ensure adequate airflow. 
       FIG. 5A  is a separate container  188  according to another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein. The separate container  188  is substantially similar to the separate container  88  of  FIG. 3A . Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the separate container  88  applies to the separate container  188  unless otherwise noted. 
     Separate container  188  is illustrated in a first position  190  where a set of retractable panel portions  204  are in a stowed position  218  held in place with, by way of non-limiting example a first clasp  220   a  located near the top  125   a  of dryer door  126 . It is further contemplated that the first position  190  can be defined as the set of retractable panel portions  204  in the stowed position  218  proximate the bottom  125   b  or sides  126   a ,  126   b  of the dryer door  126 . The top  125   a  as the location for the stowed position  218  is for illustrative purposes only and not meant to be limiting. A second clasp  220   b  is located at the bottom  125   b  of dryer door  126  such that when pulled into a second position  196  ( FIG. 5B ) the set of retractable panel portions  204  define a second treating chamber  198 . 
     The set of panel portions  204  is made up of individual panel portions  204   a  each of which can include vent openings  221 . Each individual panel portion  204   a  can be semi-circular such that each panel portion  204   a  follows the contour of the dryer door  126 . Each individual panel portion  204   a  can define a wider portion at a center  222  and taper to narrow portions defining opposing ends  224   a ,  224   b . The opposing ends  224   a ,  224   b  can be rotatably mounted at opposing sides  126   a ,  126   b  of the dryer door  126  with, by way of non-limiting example, a torque hinge  228 . 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates separate container  188  in the second position  196 . The set of retractable panels  204  when expanded forms a half sphere shape. Though illustrated as half of a sphere, different shapes are also contemplated. The half sphere shape is formed from individual panel portions  204   a  that are consecutively smaller in size. In this manner, the individual panel portions  204   a  can be received within each other and stowed as illustrated in  FIG. 5A . The smallest of the individual panel portions  204   a  is received by the second clasp  220   b  at a bottom  225   b  of the dryer door  126  where it can be, by way of non-limiting example, snapped into place. Vent openings  221  enable circulating air to flow through the individual panel portions  204   a  when in operation. 
       FIG. 6A  is a separate container  288  according to another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein. The separate container  288  is substantially similar to the separate container  88  of  FIG. 3A . Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 200, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the separate container  88  applies to the separate container  288  unless otherwise noted. While the dryer door is not illustrated, like separate container  88 , separate container  288  can be mounted to a dryer door. 
       FIG. 6A  is a front view of the separate container  288  in a collapsed, or first position  290 . The separate container  288  can be a collapsible basket  300  formed from concentric ring portions  292  formed from pliable portions  304 . The concentric ring portions  292  can include at least one stiffening ring  302 , illustrated as five consecutively smaller stiffening rings  302 , coupling consecutive pliable portions  304  to each other. It is contemplated that the pliable portions  304  each include a central hinge  303  and are mounted to consecutive stiffening rings  302  at mounting hinges  305 . It is further contemplated that the central hinge  303  and mounting hinges  305  are made of the same material as the pliable portions  304  and are bending points within the pliable portions  304 . A perforated face  294  can be formed of the same flexible material as the pliable portions  304  and be centrally located with respect to the stiffening rings  302 . The perforated face can include a plurality of vent openings  321 . 
     When in the first position  290 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the collapsible basket  300  can become essentially flat. This can be the position for the collapsible basket  300  when not in use. The pliable portions  304  are folded with a fan fold at the central hinges  303  and received within consecutive stiffening rings  302 . 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates the collapsible basket  300  in a second position  296 , where the collapsible basket  300  is expanded to define a second treating chamber  298 . In the second position  296 , the second treating chamber  298  can receive a second laundry load (not shown) as described herein. Vent openings  321  can also be provided on the pliable portions  304  to enable air circulation. 
     In yet another aspect of the disclosure herein,  FIG. 7A  is a separate container  388  substantially similar to the separate container  88  of  FIG. 3A . Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 300, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the separate container  88  applies to the separate container  388  unless otherwise noted. 
     A perspective view of the separate container  388  shows a collapsible basket  300  having lateral frames  430  where when locked in place via a locking mechanism  431  form a second treating chamber  398 . The locking mechanism  431  can extend parallel to and along the same plane as the lateral frames  430  when in place. It is contemplated that the locking mechanism  431  can be located anywhere along the door and is depicted proximate the dryer door top  425   a  for illustrative purposes and is not meant to be limited. 
     The separate container  388  can form the collapsible basket  300  where when in a first position  390 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7B , lateral frames  430  are oriented in a substantially vertical position. The lateral frames  430  are hung at regular intervals from a first end  432  mounted to a stationary vertical frame  434 , much like louvers for window blinds. The lateral frames  430  can be of varying width (W) and fold onto each other via connecting hinges  436  mounted at first and second ends  438   a ,  438   b  to consecutive lateral frames  430 . 
     To retain the lateral frames  430  in a vertical or horizontal position, a retaining member, rotatably fixed to the top or bottom of the door  326  can be provided. This feature, while not illustrated, can be similar to the clasp  220   b  in  FIG. 5A . It is further contemplated that the retaining member can be a similar in nature to a kickstand, and rotate out to retain the collapsible basket  300  in the first and second positions  390 ,  396 . 
     When in a second position  396  as illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the lateral frames  430  are oriented in a substantially horizontal configuration to define a second treating chamber  398 . Space (S) between the lateral frames  430  can vary and serve to allow circulating air (A) into the second treating chamber  398 . When in use, the second treating chamber  398  can hold a second load of laundry (not shown) for drying. 
     In still another aspect of the disclosure herein,  FIG. 8A  is a separate container  488  substantially similar to the separate container  88  of  FIG. 3A . Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 400, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the separate container  88  applies to the separate container  488  unless otherwise noted. 
     Separate container  488  is illustrated in a second position  496 , or expanded position as described herein. The first position (not shown) is much like the first position of the separate containers  188 ,  288  as illustrated in  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 6B  respectively. Unlike separate container  288 , separate container  488  is a cylindrical shape defining a second treating chamber  498 . The separate container  488  can extend straight out from a dryer door  426  and terminate in a screen face  494 . The separate container  488  can be a collapsible basket  500  formed from stiffening rings  502  and pliable portions  504  much like the collapsible baskets already discussed herein. Unlike the collapsible baskets discussed herein, collapsible basket  500  does not have concentric ring portions, instead, stiffening rings  502  can be formed from an internal coil spring that in one aspect of the disclosure can be pushed to spring open into the second position  496  as illustrated. 
     The screen face  494  can double as a vent and a basket door  501  as illustrated in  FIG. 8B . The screen face  494  can include a snap fit  542  where one of the screen face  494  or collapsible basket  500  includes a first member  544  formed to snap onto a second member  546  on the other of the screen face  494  or collapsible basket  500 . A secondary laundry load  416  can be received within the second treating chamber  498  through the basket door  501 . 
     In another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein and illustrated in  FIG. 8B , the stiffening rings  502  can be sprung closed. The stiffening rings  502  can be formed from a coiled spring where when at rest remains compressed. In order to move to the second position  496 , the collapsible basket  500 , must therefore be pulled open. By way of non-limiting example hinged rods  540  can be utilized to pull the collapsible basket  500  to the second position  496 . When in an extended position as illustrated, the hinged rods  540  can click into place to become rigid and provide a framework for the collapsible basket  500 . The hinged rods  540  are depicted for illustrative purposes only and not meant to be limiting. Any sufficient structure within or along an exterior of the collapsible basket  500  for extending the basket into the second position  496  as illustrated is contemplated. 
     A separate container  588  substantially similar to the separate container  88  of  FIG. 3A  is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 500, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the separate container  88  applies to the separate container  588  unless otherwise noted. 
     The separate container  588  can include a rigid mesh face  640 . The rigid mesh face  640  can be reinforced by semicircular framing  642  extending in both a generally vertical and horizontal direction. The rigid mesh face  640  can be a metal mesh or polymer mesh. It is contemplated that the separate container  588  is sufficiently rigid and formed to detach from a dryer door  526  when not in use as one piece. The separate container  588  can be, by way of non-limiting example, snapped into place. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure herein, the separate container  588  can include mounting arms  644  terminating in L-shaped ends  646 . By way of non-limiting example two mounting arms  644  are illustrated. The L-shaped ends  646  can be used to mount the separate container  588  to the dryer door via at least one coupler  648 , illustrated as two couplers. 
     A separate container  688  is further contemplated as depicted in  FIG. 10 . Like parts are identified with like numerals increased by 600 with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the separate container  88  applies to the separate container  688  unless otherwise noted. The separate container  688  includes a rigid framework  742  over which a mesh bag  740  can be applied. The rigid frame work  742  can be formed from frame components  750  spaced (S) such that a second laundry load  716  can be received within the separate container  688  without the use of a door or the like. It is also contemplated that a second laundry load  716  is placed within the separate container  688  prior to mounting the second container  688  to a dryer door  626  as illustrated. The mesh bag  740  can be, by way of non-limiting example snapped to the rigid framework  742  via snaps  752 , or coupled to the rigid frame work  742  in any suitable way. 
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of the at least one coupler  648 . The coupler  648  can extend vertically to define a substantially cylindrical body  670 . A vertically extending quarter turn ramp  672  extends from an opening  674  at a top  676  of the cylindrical body  670  to a notch opening  678  at an interior  680  of the cylindrical body  670 . The L-shaped end  646  can be received at the opening  674  and upon turning the mounting arm  644 , by way of non-limiting example in a counter-clockwise direction as indicated by arrow (CC), can lock into place at the notch opening  678  with the L-shaped end  646  being received within the interior  680 . To remove, the mounting arm  644  can be turned, by way of non-limiting example, in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow (C), slide along the quarter turn ramp  672  until reaching the opening  674  at which point the mounting arm  644  can be lifted up (U) and the L-shaped end  646  removed from the opening  674 . 
     A coupler  748  substantially similar to the coupler  648  of  FIG. 11  is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the coupler  648  applies to the coupler  748  unless otherwise noted. 
     The coupler  748  can extend vertically to define a substantially cylindrical body  770 . A thickened portion  771  can extend from the cylindrical body  770 . A vertically extending ramp  772  extends from an opening  774  at a top  776  of the cylindrical body  770  downward into the thickened portion  771 . Much in the same way as described with the coupler  648 , an L-shaped end  746  of a mounting arm  744  can slide up the vertically extending ramp  772  and slide into the opening  774 . 
     The couplers  648 ,  748  as described herein can be used in conjunction or separately for mounting any one of the separate containers as described herein. It should be understood, that combinations of features of the separate containers as described herein is also contemplated, and that the disclosure as described herein is for illustrative purposes only and not meant to be limiting. 
     In yet another aspect of the disclosure described herein, a separate container  888  is illustrated in  FIG. 13  as part of an exploded view of a clothes dryer  810 . The separate container  888  is substantially similar to the separate container  88  of  FIG. 3A . Therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the separate container  88  applies to the separate container  888  unless otherwise noted. 
     The clothes dryer  810  can include a cabinet  812  defined by a front wall  818 , rear wall  820 , and side walls  822  and enclosed by a top wall  824 . The front wall  818  can have an open front  833  defining a dimension, by way of non-limiting example a diameter (D), opening into a drum  828  defining a treating chamber  834 . The clothes dryer  810  can further include a dryer door  826  which can be mounted to the cabinet  812  in any suitable manner. 
     A separate container  888  can be, by way of non-limiting example a substantially circular shape having a basket diameter (Db) at least slightly smaller than the diameter (D) of the open front  833 . The separate container  88  can define a mesh basket  900 , which in some aspects of the disclosure discussed herein can be collapsible. The mesh basket  900  can have a mesh frame  940  enclosing a second treating chamber  898 . The mesh basket  900  can extend from an interior face  894  to an exterior face  895 . A turning blade  984  can extend from the interior face  894  and across the interior face  894  a length less than or equal to the basket diameter (Db). A set of bearings  986 , by way of non-limiting example rings  987   a ,  987   b  and ball bearings  988 , can mount to the exterior face  895  of the mesh basket  900 . 
     In operation, the mesh basket  900  is received within the open front  833  and the set of bearings  986  can be provided between the dryer door  826  and the mesh basket  900  such that the mesh basket  900  is free to spin about a horizontal axis (H) extending through the center of the open front  833 . The mesh basket  900  can spin independently of the rotating drum  828 . A main laundry load  836  can be lifted and rotated within the drum  828  during operation. The main laundry load  836  can come in contact with the turning blade  984  causing the mesh basket  900  to rotate about the horizontal axis (H). In this manner, though the rotation of the mesh basket  900  depends on the rotation of the drum  828 , the rate at which the drum  828  and the mesh basket  900  rotate are different from each other. While the drum  828  is mechanically coupled to a motor  54  ( FIG. 1 ) and therefore mechanically rotated, the mesh basket  900  is passively rotated by way of the laundry load  836 . 
     It is further contemplated that a twist timer  990  can be coupled with, by way of non-limiting example the exterior face  895  of the mesh basket  900 . The twist timer  990  can be turned to unwind at a rate different than the rate at which the drum  828  rotates. The twist timer  990  can therefore rotate the mesh basket  900  at a rate that also differs from the rotation rate of the drum  828 . A second laundry load  916  disposed within the second treating chamber  898  can be tumbled, but at a different rate than the laundry load  836  within the treating chamber  834 . The rate at which the second laundry load  916  is tumbled can be a slower, or a gentler rate, than the rate at which the laundry load  836  is tumbled. This enables a drying cycle that can tumble two different loads at varying rates of rotation. 
     It should be understood that an additional shelf can be placed in any one of the separate containers described herein on which a pair of shoes can be placed or to serve as a separator for different laundry items. Furthermore, latches, hooks, clasps, and other features described herein can be any type of latch, hook, clasp, and are not limited by those illustrated. 
     Benefits associated with the embodiments described herein include enabling a clothes dryer to dry two loads of laundry in different chambers. In one aspect of the disclosure herein, laundry is tumbled in a treating chamber, while another load of laundry remains stationary is a separate container. Items, by way of non-limiting example, such as shoes or delicates, can withstand dryer temperatures, but tumbling can produce excessive noise or damage to the items. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure discussed herein, easy storage, and/or removal of the separate container as described herein enables a normal drying cycle to occur in the event a separate load of laundry does not require drying in a separate container. 
     Other benefits associated with other aspects of the disclosure discussed herein include enabling a drying cycle that can tumble two different loads at varying rates of rotation. Varying rates of rotation can enable gentle tumbling of certain laundry loads which can decrease drying times while still minimizing wear to laundry items due to tumbling. 
     While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit. It should also be noted that all elements of all of the claims can be combined with each other in any possible combination, even if the combinations have not been expressly claimed.