Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The subject matter of the present disclosure relates generally to fluid additive dispensers for appliances, e.g., washing machine appliances. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Washing machine appliances generally form wash and rinse fluids to clean clothing articles disposed within a wash basket of the appliance. The wash fluid can include, for example, water and various fluid additives, e.g., detergent, fabric softener, and/or bleach. The fluid additives can be mixed with water within a wash tub of the appliance in order to form the wash fluid. Various fluid additives may also be added to water to form the rinse fluid. 
         [0003]    To introduce one or more fluid additives into the wash tub, a user can manually add the fluid additive to the wash tub and/or the wash basket. For example, after starting the appliance, the user can pour detergent directly into the wash basket. Conversely, certain washing machine appliances include features for receiving fluid additives and dispensing the fluid additives during operation of the appliance. For example, a tray may be mounted to or directly beneath top panel of a vertical axis washing machine appliance that can receive a fluid additive and direct the fluid additive into a wash tub of the appliance. Similarly, a horizontal axis washing machine appliance can include a drawer with a container mounted therein that receives a fluid additive and directs the fluid additive into a wash tub of the appliance. 
         [0004]    With a tray, for example, fluid additive introduced into the tray by the user drains from the tray through a channel or other pathway to the wash chamber or wash bin. However, some fluid additives, such as fabric softener and laundry detergent, can have e.g., a relatively high viscosity, may not drain rapidly from the tray, and/or may a leave a residue that is visible to the consumers. This presence of residual fluid additive in the tray may provide an undesirable appearance for certain consumers and/or cause concerns regarding whether the fluid additive was properly dispensed. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, a washing machine appliance having a fluid additive dispenser would be useful. More particularly, a washing machine appliance having a fluid additive dispenser that can more readily drain fluid additives away from the portion of the dispenser that is visible to the consumer would be useful. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides a fluid additive dispenser for a washing machine appliance. More particularly, the present invention provides a fluid additive dispenser for a washing machine appliance that includes a platform having a receiving surface. The receiving surface is elevated relative to a bottom of the dispenser and is positioned in view of an opening formed in the top of the dispenser. As fluid additives are drained or siphoned from the dispenser and off of the platform, the receiving surface will become visible through the opening even as some residual fluid additives may remain in the dispenser. The user is thereby provided with a more desirable appearance inside the dispenser with regard to e.g., residual fluid additives that would otherwise be visible. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
         [0007]    In a first exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a washing machine appliance. The appliance includes a cabinet and a wash chamber located within the cabinet that is configured for containing fluid during operation of the washing machine appliance. A wash basket is rotatably mounted within the wash chamber and is configured for receipt of articles for washing. A fluid additive dispenser is positioned near the wash chamber and is configured for feeding one or more fluid additives into the wash chamber. The fluid additive dispenser includes an upper portion and a lower portion joined with the upper portion to form a dispenser chamber for the receipt of one or more fluid additives. The lower portion includes a bottom surface having a platform that includes a receiving surface that is elevated relative to the bottom surface of the lower portion. An opening is formed in the upper portion whereby fluid may be introduced into the dispenser chamber. The opening is positioned directly over the platform. 
         [0008]    In another exemplary embodiment, a fluid additive dispenser for a washing machine appliance is provided. The dispenser includes a container defining a dispenser chamber for the receipt of one or more fluid additives. The container has an opening along an upper portion of the container. A platform projects into the chamber from a bottom portion of the container. The platform is positioned directly below the opening in the upper portion. 
         [0009]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a washing machine appliance of the present invention with a door shown in the closed position. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates the exemplary embodiment of a washing machine shown in  FIG. 1  except with a door shown in an open position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid dispenser of the present invention with an upper portion or cover shown in place. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of the fluid dispenser of  FIG. 3  with an upper portion or cover removed to more clearly reveal details of the lower portion. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are cross-sectional views of the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0017]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine appliance  100 . In  FIG. 1 , a lid or door  130  is shown in a closed position. In  FIG. 2 , door  130  is shown in an open position. While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance  100 , using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance  100  is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., horizontal axis washing machines. 
         [0018]    Washing machine appliance  100  has a cabinet  102  that extends between a top  103  and a bottom  104  along a vertical direction V. A wash basket  120  ( FIG. 2 ) is rotatably mounted within cabinet  102 . A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with wash basket  120  in order to selectively rotate wash basket  120  (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance  100 ). Wash basket  120  is received within a wash bin or wash chamber  121  ( FIG. 2 ) and is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The wash chamber  121  holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket  120  within wash chamber  121 . An agitator or impeller (not shown) extends into wash basket  120  and is also in mechanical communication with the motor. The impeller assists agitation of articles disposed within wash chamber  121  during operation of washing machine appliance  100 . 
         [0019]    Cabinet  102  of washing machine appliance  100  has a top panel  200 . Top panel  200  defines an opening  105  ( FIG. 2 ) that permits user access to wash chamber  121  of wash basket  120 . Door  130  is rotatably mounted to top panel  200 . However, alternatively, door  130  may be mounted to cabinet  102  or any outer suitable support. Door  130  selectively rotates between the closed position shown in  FIG. 1  and the open position shown in  FIG. 2 . In the closed position, door  130  inhibits access to wash chamber  121 . Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash chamber  121 . A window  136  in door  130  permits viewing of wash chamber  121  when door  130  is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance  100 . Door  130  also includes a handle  132  that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift when opening and closing door  130 . 
         [0020]    Top panel  200  defines at least one opening  201  ( FIG. 2 ) for receipt of one or more fluid additives, e.g., detergent, fabric softener, and/or bleach. While only one opening and fluid dispenser will be described herein, it will be understood the multiple openings and fluid dispensers may be used in alternative embodiments of the invention. Opening  201  permits fluid additives to pass through top panel  200  and through an opening  228  in a fluid additive dispenser  210  ( FIG. 3 ) disposed below top panel  200  (along the vertical direction V) and positioned near wash chamber  121 . Fluid additive dispenser  210  is described in greater detail below. 
         [0021]    A control panel  110  with at least one input selector  112  ( FIG. 1 ) extends from top panel  200 . Control panel  110  and input selector  112  collectively forms a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display  114  of control panel  110  indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation. 
         [0022]    Operation of washing machine appliance  100  is controlled by a controller or processing device (not shown) that is operatively coupled to control panel  110  for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel  110 , the controller operates the various components of washing machine appliance  100  to execute selected machine cycles and features. 
         [0023]    In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into wash chamber  121  through opening  105 , and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors  112 . A tub or wash basket  120  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) is filled with water and detergent and/or other fluid additives from e.g., dispenser  210 , to form wash and rinse fluids. One or more valves (not shown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance  100  to provide for filling wash basket  120  to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinse. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket  120  is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash chamber  121  can be agitated (e.g., with an impeller as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket  120 . 
         [0024]    After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket  120  can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket  120  depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller may again provide agitation within wash chamber  121 . One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket  120  is rotated at relatively high speeds. After articles disposed in wash basket  120  are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket  120 , e.g., by reaching into wash chamber  121  through opening  105 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid additive dispenser  210  formed from container  211 . An upper portion  212  of container  211  is shown in place in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 4  is also a top view but with upper portion  212  of container  211  removed to show lower portion  214 . By way of example, portions  212  and  214  can be plastic molded parts that are joined to create container  211  having a dispenser chamber  216  for the receipt of one or more fluid additives. Other constructions may be used as well.  FIGS. 5 and 6  provide cross-sectional views of fluid additive dispenser  210  as will be further described below. 
         [0026]    Lower portion  214  includes a bottom surface  218 . A platform  220  extends from bottom surface  218  and defines a receiving surface  222  that is elevated by platform  220  relative to bottom surface  218 . One or more fluid additives  224  placed into dispenser  210  by a user may be e.g., poured onto receiving surface  222  to partially fill dispenser chamber  216 . A level indicator  226  extending from the receiving surface  222  denotes to the user the maximum fill level for dispenser  210 . An opening  228  is formed in upper portion  212  of dispenser  210  whereby one or more fluid additives may be introduced into dispenser chamber  216 . Tabs  230  and  232  assist with mounting dispenser  210  into appliance  100 . 
         [0027]    Dispenser  210  includes a siphon  234  that is formed by an open channel  236  that extends into dispensing chamber  216  and through the bottom surface  218  of lower portion  214 . Channel  236  also extends vertically to a level L 1  that is higher than the level L 2  of receiving surface  222  but lower than the level L 3  of an overflow  238 . Channel  236  is open between top end  240  and bottom end  242 . Similarly, overflow  238  extends vertically into chamber  216  to level L 3  and is open between top end  244  and bottom end  246 . 
         [0028]    Accordingly, for this exemplary embodiment of dispenser  210 , a user pours one or more fluid additives through opening  228  and into dispenser chamber  216 . This causes the level of fluid additives  224  to rise and, as shown in  FIG. 5 , may reach a vertical level above L 2 —the level of the receiving surface  222  of platform  220  as shown in  FIG. 5 . At the proper time during a wash or rinse cycle, a controller causes water to enter chamber  216  through a fill tube  248  (or other construction that may be provided) to raise the level of fluid. Eventually, the fluid level rises above the level L 3  at top end  240  of siphon  234 , which creates a siphon effect to draw additive fluid  224  out of dispenser chamber  216  and into wash chamber  121  through bottom end  242 . Any overflow of fluid above level L 3  at top end  244  of overflow  238  will be emptied out of chamber  216  through the bottom end  246  of overflow  238  where it will enter into wash chamber  121 . 
         [0029]    As the fluid level is siphoned out of dispenser chamber  216  through siphon  234 , it falls below level L 2  and drains off of the receiving surface  222  of platform  220 . As indicated by the angle of sight  250 , the user&#39;s eye only sees receiving surface  222  from which the additive fluids  224  have drained and does not see any fluid residue that remains on bottom surface  218  in e.g., the sides  252  and/or  254  of dispenser  210 . As such, unsightly residue and/or consumer concerns about whether enough fluid additive dispensed can be avoided or alleviated. 
         [0030]    Alternatively, dispenser  210  can be provided with a channel, opening, chute, or the like (not shown) extending directly through the bottom surface  218  of lower portion  214 . For such a construction, fluid placed into dispenser chamber  216  will drain directly into wash chamber  121  without use of a siphon. Again, the elevated receiving surface  222  of platform  220  provides a visible surface to the user from which fluid will eventually drain away. 
         [0031]    Returning to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the width W and length L of platform  220  relative to the width or diameter D of opening  228  can be adjusted to further ensure that the user primarily views receiving surface  222  through opening  228 . For example, to obscure the user&#39;s ability to see bottom surface  218 —particularly sides  252  and  254 , the width WP and/or length LP of platform  220  can be increased relative to the diameter D of opening  228 . Also, opening  228  is placed in a positioned that is substantially above receiving surface  222  of platform  220 . Other constructions may be used as well to limit the user&#39;s vision to surface  222 . 
         [0032]    To enhance the effectiveness of receiving surface  222 , it may be provided with a slope along the transverse direction T and/or lateral direction L as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Such slope can improve the ability of fluid  216  to drain away from surface  222 . A slope for surface  222  other than what is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  (i.e. in other directions) may be used as well. Also, for the exemplary embodiment shown, receiving surface  222  is elevated relative to bottom surface  218 . For example, receiving surface  222  may be at least 2 mm above the bottom surface  218  of lower portion  214 . By way of further example, receiving surface  222  may be in the range of about 2 mm to about 5 mm above the bottom surface  218  of lower portion  214 . 
         [0033]    This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Technology Category: d