ONE STEP CLOTHING CLEANING SYSTEM

Abstract

An apparatus for washing and drying clothes includes a housing containing a washing chamber adapted for receiving launderable items and washing the launderable items therein, and a drying chamber in communication with the washing chamber and adapted for receiving launderable items from the washing chamber and drying the launderable items. A moveable barrier is positioned intermediate the washing chamber and the drying chamber and is adapted for movement from a closed position in which the barrier closes the washing chamber from the drying chamber and prevents passage of items between the washing chamber and the drying chamber, to an open position in which the washing chamber is in unobstructed communication with the drying chamber whereby clothing can move from the washing chamber to the drying chamber.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/817,239, filed Apr. 29, 2013, which is incorporated herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an automated cleaning system. One embodiment of the invention comprises a cleaning system that can efficiently wash and dry launderable items, such as clothing, towels, linens, table cloths, bedding and the like.

Washing and drying clothing can be a time-consuming and tedious process. Typically, one must plan the washing so that there is someone available to remove the clothes from the washing machine when the washing cycle is completed and put the wet washed clothes into to a dryer. If a washing cycle is begun at home by a person who must then leave home for an extended period, the wet clothes must sit in the washing machine until someone returns to remove them and place them in a dryer. Sitting bundled up and wet in the washing machine for extended periods can be detrimental to the clothes. Also, removing washed clothes from the washer and placing them into a dryer typically requires significant leaning and bending over due to the design of many conventional washers and dryers. For the elderly, disabled and other physically challenged people, moving clothes from a washer to a dryer and then to a basket can be physically strenuous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system, in which clothes that have been washed can be immediately and automatically transferred from a washing chamber to a drying chamber without assistance from a human operator. Another object of the invention is to provide a cleaning system in which clothes that have been washed and dried can be immediately and automatically emptied from the system into a receptacle. These and other objects of the invention can be obtained in the preferred embodiments of the invention described below.

One embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus that uses an assembly line process to function as both a washing and drying machine for clothing. The apparatus comprises a washer and dryer that can be attached by a waterproof moving barrier. The washer can be positioned on top of the dryer, the dryer on top of the washer, or they can be positioned in a side-by-side arrangement. In use, the clothing can be placed into the washing compartment and cleaned as normal. When the load finishes in the washer, a motorized device within the system can automatically move (e.g., drop, lift or push) the washed clothing into the drying compartment. Once the clothing is transferred, the dryer can start automatically. There can be a chute on one side of the dryer compartment for exiting dried clothes. When the clothing has finished drying, the dried clothes can be pushed through the chute, where a basket can be waiting to receive them. There can be a level or storage container within the washing machine that holds the next load. When one load finishes washing, the next can be automatically released into the washing machine to go through the process. The apparatus can come in different sizes to accommodate different needs and preferences. Exact specifications of the apparatus can vary. The apparatus has the functionality of a laundry washing machine and a laundry dryer, reduces the amount of hands-on involvement necessary to do a load of laundry, and decreases the time spent cleaning clothes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a laundry cleaning apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is another schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a laundry apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is another schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a laundry apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is another schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a laundry cleaning apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is another schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is another schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION AND BEST MODE

An apparatus for washing and drying launderable items according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. As used throughout this application, the term “launderable items” refers generally to clothing, towels, linens, table cloths, bedding and other like items that are typically cleaned in laundry washing machines.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the apparatus 10 comprises a housing 11 that contains a washing chamber 12 and a drying chamber 14. The washing chamber 12 has the functionality of a washing machine. The washing chamber 12 is adapted to receive launderable items, such as clothing 50 shown in FIGS. 1-3, and cleaning fluids, such as water, laundry detergent and fabric softener, and perform a washing cycle, in which the clothing 50 is agitated with the water and laundry detergent, the mix of water and detergent is evacuated, the clothes 50 are rinsed with water only, the water is evacuated, and the clothes spun for a predetermined period of time. The washing chamber 12 can be capable of performing a variety of different kinds of washing cycles, such as gentle, normal, heavy and the like.

The washing chamber 12 can include open slots in the housing 11 that communicate with compartments in the washing chamber 12 that hold supplies of a variety of laundry detergents, fabric softeners and other washing liquids. Each such compartment can holds a supply sufficient for a dozen or more cycles. Each compartment can be functionally connected to a dispersing mechanism and electronic controls positioned on the housing 11. The user can select a desired detergent and/or fabric softener, and the dispersing mechanism disperses an amount of the selected detergent and/or softener sufficient for one washing cycle.

The drying chamber 14 is positioned above the washing chamber 12. The drying chamber 14 has the functionality of a clothes dryer. The drying chamber 14 is adapted to receive wet launderable items and dry the items by performing a drying cycle, in which hot air is applied to the wet items as they are agitated. The drying chamber 14 can perform a variety of drying cycles for various types of clothing, such as varying temperatures.

A moveable barrier 20 is positioned between the washing chamber 12 and the drying chamber 14, as shown in FIGS. 1. The barrier 20 divides the washing chamber 12 and drying chamber 14 within the housing. The barrier 20 is moveable from an open position, in which the washing chamber 12 freely communicates with the drying chamber 14, to a closed position, in which the washing chamber 12 and drying chamber 14 are cut off from each other.

The barrier 20 can be comprised of telescoping sections, as shown in FIG. 3. In the closed position, shown in FIG. 1, the barrier 20 extends across the interior of the housing 11 providing completely dividing the washing chamber 12 from the drying chamber 14. The telescoping sections of the barrier 20 can be slid into each other and moved into a receiving section 22 that juts out from the housing 11, as shown in FIG. 2. As such, the barrier 20 is in the open position, and the washing chamber 12 and the drying chamber 14 communicate with each other. In an alternative embodiment, the barrier 20 can have a construction similar to the telescoping door and panel described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,311, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The apparatus 10 includes a motorized transfer member 16 for transferring washed clothes from the washing chamber 12 to the drying chamber. As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer member 16 can comprise a platform slidably connected to a plurality of rails 17 within the washing chamber 12. As such, the platform 16 can move up and down within the washing chamber 12.

The drying chamber 14 includes an exit opening that can be selectively covered by a moveable exit panel 26. The exit panel 26 can be pivotally attached to the housing 11, such as by a hinge. A chute 24 can be formed on the exterior of the housing 11 in communication with the exit opening. The exit panel 26 can be moved from a closed position, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the exit panel 26 completely obstructs the exit opening 28, to an open position, shown in FIG. 3, in which the exit panel 26 is adjacent the interior surface of the chute 24.

The apparatus 10 includes an exit member for moving dried clothes out of the drying chamber 14 through the exit opening. The exit member can comprise a platform 18 positioned within drying chamber 14, that is adapted for sliding movement from one side of the drying chamber 14 distal to the exit opening, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, toward the opposite side proximate the exit opening, as shown in FIG. 3.

The apparatus 10 includes a motor that is functionally connected to the moveable barrier 20, the transfer platform 16, the exit member 18 and the exit panel 26. As such, movement of the barrier 20, the transfer platform 16, the exit member 18 and the exit panel 26 is motorized.

The apparatus 10 includes a computer that is functionally connected to the motor, the washing chamber 12, the drying chamber 14, the moveable barrier 20, the transfer platform 16, the exit member 18 and the exit panel 26. The computer is programmed to synchronize movement of the moveable barrier 20, the transfer platform 16, the exit member 18 and the exit panel 26 at particular times during the commencement and completion of the various washing and drying cycles. The computer is functionally connected to a set of controls on the housing 11. The user can program desired washing and drying cycles, as well as desired laundry detergent(s) and fabric softener(s) to be used in the cycles using the controls. The controls can be comprised of buttons or keys to be pressed. The controls can include Braille raised dots for visually impaired users. Alternatively, the computer can include a voice activation system comprising a speaker into which the user can select desired washing and drying cycles, and laundry detergents and fabric softeners by speaking the user's selections into the speaker. The computer recognizes the voice commands received into the speaker, and initiates the appropriate actions of the apparatus 10 to carry out the user's voice commands.

In a method of using the apparatus 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is set to a washing position, in which the transfer platform 16 is positioned at the base of the washing chamber 12, and the moveable barrier 20 is extended to the closed position, and the exit member 18 is distal to the exit opening, as shown in FIG. 1. The moveable barrier 20 provides a waterproof seal between the washing chamber 12 and the drying chamber 14. Dirty launderable items 50 are loaded into the washing chamber, and a selected washing cycle is commenced. The waterproof barrier 20 keeps the launderable items 50 in the washing chamber 12, and prevents leakage of water and cleaning liquid from the washing chamber 12 into the drying chamber 14.

Upon completion of a washing cycle, the moveable barrier 20 moves from the closed position to the open position, and the transfer platform 16 moves upwardly, thereby moving the washed clothes 50 from the washing chamber 12 up into the drying chamber 14, as shown in FIG. 2. The moveable barrier 20 moves back to the closed position, and a selected drying cycle is commenced on the clothes 50. Upon completion of the drying cycle, the exit panel 26 is moved to the open position to expose the exit opening, and the exit member 18 moves toward the exit opening, thereby pushing the dried clothes out through the exit opening and into the exit chute 24. A receptacle 52, such as a clothes basket, can be positioned underneath the chute 24, as shown in FIG. 3. As such, the entire cleaning process, from the washing of the clothes to the exit of dried washed clothes from the apparatus 10, is completely automated. Clothes can be load into the apparatus 10, and the clothes can be washed, dried, and expelled from the apparatus 10 without any physical assistance from the user. There can be a level or storage container within the washing chamber 12 that holds an additional load of items to be laundered. When one load finishes washing, the next can be automatically released into the washing machine to go through the process.

The apparatus 10 provides the functions of a washer and dryer into a single machine, reducing the amount of hands-on involvement necessary to do a load of laundry. Further, it decreases the time spent cleaning clothes.

A clothes cleaning apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, and shown generally at reference numeral 100. The apparatus 100 comprises a single housing 111 containing a washing chamber 112 positioned above a drying chamber 114. The washing chamber 112 has the functionality of a washing machine. The washing chamber 112 is adapted to receive launderable items, such as clothing 150, and cleaning fluids, such as water, laundry detergent and fabric softener, and perform a washing cycle, in which the clothing 150 is agitated with the water and laundry detergent, the mix of water and detergent is evacuated, the clothes 50 are rinsed with water only, the water is evacuated, and the clothes spun for a predetermined period of time. The washing chamber 112 can be capable of performing a variety of different kinds of washing cycles, such as gentle, normal, heavy and the like.

The drying chamber 114 is positioned below the washing chamber 112. The drying chamber 114 has the functionality of a clothes dryer. The drying chamber 114 is adapted to receive wet launderable items and dry the items by performing a drying cycle, in which hot air is applied to the wet items as they are agitated. The drying chamber 114 can perform a variety of drying cycles for various types of clothing, such as varying temperatures.

A moveable barrier 120 is positioned between the washing chamber 112 and the drying chamber 114, as shown in FIG. 4. The barrier 120 divides the washing chamber 112 and drying chamber 114 within the housing. The barrier 120 is moveable from an open position, in which the washing chamber 112 freely communicates with the drying chamber 114, to a closed position, in which the washing chamber 112 and drying chamber 114 are cut off from each other.

The moveable barrier 120 can comprise a platform that is pivotally attached to the interior of the housing 111, such as by a hinge, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As such, the barrier 120 can move back and forth from a closed position to an open position, back to the closed position. In the closed position, the barrier 120 extends across the housing 111 to divide the washing chamber 112 from the drying chamber 114. In the open position, the washing chamber 112 can communicate with the drying chamber 114.

The drying chamber 114 can include an exit opening, exit panel, and exit member, such as is described above with regard to the previously described embodiment, apparatus 10.

The apparatus 100 includes a motor that is functionally connected to the moveable barrier 120. As such, movement of the barrier 120 is motorized.

The apparatus 100 includes a computer that is functionally connected to the washing chamber 112, the drying chamber 114, the moveable barrier 120, and the motor. The computer is programmed to synchronize movement of the moveable barrier 120 at particular times during the commencement and completion of the various washing and drying cycles.

In a method of using the apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is set to a washing position, in which the moveable barrier 120 is extended to the closed position, as shown in FIG. 4. The moveable barrier 120 provides a waterproof seal between the washing chamber 112 and the drying chamber 114. Dirty launderable items 150 are loaded into the washing chamber 112, and a selected washing cycle is commenced. The waterproof barrier 120 keeps the launderable items 150 in the washing chamber 112, and prevents leakage of water and cleaning liquid from the washing chamber 112 into the drying chamber 114.

Upon completion of a washing cycle, the moveable barrier 120 moves from the closed position to the open position, thereby dropping the washed clothes 150 from the washing chamber 112 into the drying chamber 114, as shown in FIG. 5. The moveable barrier 120 moves back to the closed position, and a selected drying cycle is commenced on the clothes 150.

A clothes cleaning apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, and shown generally at reference numeral 200. The apparatus 200 comprises a single housing 211 that contains a washing chamber 212 and a drying chamber 214, positioned in horizontal side by side arrangement. The washing chamber 212 has the functionality of a washing machine. The washing chamber 212 is adapted to receive launderable items, such as clothing 250, and cleaning fluids, such as water, laundry detergent and fabric softener, and perform a washing cycle, in which the clothing 250 is agitated with the water and laundry detergent, the mix of water and detergent is evacuated, the clothes 250 are rinsed with water only, the water is evacuated, and the clothes spun for a predetermined period of time. The washing chamber 212 can be capable of performing a variety of different kinds of washing cycles, such as gentle, normal, heavy and the like.

The drying chamber 214 can be positioned to the right of the washing chamber 212, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Alternatively, the drying chamber 214 can be positioned to the left of the washing chamber 212. The drying chamber 214 has the functionality of a clothes dryer. The drying chamber 214 is adapted to receive wet launderable items and dry the items by performing a drying cycle, in which hot air is applied to the wet items as they are agitated. The drying chamber 214 can perform a variety of drying cycles for various types of clothing, such as varying temperatures.

A moveable barrier 220 is positioned between the washing chamber 212 and the drying chamber 214, as shown in FIG. 6. The barrier 220 divides the washing chamber 212 and drying chamber 214 within the housing. The barrier 220 is moveable from an open position, in which the washing chamber 212 freely communicates with the drying chamber 214, to a closed position, in which the washing chamber 212 and drying chamber 14 are cut off from each other.

The moveable barrier 220 can comprise a platform that is pivotally attached, such as by a hinge, to the interior of the housing 211, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. As such, the barrier 220 can freely move back and forth between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, shown in FIG. 6, the platform extends across the housing 211 to divide the washing chamber 212 from the drying chamber 214. In the open position, shown in FIG. 7, the washing chamber 212 communicates with the drying chamber 214.

The apparatus 200 includes a motorized transfer member 216 for transferring washed clothes from the washing chamber 212 to the drying chamber. As shown in FIG. 6, the transfer member can comprise a platform 216 slidably connected to a plurality of rails 217 within the washing chamber 212. The platform 216 can move horizontally from the far end of the housing 211 distal to the drying chamber 214 to approximately mid-way in the housing 211.

The drying chamber 214 can include an exit opening, exit panel, and exit member, such as is described above with regard to the previously described embodiment, apparatus 10.

The apparatus 200 includes a motor that is functionally connected to the moveable barrier 220. As such, movement of the barrier 220 is motorized.

The apparatus 200 includes a computer that is functionally connected to the washing chamber 212, the drying chamber 214, the moveable barrier 220, and the motor. The computer is programmed to synchronize movement of the moveable barrier 120 at particular times during the commencement and completion of the various washing and drying cycles.

In a method of using the apparatus 200 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is set to a washing position, in which the moveable barrier 220 is extended to the closed position, and the transfer member 216 is in the washing position, shown in FIG. 6. The moveable barrier 220 provides a waterproof seal between the washing chamber 212 and the drying chamber 214. Dirty launderable items 250 are loaded into the washing chamber 212, and a selected washing cycle is commenced. The waterproof barrier 220 keeps the launderable items 250 in the washing chamber 212, and prevents leakage of water and cleaning liquid from the washing chamber 212 into the drying chamber 214.

Upon completion of a washing cycle, the moveable barrier 220 moves from the closed position to the open position, and the transfer member 216 moves toward the drying chamber 214, thereby pushing the washed clothes 250 from the washing chamber 212 into the drying chamber 214, as shown in FIG. 7. The moveable barrier 220 moves back to the closed position, and a selected drying cycle is commenced on the clothes 250.

A clothes cleaning apparatus according to another preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, and shown generally at reference numeral 300. The apparatus 300 comprises a housing 311 that contains a washing chamber 312 and a drying chamber 314, positioned in horizontal side by side arrangement. The washing chamber 312 has the functionality of a washing machine. The washing chamber 312 is adapted to receive launderable items, such as clothing 350, and cleaning fluids, such as water, laundry detergent and fabric softener, and perform a washing cycle, in which the clothing 350 is agitated with the water and laundry detergent, the mix of water and detergent is evacuated, the clothes 350 are rinsed with water only, the water is evacuated, and the clothes spun for a predetermined period of time. The washing chamber 312 can be capable of performing a variety of different kinds of washing cycles, such as gentle, normal, heavy and the like.

The drying chamber 314 can be positioned to the right of the washing chamber 312, as shown in FIGS. 8-10. Alternatively, the drying chamber 314 can be positioned to the left of the washing chamber 312. The drying chamber 314 has the functionality of a clothes dryer. The drying chamber 314 is adapted to receive wet launderable items and dry the items by performing a drying cycle, in which hot air is applied to the wet items as they are agitated. The drying chamber 314 can perform a variety of drying cycles for various types of clothing, such as varying temperatures.

A moveable barrier 320 is positioned between the washing chamber 312 and the drying chamber 314, as shown in FIG. 8. The barrier 320 divides the washing chamber 312 and drying chamber 314 within the housing. The barrier 320 is moveable from an open position, shown in FIG. 9, in which the washing chamber 312 freely communicates with the drying chamber 314, to a closed position, shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, in which the washing chamber 312 and drying chamber 314 are cut off from each other.

The moveable barrier 320 can comprise a platform that is pivotally attached, such as by a hinge, to the interior of the housing 311, as shown in FIGS. 8-10. The barrier 320 can freely move back and forth between the closed and open positions. In the closed position, shown in FIG. 8, the platform extends across the housing 311 to divide the washing chamber 312 from the drying chamber 314. In the open position, shown in FIG. 9, the washing chamber 312 communicates with the drying chamber 314.

The apparatus 300 includes a motorized transfer member 216 for transferring washed clothes from the washing chamber 312 to the drying chamber. The transfer member can comprise a platform 316 that is pivotably attached to the base of the housing 311, as shown in FIGS. 8-10.

The drying chamber 214 can include an exit opening, exit panel, and exit member, such as is described above with regard to the previously described embodiment, apparatus 10.

The apparatus 200 includes a motor that is functionally connected to the moveable barrier 220. As such, movement of the barrier 220 is motorized.

The apparatus 300 includes a computer that is functionally connected to the washing chamber 312, the drying chamber 314, the moveable barrier 320, the transfer platform 316 and the motor. The computer is programmed to synchronize movement of the moveable barrier 320 and the transfer platform 316 at particular times during the commencement and completion of the various washing and drying cycles.

In a method of using the apparatus 300 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is set to a washing position, in which the moveable barrier 320 is in the closed position, and the transfer member 316 rests on the base of the housing 311, as shown in FIG. 8. The moveable barrier 320 provides a waterproof seal between the washing chamber 312 and the drying chamber 314. Dirty launderable items 350 are loaded into the washing chamber 312, and a selected washing cycle is commenced. The waterproof barrier 320 keeps the launderable items 350 in the washing chamber 312, and prevents leakage of water and cleaning liquid from the washing chamber 312 into the drying chamber 314.

Upon completion of a washing cycle, the moveable barrier 320 moves from the closed position to the open position, and the transfer platform 216 moves about its pivotable axis, thereby moving the washed clothes 350 from the washing chamber 312 into the drying chamber 314, as shown in FIG. 9. The moveable barrier 320 moves back to the closed position, and a selected drying cycle is commenced on the clothes 350 in the drying chamber 314, as shown in FIG. 10.

A laundry cleaning apparatus and methods of using same are described above. Various changes can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. The above description of the preferred embodiments and best mode of the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation—the invention being defined by the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A cleaning apparatus comprising:

(a) a washing chamber adapted for receiving launderable items and washing the launderable items therein;

(b) a drying chamber in communication with the washing chamber and adapted for receiving launderable items from the washing chamber and drying the launderable items; and

(c) a moveable barrier positioned intermediate the washing chamber and the drying chamber and adapted for movement from a closed position wherein the barrier closes the washing chamber from the drying chamber and prevents passage of items between the washing chamber and the drying chamber, to an open position wherein the washing chamber is in unobstructed communication with the drying chamber whereby clothing can move from the washing chamber to the drying chamber.

2. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer member positioned within the washing chamber and adapted for moving clothing from the washing chamber to the drying chamber.

3. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a motor functionally connected to the moveable barrier and the transfer member.

4. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transfer member comprises a platform adapted for sliding movement within an interior surface of the washing chamber, wherein the platform is moveable from a first position wherein the platform is positioned distally from the drying chamber to a second position wherein the platform is positioned proximate the drying chamber, whereby movement of the platform from the first position to the second position moves launderable items in the washing chamber toward into the drying chamber.

5. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a computer functionally connected to the washing chamber and the drying chamber and adapted to control washing cycles of the washing chamber, drying cycles of the drying chamber, and movement of the moveable barrier and the transfer member.

6. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the platform is in the first position, and the moveable barrier is in the closed position when the washing chamber begins one of the washing cycles.

7. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein upon completion of one of the washing cycles in the washing chamber, the moveable barrier is moved from the closed position to the open position, and the platform is moved from the first position to the second position whereby the launderable items in the washing chamber are moved into the drying chamber.

8. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 7, wherein after the platform reaches the second position and the launderable items are moved into the drying chamber, the platform returns to the first position, the moveable barrier returns to the closed position, and one of the drying cycles is commenced in the drying chamber.

9. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the drying chamber includes an exit opening and a moveable exit panel for selectively covering the exit opening, whereby launderable items in the drying chamber can exit the drying chamber through the exit opening after completion of a drying cycle.

10. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a moveable exit member positioned in the drying chamber and adapted for pushing launderable items through the exit opening.

11. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a chute section in communication with the exit opening.

12. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the computer is adapted to control movement of the exit panel and the exit member, whereby the exit panel is moved from a closed position to an open position upon completion of a drying cycle in the drying chamber, and the exit member is moved from a first position distal to the exit opening to a second position proximate to the exit opening whereby launderable items in the drying chamber are moved out of the drying chamber through the exit opening.

13. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a motor functionally connected to the moveable barrier, the transfer member, the exit panel, the exit member and the computer, whereby the computer controls movement of the barrier, the transfer member, the exit panel.

14. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the washing chamber and the drying chamber are contained within the housing.

15. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the drying chamber is positioned above the washing chamber, and further comprising a transfer platform positioned within the washing chamber and adapted for vertical movement within the washing chamber, whereby upward movement of the transfer platform moves clothing from the washing chamber to the drying chamber.

16. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the washing chamber is positioned above the drying chamber, and movement of the moveable barrier from the closed position to the open position allows clothing in the washing chamber to fall into the drying chamber.

17. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the washing chamber and the drying chamber are positioned side by side.

18. An apparatus for washing and drying launderable items comprising:

(a) a washing chamber adapted for receiving launderable items and washing the launderable items therein;

(b) a drying chamber in communication with the washing chamber and adapted for receiving launderable items from the washing chamber and drying the launderable items;

(c) a housing containing the washing chamber and drying chamber;

(d) a motorized moveable barrier positioned intermediate the washing chamber and the drying chamber and adapted for movement from a closed position wherein the barrier closes the washing chamber from the drying chamber and prevents passage of items between the washing chamber and the drying chamber, to an open position wherein the washing chamber is in unobstructed communication with the drying chamber whereby clothing can move from the washing chamber to the drying chamber; and

(e) a motorized transfer platform positioned within the washing chamber and adapted for moving clothing from the washing chamber to the drying chamber when the moveable barrier is in the open position.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising further comprising a computer functionally connected to the washing chamber and the drying chamber and adapted to control washing cycles of the washing chamber, drying cycles of the drying chamber, and movement of the moveable barrier and the transfer member.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a supply of a plurality of laundry detergents, and a dispersing mechanism for dispersing an amount of one of the plurality of laundry detergents sufficient for one washing cycle, and controls functionally connected to the dispersing mechanism whereby a user can select one of the plurality of laundry detergents.