WASHING MACHINE WITH AIR/WATER JETS

Abstract

A washing apparatus having an enhanced agitating effect on the clothes or article(s) being washed therein comprises a housing, a rotating drum within the housing, and at least one fluid conduit fluidly connected to a source of air and/or auxiliary water and fluidly connected to the drum for injecting air and/or auxiliary water into the drum from outside of the drum for mixing with the wash/rinse water to agitate the wash/rinse water.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/129,137 filed Mar. 6, 2015, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Laundry generally has been cleaned with the application of three forms of cleaning action: chemical action, such as with detergents and other cleaning chemicals; mechanical action, such as by agitation, tumbling, rubbing the clothes by hand; and heat, typically applied by heated water.

Some home laundry markets are “laundry pair” markets where much of the sales are of a matched washer and dryer set (the United States is such a “laundry pair” market). In Europe and in Asia, the separate sale of dryers is a fraction of the number of washers. This is because of the limited space in the home, limited drain and vent infrastructure, higher energy costs, and the inefficiency of small drum or condensing dryers which take hours to dry clothes.

Most washer machines sold are either top loader machines or front loader machines. A top loader washer machine design is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,277 of Wunderlich. The basic modern day top loading automatic washer consists of an outer drum, an inner basket with agitator, a drive motor, a suspension system, controls, a hot and a cold water fill, a drain pump and a lid. Many consumers consider the top loader to be more convenient than the front loader for loading and unloading. Typically, the outer and inner tubs (drums) are set on a vertical axis. Moreover, a type of combination top loader combination washer/dryer machine is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,969 of Roaf.

In a modern front load (horizontal) washer, the same sorts of elements are found as in the top load washer, but typically turned sideways on a horizontal axis. A type of front loader washer machine is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,459 of Keith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first example form, the present invention relates to a washing apparatus having an enhanced agitating effect on the clothes or article(s) being washed therein. This consumes less water, less time, and less wear on the article(s) being washed.

Preferably, the washing machine comprises a housing, a drum, and at least one fluid conduit. Preferably, the drum is adapted for receiving the wash/rinse water and is mounted for rotation within the housing. Preferably, the at least one fluid conduit is fluidly connected to a source of air and/or auxiliary water and fluidly connected to the drum for the injecting air and/or auxiliary water into the drum from an exterior portion of the drum for mixing with the wash/rinse water to agitate the wash/rinse water.

Preferably, the drum is generally oriented vertically within the housing.

Preferably, the drum comprises a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a top opening for adding and/or removing contents to/from the drum, and the second end being at least substantially closed and comprising the at least one jet connected to the at least one fluid conduit.

Preferably, the washing machine further comprises a plate generally fixedly mounted to the housing, and wherein the drum is generally sealingly and pivotally mounted to the plate.

Preferably, the washing machine further comprises a fluid bulkhead affixed to the housing, and wherein the drum is pivotally mounted to the fluid bulkhead.

Preferably, the fluid bulkhead comprises an internal cavity generally in fluid communication with the at least one jet, and wherein pressure provided within the internal cavity is permitted to flow through the at least one jet and within the drum.

Preferably, the fluid bulkhead includes a water drain and wherein a pump is provided for withdrawing some water from through the water drain and recirculating it to the drum.

Preferably, the washing machine further comprises an air jet cooperating with the fluid conduit for entraining air in water being injected into the drum.

Preferably, the drum is capable of retaining a pool of water therein, and wherein injecting air and/or auxiliary water into the drum causes a jacuzzi-effect of the pool of water within the drum.

Preferably, the washing machine further comprises a plate generally fixedly mounted to the housing, and wherein the drum is generally pivotally mounted to the plate. Preferably, a fluid conduit connects between the drum and an air/water input/output coupling. Preferably, the air/water input/output coupling is generally positioned within the housing. Preferably, the air/water input/output coupling is generally positioned within a portion of the plate.

Preferably, the washing machine comprises a housing, a jetted plate fixedly mounted within the housing, a drum pivotally mounted to the plate, and an air injector. Preferably, the jetted plate is adapted for permitting the withdrawal of wash/rinse water from within the drum and for receiving an injection of water. Preferably, the air injector is provided for injecting air into the water being injected into the drum, such that air is entrained in the water being injected into the drum. Preferably, the plate comprises at least one opening for permitting fluid to flow therethrough.

Preferably, the drum is capable of at least partially containing a volume of water therein, and wherein the at least one opening within the plate permits air and/or water to flow through the volume of water and within the drum. Preferably, the input of air and/or water into the drum containing the volume of water therein causes a jacuzzi-effect of the volume of water and thus provides an enhanced agitating effect to one or mare articles within the drum and in communication with the volume of water.

Preferably, the input of air and/or water within the drum causes the volume of water therein to become at least partially turbulent. Preferably, the drum is generally pivotable about an axis that is generally oriented at an angle relative to a horizontal axis.

Preferably, the present invention relates to a method of washing articles of clothing comprising providing a washing machine comprising a pivotable drum and at least one jet fluidly connected to the drum; putting one or more articles of clothing within the drum; filling at least a portion of the drum with water; and inputting air and/or water through the at least one jet and within the drum to roil the water therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a washing apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a washing apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a washing apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a combination washer/dryer apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention, and showing a door attached to an opening thereof and being in the closed position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the back plate of the combination washer/dryer apparatus of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-3 show particular aspects of a washing apparatus. In example embodiments, the washing apparatus provides a turbulent and agitating jacuzzi-like effect to the water within the drum, thereby comprising an improved cleaning effect to the article(s) being washed. For example, the turbulent, jacuzzi-like effect of the water W preferably allows for cleaning the article(s) over a substantially shorter time span as compared to longer time spans of known washers. In some example forms, the effect of the water W is gentle on the article(s) being washed as compared to known less-gentle and longer tumble cycles. As such, the washing apparatus of the presently claimed invention preferably provides the article(s) with a gentler handle throughout the cycle while also reducing the time of the cycle. According to one example form, the washing cycle of the present claimed invention has a washing, rinsing and extracting cycle span of between about 15-35 minutes as compared to known washing, rinsing and extracting cycles that tend to range between about 45-90 minutes.

Generally described, the drum of the washing apparatus is generally pivotally mounted to oscillate/rotate in either of the clockwise or counter-clockwise directions about a pivot axis X. Preferably, at least one conduit, hose, jet, or other fluid transport member is provided to communicate with an interior portion of the drum, for example, wherein the conduit is generally positioned at a bottom or lower portion of the drum (and in communication with the interior of the drum) below the water W level such that air and/or water can be input into the drum, and thus, into the portion of the drum being occupied by the water W to cause a jacuzzi-like effect of the water W within the drum. In example forms, a lid or door can be mounted to a portion of the apparatus for generally closing the opening of the drum.

According to preferred example forms, the input of air and/or water into the drum is generally provided at a high velocity, for example, to roil the water W within the drum. Thus, in addition to the oscillation / rotation of the drum, the generally high velocity air and/or water injected within the drum generates a roiling condition of the water W, and thus provides an enhanced agitating effect, which briskly stirs and moves the water W amongst the article(s) or clothes CL to provide a more thorough and quicker wash and rinse cycle. Preferably, introducing air and/or water within the drum having a pool of water W therein provides for a shorter wash time (e.g., compared to wash times of known washing machines) and is more gentle to the clothing rather than known longer tumble washing cycles. For example, according to some example forms, the washing cycle of the presently claimed invention has a washing, rinsing and extracting cycle span of between about 15-35 minutes as compared to known washing, rinsing and extracting cycles that tend to range between about 45-90 minutes.

FIG. 1 shows a washing apparatus 10 according to an example embodiment of the present invention. According to example forms, the washing apparatus 10 generally comprises a drum 20 rotatably mounted to a fluid bulkhead or plate assembly 30, and a movable door 27 for providing and preventing access within the drum 20. In example forms, a motor and a belt (e.g., wrapped around the drum and mounted to the motor shaft) are generally provided for causing rotation/oscillation of the drum in either of the clockwise or counter-clockwise directions.

In one example form, a universal joint 40 is provided for the rotatable connection between the drum 20 and the plate assembly 30, for example, so that the drum 20 can pivot about a generally vertical pivot axis X relative to the plate assembly 30. For example, according to most example forms, the plate assembly 30 is generally fixedly mounted to the housing (unshown) of the washing apparatus 10. The plate assembly 30 comprises a plate 32, which is integral with the plate assembly 30 and thus remains stationary with the plate assembly 30 wherein the drum 20 is generally rotatable therearound.

Preferably, the universal joint 40 provides a sealed connection between the drum 20 and the plate assembly 30, for example, so that the water W within the drum is prevented from leaking from the drum by passage through the universal joint 40. Thus, the universal joint 40 comprises at least one or more seals for generally sealing rotatable engagement between the drum 20 and the plate assembly 30.

Preferably, the plate 32 comprises one or more penetrations or openings 34 that are formed within the plate 32, for example, for inputting air and/or water into the drum 20. As recited above, according to some example forms, the air and/or water being input into the drum 20 is generally moving at a high rate of speed, for example, so that when the input of air and/or water into the water W that is within the drum 20 with the clothing CL, an enhanced agitating effect occurs, which briskly stirs and moves the water W amongst the article(s) or clothes CL to provide a more thorough and quicker wash or rinse cycle.

According to one example form, the plate 32 is in the form of a jetted plate, for example, wherein the jetted plate is generally adapted for permitting the withdrawal of wash/rinse water from within the drum and for receiving an injection of water. In example forms, an air injector is provided for injecting air into the water being injected into the drum, such that air is entrained in the water being injected into the drum. According to one example form, the velocity of the air/water mix being injected into the drum is generally about medium to about moderate. According to other example forms, the velocity of the air/water mix can be generally moderate to substantially high. Preferably, in most example embodiments, high efficiency washing detergent is generally preferably such that suds are less likely to become an issue. Optionally, other natural and/or synthetic detergents with other cleaning enhancements may be provided as desired.

In example forms, the one or more openings 34 extending through the plate 32 and can be provided with an insert or nozzle, for example, to provide direction to the air and/or water passing therethrough and within the drum 20. Generally, a hose or fluid conduit is generally provided between the insert or nozzle and a fluid port connector 36 extending from the plate assembly 30. In some example forms, the plate assembly generally comprises an internal cavity, and wherein the one or more openings 34 can be closed such that the internal cavity can be pressurized by air and/or water.

According to one example form, a one-way valve is provided with each opening or nozzle such that air and/or water can only be permitted to flow into the drum, and wherein water within the drum cannot flow out of the drum 20 through the opening or nozzle. Optionally, air ports can be fastened to the openings and wherein solenoid valves or other valves can be incorporated within the plate or conduit extending therefrom, for example, to either permit or prohibit fluid flow. According to one example form, the air ports generally comprise an opening having a diameter of between about ⅜″-½″.

Preferably, the drum 20 does comprise a drain as is standard for allowing water to drain from the drum after the wash or rinse cycle is completed. Furthermore, one or more openings 34 can be provided for inputting water W into the drum 20, for example, to saturate the clothes CL therein, and one or more openings 34 can be provided for facilitating the input of high velocity air into the drum 40. In some example forms, the one or more openings 34 provided for saturating the clothes can also be used to provide high velocity air and/or water into the drum after the drum 20 contains water therein. Thus, the same nozzle can be provided for filling the drum with water to saturate the clothes CL (generally by providing a low velocity flow of water W therein) and for providing a high velocity flow to provide for an enhanced agitating effect to the water W saturating the clothes CL.

According to some example embodiments, one or more nozzles may be provided for directing the high velocity air in a particular direction within the drum, or for example, wherein the direction of the nozzle is generally autonomously adjusted throughout the cycle. For example, according to example embodiments, the nozzle (e.g., which is fitted within the opening 34) comprises one or more movable components such that a conduit thereof (which is in communication with the opening 34 and which is in communication with the interior of the drum 20) can pivot or generally move between two or more orientations such that the direction of air and/or water being input within the drum 20 and within the pool of water W saturating the clothes, can be changed, and thus, provide for additional agitation enhancements.

Optionally, according to some example embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus comprises an auxiliary water source, and whereby air is injected into the auxiliary water to form an air / water mix for injecting at between a generally moderate to a high velocity within the drum and generally at a position underneath the level of the water W. For example, according to example forms, the auxiliary water source is the water W within the tub, which is generally pumped back into the tub. However, before the auxiliary water source is returned to the tub under pressure/high flow conditions, air is entrained in the water flow. So what is pumped back into the drum is water under pressure, but with a lot of air bubbles in it.

FIG. 2 shows a washing apparatus 100 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the washing apparatus 100 generally comprises a drum 120 and a plate assembly 130. As similarly described above, the drum 120 is generally rotatable about a generally vertical axis X. In example forms, the plate assembly 130 generally comprises a cavity reservoir defined therein, and the drum 120 is generally sealingly and rotatably engaged with the plate assembly 130 such that the reservoir is sealed and air-tight with respect to the connection between the drum 120 and the plate assembly 130.

Preferably, one or more penetrations or openings 122 are formed within a bottom portion of the opening for providing high velocity air and/or water within the drum 20, for example, to provide for an enhanced agitating effect to the water W. In example forms, the one or more valves or nozzles can be provided with the openings 122 of the drum 120.

According to one example form, the reservoir defined within the plate assembly 130 can be pressurized by the input air and/or water therein via port 136, which generally causes pressurization of the reservoir. Preferably, the valves or nozzles of the one or more openings 122 can be configured to open at a certain pressure, or for example, close at a certain pressure, such that the velocity of the air and/or water being input into the drum 20 is generally within a given range, for example, between about 1-10 feet per second. Optionally, the velocity of the air and the thresholds for the open and closure of the valves or nozzles can be chosen as desired.

FIG. 3 shows a washing apparatus 200 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the washing apparatus 200 is generally similar to the washing apparatus' 10, 100 as described above, for example, which generally comprises a drum 220 and a plate assembly 230, and wherein the drum 220 is rotatable relative to the plate assembly 230 about a generally vertical axis X. According to example forms, the drum generally comprises one or more openings for facilitating the flow of high velocity air and/or water into the drum 220.

For example, according to one example form, a first pair of hoses 222 are generally connected to the bottom of the drum 220 and a second pair of hoses 226 are generally extending from an exterior portion or side of the plate assembly 230 to a joint 224. With the drum 220 being rotatable relative to the plate assembly 230 and with the first pair of hoses being coupled to the drum 220, the joint 224 (generally positioned between the first pair of hoses 222 and the second pair of hoses 226) preferably permits rotation of the drum 220 without causing twisting of the first and second pair of hoses 222, 226, for example, which would eventually cause the hoses to become disconnected and separate. Thus, preferably the joint 224 permits the flow of air and/or water therethrough from the second pair of hoses 226 through the joint 224 and within the first pair of hoses 222 into the drum 220 to provide a flow of high velocity air and/or water into the pool of water W concentrated within the bottom portion of the drum 220.

FIGS. 4-5 show a washing apparatus 300 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the washing apparatus 300 generally comprises a drum 320 and a plate 330. In example forms, the drum 320 is preferably rotatably mounted to the plate 330, which is generally in a fixed and stable position for supporting the drum 320. According to preferred example forms, the plate is generally mounted to a housing portion (unshown), or otherwise mounted to a portion of the apparatus 300 to provide a stable positioning of the plate 300 at an angle offset from a horizontal axis. For example, the plate 320 is generally mounted such that the drum 320 rotatably mounted thereto is generally rotatable about a pivot axis X. The pivot axis X is generally offset at an angle a relative to the horizontal axis, or for example, the bottom and generally flat surface of the housing of the apparatus 300 that is generally in contact with a support surface or floor when the apparatus 300 is ready for use.

According to example forms, the angle a is generally between about 10-55 degrees relative to the horizontal axis. In some example forms, a support is mounted near the end of the drum to support the drum during rotation, for example, by providing a support having a rotatable wheel for permitting rotational engagement with an outer portion of the drum 320. Typically, the drum 300 is generally configured to rotate between about 5-80 RPM, more preferably between about 10-60 RPM, and between about 20-40 RPM according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

In example forms, a universal joint 340 is provided for rotatably mounting the drum 320 to the plate 330. Preferably, the universal joint 340 provides a leak-proof seal such that water W in the drum is not permitted to pass through the universal joint 340 and leak from the drum. Rather, a plurality of penetrations or openings 332, 334, 336 can be provided in the plate 330 for permitting water W to drain from the drum 320, or for example, for inputting air and/or water into the drum 320.

For example, in example embodiments, the generally larger opening 332 can be utilized as a drain for draining water from the drum 320, or, the opening 332 can also be used for inputting air or water into the drum 320 in addition to providing a drain for the removal of water from the drum 320. Optionally, as described above, one or more of the openings can be provided with a nozzle, for example, for directing the direction of the air and/or water as it's flowing out of the nozzle and into the drum 320.

In example forms, the nozzle directing the air and/or water can be movably mounted to the opening such that the direction of the flow can be changed, or for example, wherein the movement of the nozzle is generally automated, and thus, automating the flow direction of the air and/or water.

Optionally, according to another example embodiment, the washing apparatus can be a center axial embodiment, for example, wherein the drum and central input/output conduit are generally integral with each other, and wherein the drum is generally configured to rotate or oscillate is either of the clockwise or counter-clockwise directions. In example forms, the drum is generally at least somewhat cylindrical in shape and comprises a first open end for adding/removing clothing to be washed therefrom, and a second opening is generally positioned generally opposite from the first opening. The second opening is generally defined within the input/output conduit and accommodates the passing of air and water therethrough. In example forms, more or more blowers, valves, heating elements, fluid lines, etc. can be provided within or generally near the second opening. According to one example form, the drum is generally configured for rotation about a generally vertical axis. Optionally, the drum can be configured for rotation about an axis that is generally angled with respect to a horizontal axis.

According to additional example embodiments of the present invention, the washing apparatuses disclosed herein could also be incorporated with a combination washer/dryer machine, for example wherein after the washing and rinse cycle(s), the clothes can remain within the drum and can then be dried.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising:

a housing;

a drum mounted for rotation within the housing, the drum adapted for receiving wash/rinse water; and

at least one fluid conduit fluidly connected to a source of air and/or auxiliary water and fluidly connected to the drum for the injecting air and/or auxiliary water into the drum from an exterior portion of the drum for mixing with the wash/rinse water to agitate the wash/rinse water.

2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the drum is generally oriented vertically within the housing.

3. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the drum comprises a first end and a second end, the first end comprising a top opening for adding and/or removing contents to/from the drum, and the second end being at least substantially closed and comprising the at least one jet connected connected to the at least one fluid conduit.

4. The washing machine of claim 3, further comprising a plate generally fixedly mounted to the housing, and wherein the drum is generally sealingly and pivotally mounted to the plate.

5. The washing machine of claim 3, further comprising a fluid bulkhead affixed to the housing, and wherein the drum is pivotally mounted to the fluid bulkhead.

6. The washing machine of claim 4, wherein the fluid bulkhead comprises an internal cavity generally in fluid communication with the at least one jet, and wherein pressure provided within the internal cavity is permitted to flow through the at least one jet and within the drum.

7. The washing machine of claim 5, wherein the fluid bulkhead includes a water drain and wherein a pump is provided for withdrawing some water from through the water drain and recirculating it to the drum.

8. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein further comprising an air jet cooperating with the fluid conduit for entraining air in water being injected into the drum.

9. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the drum is capable of retaining a pool of water therein, and wherein injecting air and/or auxiliary water into the drum causes a jacuzzi-effect of the pool of water within the drum.

10. The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a plate generally fixedly mounted to the housing, and wherein the drum is generally pivotally mounted to the plate.

11. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein a fluid conduit connects between the drum and an air/water input/output coupling.

12. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the air/water input/output coupling is generally positioned within the housing.

13. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the air/water input/output coupling is generally positioned within a portion of the plate.

14. A washing machine comprising:

a housing;

a jetted plate fixedly mounted within the housing; and

a drum pivotally mounted to the plate, the jetted plate being adapted for permitting the withdrawal of wash/rinse water from within the drum and for receiving an injection of water; and

an air injector for injecting air into the water being injected into the drum, such that air is entrained in the water being injected into the drum.

15. The washing machine of claim 14, wherein the plate comprises at least one opening for permitting fluid to flow therethrough.

16. The washing machine of claim 15, wherein the drum is capable of at least partially containing a volume of water therein, and wherein the at least one opening within the plate permits air and/or water to flow through the volume of water and within the drum.

17. The washing machine of claim 14, wherein the input of air and/or water into the drum containing the volume of water therein causes a jacuzzi-effect of the volume of water and thus provides an enhanced agitating effect to one or mare articles within the drum and in communication with the volume of water.

18. The washing machine of claim 17, wherein the input of air and/or water within the drum causes the volume of water therein to become at least partially turbulent.

19. The washing machine of claim 14, wherein the drum is generally pivotable about an axis that is generally oriented at an angle relative to a horizontal axis.

20. A method of washing articles of clothing comprising:

providing a washing machine comprising a pivotable drum and at least one jet fluidly connected to the drum;

putting one or more articles of clothing within the drum;

filling at least a portion of the drum with water; and

inputting air and/or water through the at least one jet and within the drum to roil the water therein.