Covers Patents (Class 68/196)
  • Patent number: 8261582
    Abstract: A front-loading laundry appliance includes a housing having a substantially circular housing opening closable by a door and a drum rotatably mounted in the housing. The front end of the drum has a substantially circular drum opening for introducing or removing laundry. The drum has an at least approximately horizontal axis of rotation lying lower than a central axis of the housing opening. The housing opening has a first diameter and the drum opening has a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Bernard Graute, Wolfgang Hellhake
  • Patent number: 8215137
    Abstract: A laundry appliance door frame provides an integrated, flame resistant and aesthetic alternative to conventional laundry appliance door frame assemblies, with the benefits of both plastic and metal. The laundry appliance door frame assembly includes a first frame member forming a first peripheral portion of a laundry appliance door about a window pane and a second frame member forming a second peripheral portion of a laundry appliance door about the window pane. The frame members provide a seat to support the window pane on one side and interlocks with reversible hinge and latch components that become part of the frame. Each frame member includes an elongated metal bracket which is at least partially encapsulated within a casing formed of plastic material over-molded onto the metal bracket. The metal brackets form a capture mechanism that provides flame resistant structural support to the side of the window pane opposite the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Douglas Ripley, Lee Allen Roose, Reynaldo Aramis Nadolny
  • Patent number: 8176757
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet, a top cover provided at a top of the cabinet, and a lid hingedly coupled to the top cover, wherein the lid includes a transparent member defining a center thereof, a lower frame including a seating part where the transparent member is seated, and an upper frame coupled to the lower frame to support the transparent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hee Yoo, Jong Deuk Bae, Kil Su Kim, Ji Maeng Kim, Young Bae Park
  • Patent number: 8171759
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus includes an outer case defining an appearance of the laundry treating apparatus, a washing tub arranged in the outer case, to receive laundry, a top lid mounted to a top of the outer case such that the top lid is openable and closeable, and an air flow assembly mounted to the top lid, to stepwise adjust a size of a passage communicating an interior of the outer case and an exterior of the outer case. The laundry treating apparatus can prevent moisture from staying in the interior of the laundry treating apparatus for a prolonged period of time, thereby preventing a failure of the laundry treating apparatus, generation of an offensive odor and propagation of bacteria in the interior of the laundry treating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hee Yoo, Jong Deuk Bae, Kil Su Kim, Ji Maeng Kim, Young Bae Park
  • Patent number: 8151603
    Abstract: A door for a washing machine is disclosed. A door for a washing machine includes an inner frame having an opening with a predetermined size, an outer frame provided at a front surface of the inner frame, having an opening in communication with the opening of the inner frame, a glass member fitted between the inner and outer frames, covering the openings of the inner and outer frames, a decorative member provided at a front surface of the outer frame, having an opening in communication with the openings, and a front cover fitted between the decorative member and the outer frame, covering the openings of the inner and outer frames and the decorative member, the front cover having a positioning portion determining a position of the front cover coupled to the outer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Min-Gu Kang, Kyu-Chul Lee, Chang-Woo Son
  • Patent number: 8151602
    Abstract: Top-loading clothes washing machine, including a wash tub, inside which there is arranged a cylindrical drum adapted to rotate about a horizontal axis thereof. The drum is provided with an access or loading port situated on a portion of the cylindrical side surface thereof, and at least a flap for closing/opening the drum access port. There is also provided a top lid adapted to close the aperture into the wash tub from above, and hinged with an edge portion thereof on the upper rear edge portion of the outer casing of the machine. The machine is provided with interference means applied on to a portion of the machine comprised between the drum and the top lid, and adapted to be rotated upwards when the drum flap is opened, thereby interfering with the top lid. As a result, the interference means will act to make it impossible for the top lid to be closed if the drum flap is not duly closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventor: Ennio Zardetto
  • Patent number: 8127464
    Abstract: A household appliance includes a housing having an opening for accessing an interior of the housing, a tub disposed inside the housing and having a rotating drum therein for receiving laundry through the opening, and a door assembly having a see-through portion for viewing into the tub and being pivotably coupled to the housing and movable between an open position and a closed position. The door assembly includes a door frame and a front ring coupled directly or indirectly to the door frame. The front ring includes a front face having an outside and inside edge, the inside edge defining an opening that substantially corresponds to the see-through portion, and a recessed rear face on an opposite side of the front ring from the front face, wherein the recessed rear face includes a handle portion extending around at least a portion of the front ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventor: Oliver Schöne
  • Patent number: 8109121
    Abstract: Disclosed is a drum type washing machine comprising a cabinet having an opening, a door installed at the cabinet, a tub installed in the cabinet, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a gasket sealing a gap between the door and the tub by being installed between the opening of the cabinet and the tub and a moisture removing means provided at the gasket and a means sealing a gap between the door and the tub installed between the opening of the cabinet and the tub to prevent pollutants from being generated at a middle of a lower end of an inner side surface or to prevent washing water from remaining thereat, where the residual washing water preventing means is implemented as a drain portion or a heating member provided at the gasket that is capable of preventing odor or foreign substances caused by moisture remaining at the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Su-Hee Shin, Min-Su Kang
  • Patent number: 8099983
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a liquor container suspended for oscillating in a housing. A washing drum is rotatable within the liquor container. A material-elastic collar is connected for establishing a liquid tight seal on the edge of a front-side loading opening of the liquor container, connecting with a housing-side loading opening, and with a door mounted for sealing the housing-side loading opening. A filling element is located on the door and has a curved outward portion in the shape of a truncated cone. The filling element has a surface area with at least one recess commencing close to a largest diameter of the cone portion, and forms a rising surface of sickle shape in the direction of the interior of the drum and toward a smallest diameter of the cone on the surface area thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Galina Ballheimer, Bernhard Heym, Rainer Jurmann, Mark Sauer, Wilfried Wildung
  • Patent number: 8047026
    Abstract: A washing machine wherein the structure of a door to open and close a laundry inlet hole formed at the upper part of a housing is improved. The door includes front and rear door parts hingedly coupled with each other. The front door part has a front-to-rear length less than that of the rear door part. Consequently, when the door is opened, the front door part is folded to the rear door part and the lower end of the front door part is located at the upper part of the rear door part. The rear door part has a see-through portion, through which the interior of the housing is seen while the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Kwon Won
  • Patent number: 8006521
    Abstract: A locking device for the closing lid of washing machines having a containing body that houses a cursor equipped with an opening capable of receiving the hook mounted on the lid. A delaying device is capable of locking the cursor in a position retaining the latch. In order to ensure that the user operates under safe conditions, the device provides a lever that is equipped with a device to lock the cursor, and is connected to the body by a link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Elettrotecnica Rold S.R.L.
    Inventor: Onofrio Rocchitelli
  • Patent number: 7997105
    Abstract: A push-push appliance door, e.g., for a front-load automatic laundry washer, includes a peripheral frame having a first cut-out configured to receive a push-position indicator member that designates a push-position for opening the door. The frame may include a second cut-out located on an opposite side of the frame from the first cut-out. The door may further include a cut-out filler piece. The first and second cut-outs may be configured to interchangeably and interlockingly receive the indicator member and the cut-out filler piece, to thereby allow the indicator member to be properly positioned in relation to a selection of a hinge/latch location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris H. Hill, Douglas C. Norman, Jason Schott, Reynaldo Nadolny, Brian D. Ripley
  • Patent number: 7934404
    Abstract: The present invention relates to mechanical apparatuses, such as washing machines or dryers, for washing or drying laundry, and more particularly to a door on a mechanical apparatus, in which a window (76) of the door can be mounted on a frame (72) thereof fit thereto, and which can prevent the window from hanging down by gravity. The door includes a formed door frame (80), a rear door frame (90), and a door window. The door window (76) may be a door glass of glass, or transparent plastic. There is a flexible seating rib (102) formed on the front door frame (80) or the rear door frame (80) or the rear door frame (90) for seating and supporting an edge portion (77) of the door window (76).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Young Hoon Ha
  • Patent number: 7934400
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus is disclosed. The laundry treating apparatus includes an outer case defining an appearance of the laundry treating apparatus, a washing tub arranged in the outer case, to receive laundry, a top lid mounted to a top of the outer case such that the top lid is openable and closeable, and an air flow assembly mounted to the top lid, to define a passage communicating an interior of the outer case and an exterior of the outer case. The air flow assembly includes a filter inserted beneath the top lid such that the filter is installed beneath the top lid. The laundry treating apparatus can prevent moisture from staying in the interior of the laundry treating apparatus for a prolonged period of time, thereby preventing a failure of the laundry treating apparatus, generation of an offensive odor and propagation of bacteria in the interior of the laundry treating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hee Yoo, Jong Deuk Bae, Kil Su Kim, Ji Maeng Kim, Young Bae Park
  • Patent number: 7823422
    Abstract: A front-loading machine for treating laundry includes a loading opening, a hinged door, a locking mechanism and an operating device. The loading opening is disposed on a front wall of the machine. The hinged door is receivable by a receiving area on the front wall so as to close the loading opening. The locking mechanism is configured to hold the door in a closed position. The operating device is configured to activate and deactivate the locking mechanism. The operating device includes a sensor configured to detect a contact or a contact-free incursion into a detection zone thereof. The sensor is disposed on at least one of the door and the receiving area on the front wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Bextermoeller, Dirk Dahlke, Alfons Eblenkamp, Holger Hoppe, Hartmut Linnemann
  • Patent number: 7765839
    Abstract: A drum type washer and a door thereof are provided to eliminate moisture inside a door glass using natural convection. The door of the drum type washer includes a door glass, an inner door having a holder integral to the inner door to support an outer surface of the door glass, an outer door having a support rib integral to the outer door to support an inner surface of the door glass, the support rib including a hole set formed in the support rib such that an inside of the door glass communicates with an exterior of the drum type washer. With this configuration, the moisture created inside the door glass can be rapidly eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Suk Chung
  • Patent number: 7748243
    Abstract: A washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a cabinet cover and a drain passage forming portion formed on the cabinet cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hye Yong Park, Bo Yeon Kim, Dae Hee Kwon, Hyun Seok Kim, Seong Yeol Lee
  • Patent number: 7735346
    Abstract: A door of a drum-type washing machine, a method of manufacturing a door having hairlines for the drum-type washing machine, and a method of manufacturing a hairline sheet for the door are disclosed herein. The door of the drum-type washing machine comprises a door frame hingeably provided to a front surface of the drum-type washing machine, and a door glass provided to a central hole opened through the door frame. The door frame is provided on the front surface thereof with a multiple ring-shaped hairline sheet. The door frame is reinforced by means of the hairline sheet, and enhanced in an overall aesthetic appearance of the door. The hairline sheet can be conveniently replaced with a new one, if necessary, so that, when the surface of the door is severely damaged or contaminated, these can be overcome by replacing the damaged or contaminated hairline sheet with the new one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Hoon Ha, Bo Yoen Kim, Jong Seog Gim, Ji Chang Son
  • Patent number: 7716957
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drum type washing machine with a door ring. A front member is attached to the front surface of a door frame to increase the strength of a door. A decorative part is formed either at the door frame or at the front member of the door frame to improve the appearance of the door. The door ring is mounted at a cabinet around the door. Consequently, the strength of a structure around the door is increased while the appearance of the front surface of the washing machine is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Hoon Ha, Bo Yoen Kim, Jong Seog Gim, Ji Chang Son
  • Patent number: 7694537
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a door for drum type washing machines and a method of manufacturing such a door. A front member is attached to the front surface of a door frame. Consequently, the overall strength of the door frame is increased. Especially, a decorative part, which consists of alternating reflective/nonreflective or embossed/depressed patterns, is formed either at the door frame or at the front member. Consequently, the overall appearance of the door is improved, and glare is effectively prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Hoon Ha, Bo Yoen Kim, Jong Seog Gim, Ji Chang Son
  • Patent number: 7690226
    Abstract: A washing machine and a method of manufacturing a door thereof are provided. The washing machine may include a door rotatably coupled to a cabinet, and a door ring positioned on the cabinet at an external circumference of the door to reinforce a rigidity of the cabinet and to improve an external appearance of the washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ji Chang Son, Hye Yong Park, Young Hoon Ha, Bo Yeon Kim
  • Patent number: 7677064
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a door of a drum type washing machine. The door comprises a ring-shaped door frame hingedly connected to the front surface of the cabinet at one lateral side thereof, a door glass disposed at an open center of the door frame, a grip casing mounted inside a grip hole formed at the other lateral side of the door frame for preventing the interior of the door frame from being exposed to the outside through the grip hole, and a hook assembly disposed at the grip casing for locking the door frame to the front surface of the cabinet at the other lateral side of the door frame. The interiors of the front door frame and the rear door frame are prevented from being exposed to the outside through the grip hole by the grip casing, and the hook assembly is easily and conveniently mounted to the door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gon Kim, Jae Kyum Kim, Chi Wan Hur, Yu Beom Kang, Sang Man Je
  • Patent number: 7621306
    Abstract: A laundry machine door window cover comprises a window cover body, a contiguous length of resilient material, a plurality of magnets and indicia. The window cover body has a central portion and a perimeter portion attached to central portion. The central portion is made from material that is non-transparent. The contiguous length of resilient material is secured lengthwise to the perimeter portion of the window cover body. The magnets are secured in spaced-apart relationship on the perimeter portion of the window cover body. The indicia provided on at least one side of the central portion of the window cover body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Jeremiah Marcus Settles
  • Patent number: 7614263
    Abstract: A drum washing machine having a foldable door includes a cabinet having an opening formed at a front wall of the cabinet, the foldable door provided at the front wall of the cabinet to open or close the opening, and which is separated into frames that fold when the foldable door is opened, and an opening/closing guide mechanism connected between the foldable door and the cabinet to guide the foldable door when the foldable door is being opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Won Kim, Young Il Chang
  • Patent number: 7614259
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a door for drum type washing machines and a method of manufacturing such a door. A front member is attached to the front surface of a door frame. Consequently, the overall strength of the door frame is increased. Especially, a decorative part, which consists of alternating reflective/nonreflective or embossed/depressed patterns, is formed either at the door frame or at the front member. Consequently, the overall appearance of the door is improved, and glare is effectively prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young Hoon Ha, Bo Yoen Kim, Jong Seog Gim, Ji Chang Son
  • Patent number: 7600403
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a tub fixedly installed in a cabinet, a drum rotatably installed in the tub for containing laundry and provided with an opening formed through the outer circumferential surface thereof so that the laundry is taken into and out of the drum through the opening. A drum door is provided at the opening of the drum and moves in the circumferential direction of the drum relative to the drum to open and close the opening of the drum. A driving unit rotates the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jae won Chang
  • Patent number: 7581414
    Abstract: A door for a washing machine or a dryer includes a frame having a system for opening/closing an opening provided for introducing laundry into a washing machine or a dryer, and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a bracket attached to an inside surface of a housing of the washing machine or the dryer, and a hinge arm. The hinge arm has a first member rotatably connected to the bracket, and a second member extended in succession to the first member and rotatably connected to the frame for being drawn to an outside of the washing machine and the dryer, thereby enabling the door to be rotated relative to the bracket and the hinge arm respectively, so as to be opened at a great angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Seok Kim, Yang Hwan No, Han Ki Cho, Yeon Su Jung, Jung Hoon Kang, Myung Sik Park, Young Hoon Ha
  • Patent number: 7571626
    Abstract: A drum washing machine in which laundry-separated substances, introduced into a gap of a packing member sealing an inlet of the washing machine during a washing process, are easily eliminated. The drum washing machine includes a main body having an entrance hole for placing laundry therein and a door opening and closing the entrance hole, a tub installed in the main body and having an opening corresponding to the entrance hole, a packing member to seal a space between the opening of the tub and the entrance hole. The packing member including a bending portion in which laundry-separate substances accumulate, and a recess adjacent to the bending portion, wherein the recess is formed in a user contactable position on the packing member for assisting in easy elimination of the laundry-separated substances accumulated in the bending portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Hyun Choi, Woon Gu Hur, Se Hyeong Lee, Won Seok Choi, Myung Sun Kang
  • Patent number: 7536880
    Abstract: A magnetic lid switch assembly includes a first magnetically actuated electrical switch that has a lever arm movable between a first position wherein the first switch is open and a second position wherein the first switch is closed. A second magnetically actuated electrical switch electrically is connected in series with the first switch. The second switch has a lever arm movable between a first position wherein the second switch is open and a second position wherein the second switch is closed. A first actuator is magnetically coupled to the first switch. The first actuator moves the lever arm of the first switch closing the first switch to enable the first switch to pass an electric current when the first actuator is positioned proximate the first switch. A second actuator is magnetically coupled to the second switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Errin Whitney Gnadinger, Kristian Michael Magnuson, Thomas William McConihay, John Jacob Lapina, Jr., Derek Lee Watkins
  • Publication number: 20090126417
    Abstract: A laundry appliance door frame provides an integrated, flame resistant and aesthetic alternative to conventional laundry appliance door frame assemblies, with the benefits of both plastic and metal. The laundry appliance door frame assembly includes a first frame member forming a first peripheral portion of a laundry appliance door about a window pane and a second frame member forming a second peripheral portion of a laundry appliance door about the window pane. The frame members provide a seat to support the window pane on one side and interlocks with reversible hinge and latch components that become part of the frame. Each frame member includes an elongated metal bracket which is at least partially encapsulated within a casing formed of plastic material over-molded onto the metal bracket. The metal brackets have exposed tabs on their ends forming a capture mechanism that provides flame resistant structural support to the side of the window pane opposite the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Douglas Ripley, Lee Allen Roose, Reynaldo Aramis Nadolny
  • Patent number: 7516630
    Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine having an improved circulation apparatus for pumping water in a lower side of the tub and discharging the pumped water from an upper side of the tub. The circulation apparatus includes a circulation motor, a circulation hose and an injection unit. The circulation motor communicates with a lower side of a tub of a washing machine to pump water in the tub. The circulation hose has one end that is connected with the circulation motor, and guides the pumped water. The injection unit includes a nozzle. that has a facing surface facing an inside of a drum and left and right surfaces of the facing surface, the facing surface and the left and right surfaces being completely opened. The nozzle disperses the water into the inside of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Seok Kim, Yang Hwan No, Han Ki Cho, Youn Su Jung, Jung Hoon Kang, Myung Sik Park, Young Hoon Ha
  • Patent number: 7490496
    Abstract: A drum washing machine has a cabinet including an opening formed at a front wall of the cabinet to allow laundry to be put into or taken out of the cabinet, a door to open or close the opening of the cabinet, and an opening/closing guide mechanism connected between the cabinet and the door to guide the door downwardly when opening the door such that a front surface of the door is upwardly directed, and to guide the door upwardly moved when closing the door such that the door is vertically openable and closable. The door of the drum washing machine can be easily opened even where the washing machine is installed in a limited space. The door can also be used as a laundry holder in an opened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Won Kim, Jae Won Chang
  • Patent number: 7490495
    Abstract: A drum washing machine includes a cabinet with an opening formed at a front wall of the cabinet to allow laundry to be put into or taken out of the cabinet, a door to open or close the opening of the cabinet, an opening/closing guide mechanism connected between the cabinet and the door to guide the door downwardly when opening the door such that a front surface of the door is directed upwardly when the door is fully opened, and to guide the door upwardly when closing the door, and an automatic opening/closing mechanism to automatically move the door vertically, and thus, to automatically open/close the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Dong Won Kim
  • Publication number: 20080302141
    Abstract: A drum type washer and a door thereof are provided to eliminate moisture inside a door glass using natural convection. The door of the drum type washer includes a door glass, an inner door having a holder integral to the inner door to support an outer surface of the door glass, an outer door having a support rib integral to the outer door to support an inner surface of the door glass, the support rib including a hole set formed in the support rib such that an inside of the door glass communicates with an exterior of the drum type washer. With this configuration, the moisture created inside the door glass can be rapidly eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Suk Chung
  • Publication number: 20080245114
    Abstract: A laundry treating apparatus and a method of manufacturing a front cover for a laundry treating apparatus are provided herein. The method manufactures a front cover having an accurate desired shape using stainless steel having a unique metal color and gloss. The method of manufacturing a front cover for a laundry treating apparatus includes a drawing step to mold a front surface and a side surface of the front cover by drawing a stainless steel plate, a spring back reducing step to reduce a spring back of the drawn stainless steel plate, and a cutting step to cut the front cover from the stainless steel plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Dong Woo KANG
  • Patent number: 7430885
    Abstract: A drum type washing machine includes a housing, a rotary drum, a water tub accommodating the rotary drum therein, a door for opening and closing a housing opening for allowing laundry to be loaded into or unloaded from the rotary drum therethrough, a water tub opening communicating with the housing opening, a rotary drum opening communicating with the housing opening and the water tub opening; and an elastic connection member for connecting the housing opening and water tub opening, and having a portion that makes a pressurized contact with the door when the door is closed. A center of the housing opening is displaced upward with respect to a center of the rotary drum opening, and an angle of inclination of the housing opening with respect to a vertical plane is set to be greater than that of the rotary drum opening with respect to the vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Maeda, Hiroshi Kajihara, Kazunori Maeda, Tadashi Inuzuka
  • Patent number: 7404305
    Abstract: A washing machine and dryer is disclosed, in which a user can watch the inside thereof, and a user can put the laundry into the inside thereof, and draw out the same. The washing machine includes a cabinet having an opening at the front thereof; a tub provided inside the cabinet for storing washing water; a drum being rotatably provided to a spinning shaft by a motor inside the tub; and a door provided at the opening for being tilted to the inside of the washing machine. The dryer has the same structure as the washing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Seok Kim, Yang Hwan No, Han Ki Cho, Yeon Su Jung, Jung Hoon Kang, Myung Sik Park, Young Hoon Ha
  • Patent number: 7363781
    Abstract: An improved front loading washing machine is provided with a front panel having a round access opening. A glass door is reversibly mounted on the front panel via a hinge. The hinge can be moved to the left or right side of the access opening by rotating a carriage ring which extends around the access opening and which supports the hinge. A door lock is provided on the carriage opposite the hinge. Accordingly, the door is reversible for opening on the left or right, as desired by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Donald E. Erickson
  • Patent number: 7357006
    Abstract: A gasket and washing machine having the same prevent laundry from becoming wedged between a drum and a gasket for preventing water leakage. The gasket is coupled between a cabinet of a drum-type washing machine including a drying duct for providing a drying function and a tub disposed inside the cabinet. The gasket includes an annular lip, protruding inwardly from an inner circumference of the gasket, for preventing foreign matter from entering a space existing between the tub and a rotating drum, and a laundry kicker, protruding inwardly from a predetermined portion of the annular lip, for dislodging laundry that has become wedged between the annular lip and the rotating drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Kyum Kim, Geon Kim, Chi Wan Hur, Yu Beom Kang, Sang Man Je
  • Patent number: 7320186
    Abstract: A door for a household appliance comprising a door body having a cylindrical portal with a ridge extending radially inwardly from an end of the portal. The door body includes multiple receptacles disposed adjacent the portal and spaced around the portal. A rear glass piece is at least partially disposed within the portal and includes a flange extending around an outer edge of the rear glass. A view guide is at least partially disposed within the portal and includes a cylindrical portion having a lead edge and multiple hooks extending back from the lead edge with a barb disposed near an end of each hook. The hooks engage corresponding receptacles to connect the view guide to the door body and retain the rear glass within the door body. The flange of the rear glass is disposed between the ridge and the lead edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventor: Oliver Schöne
  • Patent number: 7275346
    Abstract: A washer door or lid as defined by a tempered glass panel bordered by an open frame-like encapsulation of one-piece injection molded polymeric/copolymeric synthetic plastic material. The latter material is preferably acrylonitrile/styrene/acrylate polymer blended with mica glass beads at a ratio of substantially 70%-30% to 90%-10% by weight, but preferably 80%-20% by weight. Further specifics of the washer lid include a relatively thick inner periphery of the encapsulation which securely grips and reinforces an outer peripheral edge of the tempered glass panel, a rigid outer peripheral skirt, an indiscrete handle, a reinforced hand corder for a switch actuator and opposite rear corners carrying hinges for securing the washer lid to an associated washer opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Gemtron Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Bienick, Howard Daley
  • Patent number: 7272961
    Abstract: A washing machine including a casing provided with an opening for introducing laundry into the washing machine; a tub supportably installed in the casing; a drum rotatably located in the tub; driving means for rotating the drum; and a door installed at the casing for opening and closing the opening of the casing, and provided with air suction ports for drawing external air into the drum. The washing machine dries a small quantity of the laundry without application of any additional drying pipe or heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: In Cheol Jeong
  • Patent number: 7269981
    Abstract: A hook assembly for a door in a washing machine is provided having a decreased number of elements as well as more convenient assembly with respect to conventional apparatus. The hook assembly includes a pair of supporters directly extending from an insider of a doorframe of a washing machine, a shaft penetrating the supporters, a hook rotatably coupled to the shaft, wherein a head of the shaft penetrates the doorframe to be externally exposed, and an elastic member provided in the doorframe to give an elastic force to the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Ik Kun Kwon
  • Patent number: 7263863
    Abstract: A front loading washing machine with a housing, a sudsing container and a drum having openings in substantially coaxial alignment, the sudsing container and the housing being connected by a folding bellows surrounding marginal portions of their respective openings and provided with a crease. An extension protruding into a gap between the crease and the rim of the opening of the drum, with the rim, the upper end of the extension and a portion of the crease being in at least partial coaxial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG.
    Inventors: Martin Brinkmann, Egon Brockschmidt, Matthias Knoke, Andreas Kratzsch, Ralf Kretschmer, Wilhelm Sebeikat
  • Patent number: 7263864
    Abstract: Method for controlling a full automatic washing machine, the method comprising a washing cycle, a rinsing cycle, and a dewatering cycle, wherein the washing or the rinsing cycle includes the step of rotating an inner tub at a high speed higher than a preset speed in one direction, thereby making a centrifugal force caused by high speed rotation of the inner tub, to push laundry against a wall of the inner tub, to enforce washing water in the inner tub to penetrate through the laundry at a speed higher than required to make the washing done, and to pump the washing water penetrated through the laundry and discharged into an outer tub upward, to recirculate to the inner tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jae Cheol Lyu, Sung Jin Cho, Hyung Dae Ryu, Chang Sik Kang, Ji Maeng Kim
  • Patent number: 7254970
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laundry treatment machine, more especially a washing machine or a laundry dryer, comprising a drivable drum which accommodates laundry and is rotatably mounted in a container integral with the housing, wherein the container is provided with an elastic sleeve, covering the transition from the front opening of the container to the housing opening, around the filler opening of the drum, and wherein a laundry rejector is attached in this transitional region in the region of the top dead center of the drum. For improvement purposes, a specially configured laundry rejector is provided in the region of the top dead center of the drum in conjunction with a receiving means in the sleeve in order to avoid laundry items from becoming damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Buss, Gerd Maentele, Andreas Bollmann, Yvonne Sellmer
  • Patent number: 7251963
    Abstract: A drum-type washing machine employs a gasket water draining hose to enable used water to be discharged via the drainpipe, immediately following a washing or rinsing step. The drum-type washing machine includes a cabinet having a door; a tub for containing water, the tub having an entrance corresponding to the door of the cabinet; a gasket, connecting the door of the cabinet to the entrance of the tub, to prevent water contained in the tub from leaking outside the tub, the gasket having a first orifice provided at a bottom point thereof; a drainpipe, communicating with the tub, to discharge water contained in the tub, the drainpipe having a second orifice provided at one side thereof; and a water draining hose, communicating the first orifice with the second orifice, to discharge water via the drainpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc
    Inventors: Kwang Soo Kim, Jae Moon Kim, Sam Je Park, Hyun Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 7251961
    Abstract: A magnetic lid closure sensor uses a magnet sensor element mounted within the washing machine housing below the closed lid. Flux directors conduct flux from a magnet in the lid to the magnet sensor. A lock mechanism employs a hook engaging an aperture in the lid so that opening of the lid does not impart a torque to the hook such as would disengage it, allowing the hook to be activated and deactivated with a simple bi-directional solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Ark-Les Corporation
    Inventors: Kenyon A. Hapke, Michael Osvatic
  • Patent number: 7222505
    Abstract: Dying or bleaching apparatus for yarn wound on reels or similar packages, comprising a dying boiler (15) having an annular section suitable for receiving a single circular load of mobile reel holder shafts (13) which can be removed at the same time for the subsequent water draining and drying operations, operating with less liquid and also capable of being used with fractional capacities with a constant soaking ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Master S.a.S Di Ronchi Francesco & C.
    Inventor: Francesco Ronchi
  • Patent number: 7032350
    Abstract: A washer door or lid as defined by a tempered glass panel bordered by an open frame-like encapsulation of one-piece injection molded polymeric/copolymeric synthetic plastic material. The latter material is preferably acrylonitrile/styrene/acrylate polymer blended with mica glass beads at a ratio of substantially 70%–30% to 90%–10% by weight, but preferably 80%–20% by weight. Further specifics of the washer lid include a relatively thick inner periphery of the encapsulation which securely grips and reinforces an outer peripheral edge of the tempered glass panel, a rigid outer peripheral skirt, an indiscrete handle, a reinforced hand corder for a switch actuator and opposite rear corners carrying hinges for securing the washer lid to an associated washer opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Gemtron Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Bienick, Howard Daley