US20250387002A1

US20250387002A1 - Footwear cleaner assembly for a washing machine appliance

Info

Publication number: US20250387002A1
Application number: US18/750,188
Authority: US
Inventors: Julian Villarta; Isabel Haut; Liyuan YANG; Dayouran Lim
Original assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2024-06-21
Filing date: 2024-06-21
Publication date: 2025-12-25

Abstract

A footwear cleaner assembly for a top-load washing appliance may include a plurality of article baskets spaced circumferentially around an agitation element within the wash basket. Each article basket of the plurality of article baskets may include an outer wall, an inner wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The inner walls of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets together may define a first compartment for washing a first article set therebetween. The outer wall, the inner wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets may define a second wash compartment for washing a second article set. The second wash compartment is positioned outside of the first wash compartment.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present subject matter relates generally to a washing machine appliance, and more particularly to a footwear cleaner assembly for a washing machine appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Washing machine appliances generally include a cabinet which supports a wash tub for containing wash fluid, e.g., wash water, detergent, bleach, or other wash additives. A wash basket is mounted within the wash tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During operation of such washing machine appliances, wash fluid is directed into the wash tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the wash basket. The wash basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber in the wash fluid. A spin cycle is often included after some cycles, for example at the end of a wash cycle or a rinse cycle. During the spin cycle, the wash basket spins at a high speed to urge wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber.
Often, a user may utilize the washing machine appliance to launder heavy articles (e.g., comforter, towels, footwear, etc.). In some cases, laundering of these articles can impact the performance of the washing machine appliance. For example, the placement of the heavy articles within the wash basket can cause an uneven distribution of weight during a spin cycle. This can result in imbalances (e.g., excessive displacement of the wash tub and wash basket) of the washing machine appliance. In some instances, imbalances can cause excessive vibration, noise, or improper cleaning of the heavy articles within the wash basket. Additionally, imbalances can cause damage to the washing machine appliance over time due to repeated unwanted movements of the wash basket that may occur.
Accordingly, a washing machine appliance that obviates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a footwear cleaner assembly for a top-load washing appliance is provided. The top-load washing appliance may include a wash tub positioned within a cabinet. The top-load washing machine appliance may include a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub and defining a wash chamber. The top-load washing machine appliance may include an agitation element for imparting an oscillatory motion to articles. The footwear cleaner assembly may include a plurality of article baskets spaced circumferentially around the agitation element within the wash basket. Each article basket of the plurality of article baskets may include an outer wall, an inner wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The inner walls of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets together may define a first compartment for washing a first article set therebetween. The outer wall, the inner wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets may define a second wash compartment for washing a second article set. The second wash compartment is positioned outside of the first wash compartment.
In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance may include a wash tub positioned within a cabinet. The wash tub may define an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The washing machine appliance may include a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub and defining a wash chamber configured for receiving a load of clothes. The washing machine appliance may include an agitation element for imparting an oscillatory motion to articles. The agitation element may extend along the axial direction and liquid in the wash basket. The washing machine appliance may include a footwear cleaner assembly positioned within the wash basket around the agitation element along the radial direction. The footwear cleaner assembly may include an outer ring interfaced with the wash basket. The footwear cleaner assembly may include an inner ring positioned inside the outer ring along the radial direction. The inner ring may define a first wash compartment positioned around the agitation element for washing a first article set. The outer ring and the inner ring may define a second wash compartment therebetween for washing a second article set. The second wash compartment may be positioned outside of the first wash compartment along the radial direction.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter with a door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in a closed position.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with the door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 provides a top-down view of a footwear cleaner assembly positioned within a wash basket of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of an article basket of the cleaner assembly of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of the article basket of FIG. 5 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin (i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value). In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, such as, clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V).
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.
Except as explicitly indicated otherwise, recitation of a singular processing element (e.g., “a controller,” “a processor,” “a microprocessor,” etc.) is understood to include more than one processing element. In other words, “a processing element” is generally understood as “one or more processing element.” Furthermore, barring a specific statement to the contrary, any steps or functions recited as being performed by “the processing element” or “said processing element” are generally understood to be capable of being performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements.” Thus, a first step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements,” and a second step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements and not necessarily by the same one of the one or more processing elements by which the first step or function is performed.” Moreover, it is understood that recitation of “the processing element” or “said processing element” performing a plurality of steps or functions does not require that at least one discrete processing element be capable of performing each one of the plurality of steps or functions.
Generally, a washing machine appliance may be provided in some aspects of the present disclosure. The washing machine appliance can include a cabinet having a wash tub positioned therewithin. A wash basket can be rotatably mounted within the wash tub. The wash basket can define a wash chamber for receiving a load of articles. In some cases, footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, etc.) may be received within the wash chamber for washing. The laundering of footwear articles within a washing machine appliance can cause numerous problems. For example, the laundering of footwear articles within a washing machine appliance can cause imbalances during operation of the washing machine appliance, such as during a spin cycle of the washing machine appliance. In some cases, a slight imbalance may cause vibration or noise. In some other cases, the wash tub may contact the cabinet of the appliance. These impacts or “cabinet strikes” are noisy and can cause the washing machine to “walk” on the floor. Over time, these impacts can damage the washing machine appliance. In yet some other cases, the imbalance can cause damage to the articles or may not sufficiently clean the articles positioned within the wash basket.
Notably, embodiments of the present subject matter may be generally directed to a footwear cleaner assembly that can be disposed or positioned within the wash basket of the washing machine appliance when laundering of footwear articles is desired. In several embodiments, the footwear cleaner assembly may include an outer ring and an inner ring that are positioned around the agitation element. The outer ring may be positioned adjacent (e.g., interfaced with) the wash basket. The inner ring may be positioned radially inward of the outer ring. Notably, an inner surface of the inner ring may define a first wash compartment around the agitation element for washing a first article set (e.g., clothing articles, such as shirts, pants, etc.). Moreover, the outer surface of the inner ring and an inner surface of the outer ring may define a second wash compartment for washing a second article set (e.g., footwear articles).
Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine appliance 100. Specifically, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective views of washing machine appliance 100 in a closed and an open position, respectively. FIG. 3 provides a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100. Washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.
While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance 100, it should be appreciated that vertical axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. It will be understood that aspects of the present subject matter may be used in any other suitable washing machine appliance, such as a horizontal axis washing machine appliance. Indeed, modifications and variations may be made to washing machine appliance 100, including different configurations, different appearances, or different features while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends between a top portion 104 and a bottom portion 106 along the vertical direction V, between a first side (left) and a second side (right) along the lateral direction L, and between a front and a rear along the transverse direction T. As best shown in FIG. 3 , a wash tub 108 is positioned within cabinet 102, defines a wash chamber 110, and is generally configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. Washing machine appliance 100 further includes a primary dispenser or dispensing assembly 112 (FIG. 2 ) for dispensing wash fluid into wash tub 108.
As may be seen in FIG. 3 , the wash tub 108 may define an axial direction A. For example, the axial direction A may extend through the geometric center of the wash tub 108. For example, the axial direction A may be generally parallel to the vertical direction V. Also as may be seen, e.g., in FIG. 3 , the wash tub 108 may further define a radial direction R perpendicular to the axial direction A and a circumferential direction C that extends around the axial direction A.
In addition, washing machine appliance 100 includes a wash basket 114 that is positioned within wash tub 108 and generally defines an opening 116 for receipt of articles for washing. More specifically, wash basket 114 is rotatably mounted within wash tub 108 such that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to the illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation A is substantially parallel to the vertical direction V. In this regard, washing machine appliance 100 is generally referred to as a “vertical axis” or “top load” washing machine appliance 100. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used within the context of a horizontal axis or front load washing machine appliance as well.
As illustrated, cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top panel 118. Top panel 118 defines an opening (e.g., FIG. 2 ) that coincides with opening 116 of wash basket 114 to permit a user access to wash basket 114. Washing machine appliance 100 further includes a door 120 which is rotatably mounted to top panel 118 to permit selective access to opening 116. In particular, door 120 selectively rotates between the closed position (e.g., FIGS. 1 and 3 ) and the open position (e.g., FIG. 2 ). In the closed position, door 120 inhibits access to wash basket 114. Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash basket 114. A window 122 in door 120 permits viewing of wash basket 114 when door 120 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Door 120 also includes a handle 124 that, e.g., a user may pull or lift when opening and closing door 120. Further, although door 120 is illustrated as mounted to top panel 118, door 120 may alternatively be mounted to cabinet 102 or any other suitable support.
As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , wash basket 114 further defines a plurality of perforations 126 to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of wash basket 114 and wash tub 108. In this regard, wash basket 114 is spaced apart from wash tub 108 to define a space for wash fluid to escape wash chamber 110. During a spin cycle, wash fluid within articles of clothing and within wash chamber 110 is urged through perforations 126 wherein it may collect in a sump 128 defined by wash tub 108. Washing machine appliance 100 further includes a pump assembly 130 (FIG. 3 ) that is located beneath wash tub 108 and wash basket 114 for gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub 108.
An impeller or agitation element 132 (e.g., FIG. 3 ), such as a vane agitator, impeller, auger, oscillatory basket mechanism, or some combination thereof is disposed in wash basket 114 to impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in wash basket 114. More specifically, agitation element 132 extends into wash basket 114 and assists agitation of articles disposed within wash basket 114 during operation of washing machine appliance 100, e.g., to facilitate improved cleaning. In different embodiments, agitation element 132 includes a single action element (i.e., oscillatory only), a double action element (oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the other end) or a triple action element (e.g., oscillatory movement plus single direction rotation at one end, single direction rotation at the other end). As illustrated in FIG. 3 , agitation element 132 and wash basket 114 are oriented to rotate about axis of rotation A (which is substantially parallel to vertical direction V).
As best illustrated in FIG. 3 , washing machine appliance 100 includes a drive assembly or motor assembly 138 in mechanical communication with wash basket 114 to selectively rotate wash basket 114 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). In addition, motor assembly 138 may also be in mechanical communication with agitation element 132. In this manner, motor assembly 138 may be configured for selectively rotating or oscillating wash basket 114 or agitation element 132 during various operating cycles of washing machine appliance 100.
More specifically, motor assembly 138 may generally include one or more of a drive motor 140 and a transmission assembly 142, e.g., such as a clutch assembly, for engaging and disengaging wash basket 114 or agitation element 132. According to the illustrated embodiment, drive motor 140 is a brushless DC electric motor, e.g., a pancake motor. However, according to alternative embodiments, drive motor 140 may be any other suitable type or configuration of motor. For example, drive motor 140 may be an AC motor, an induction motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or any other suitable type of motor. In addition, motor assembly 138 may include any other suitable number, types, and configurations of support bearings or drive mechanisms.
Referring still to FIGS. 1 through 3 , a control panel 150 with at least one input selector 152 (FIG. 1 ) extends from top panel 118. Control panel 150 and input selector 152 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display 154 of control panel 150 indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation.
Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 156 that is operatively coupled to control panel 150 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 150, controller 156 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features. According to an exemplary embodiment, controller 156 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with methods described herein. Alternatively, controller 156 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 150 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 156 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.
During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 114 through opening 116, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 152. Wash basket 114 is filled with water and detergent or other fluid additives via primary dispenser 112. One or more valves can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash tub 108 and wash basket 114 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket 114 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 114 can be agitated (e.g., with agitation element 132 as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 114.
Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3 , dispensing assembly 112 of washing machine appliance 100 will be described in more detail. As explained briefly above, dispensing assembly 112 may generally be configured to dispense wash fluid to facilitate one or more operating cycles or phases of an operating cycle (e.g., such as a wash cycle or a rinse cycle). The terms “wash fluid” and the like may be used herein to generally refer to a liquid used for washing or rinsing clothing or other articles. For example, the wash fluid is typically made up of water that may include other additives such as detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or other suitable treatments (including combinations thereof). More specifically, the wash fluid for a wash cycle may be a mixture of water, detergent, or other additives, while the wash fluid for a rinse cycle may be water only.
As best shown schematically in FIG. 3 , dispensing assembly 112 may generally include a bulk storage tank or bulk reservoir 158 and a dispenser box 160. More specifically, bulk reservoir 158 may be positioned under top panel 118 and defines an additive reservoir for receiving and storing wash additive. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, bulk reservoir 158 may contain a bulk volume of wash additive (such as detergent or other suitable wash additives) that is sufficient for a plurality of wash cycles of washing machine appliance 100, such as no less than twenty wash cycles, no less than fifty wash cycles, etc. As a particular example, bulk reservoir 158 is configured for containing no less than twenty fluid ounces, no less than three-quarters of a gallon, or about one gallon of wash additive. Optionally, a level detector 192 (e.g., float sensor, conductivity sensor, pressure sensor, reed switch, etc.) configured to detect a volume of liquid within the bulk reservoir 158 may be provided. The level detector 192 may be in operative communication with (i.e., communicatively coupled to) the controller 156. Thus, controller 156 may be configured to detect a level of wash additive within the bulk reservoir (e.g., as one or more discrete levels or as a variable volumetric value).
As will be described in detail below, dispensing assembly 112 may include features for drawing wash additive from bulk reservoir 158 and mixing it with water prior to directing the mixture into wash tub 108 to facilitate a cleaning operation. By contrast, dispensing assembly 112 is also capable of dispensing water only. Thus, dispensing assembly 112 may automatically dispense the desired amount of water with or without a desired amount of wash additive such that a user can avoid filling dispenser box 160 with detergent before each operation of washing machine appliance 100.
For example, as best shown in FIG. 3 , washing machine appliance 100 includes an aspirator assembly 162, which is a Venturi-based dispensing system that uses a flow of water to create suction within a Venturi tube to draw in wash additive from bulk reservoir 158 which mixes with the water and is dispensed into wash tub 108 as a concentrated wash fluid preferably having a target volume of wash additive. After the target volume of wash additive is dispensed into wash tub 108, additional water may be provided into wash tub 108 as needed to fill to the desired wash volume. It should be appreciated that the target volume may be preprogrammed in controller 156 according to the selected operating cycle or parameters, may be set by a user, or may be determined in any other suitable manner.
As illustrated, aspirator assembly 162 may include a Venturi pump 164 that is fluidly coupled to both a water supply conduit 166 and a suction line 168. As illustrated, water supply conduit 166 may provide fluid communication between a water supply source 170 (such as a municipal water supply) and a water inlet of Venturi pump 164. In addition, washing machine appliance 100 includes a water fill valve or water control valve 172 which is operably coupled to water supply conduit 166 and is communicatively coupled to controller 156. In this manner, controller 156 may regulate the operation of water control valve 172 to regulate the amount of water that passes through aspirator assembly 162 and into wash tub 108.
In addition, suction line 168 may provide fluid communication between bulk reservoir 158 and Venturi pump 164 (e.g., via a suction port defined on Venturi pump 164). Notably, as a flow of water is supplied through Venturi pump 164 to wash tub 108, the flowing water creates a negative pressure within suction line 168. This negative pressure may draw in wash additive from bulk reservoir 158. When certain conditions exist, the amount of wash additive dispensed is roughly proportional to the amount of time water is flowing through Venturi pump 164.
Referring still to FIG. 3 , aspirator assembly 162 may further include a suction valve 174 that is operably coupled to suction line 168 to control the flow of wash additive through suction line 168 when desired. For example, suction valve 174 may be a solenoid valve that is communicatively coupled with controller 156. Controller 156 may selectively open and close suction valve 174 to allow wash additive to flow from bulk reservoir 158 through additive suction valve 174. For example, during a rinse cycle where only water is desired, suction valve 174 may be closed to prevent wash additive from being dispensed through suction valve 174. In some embodiments, suction valve 174 is selectively controlled based on at least one of the selected wash cycle, the soil level of the articles to be washed, and the article type. According to still other embodiments, no suction valve 174 is needed at all and alternative means for preventing the flow of wash additive may be used or other water regulating valves may be used to provide water into wash tub 108.
Washing machine appliance 100, or more particularly, dispensing assembly 112, generally includes a discharge nozzle 176 for directing a flow of wash fluid (e.g., identified herein generally by reference numeral 178) into wash chamber 108. In this regard, discharge nozzle 176 may be positioned above wash tub proximate a rear of opening 116 defined through top panel 118. Dispensing assembly 112 may be regulated by controller 156 to discharge wash fluid 178 through discharge nozzle 176 at the desired flow rates, volumes, or detergent concentrations to facilitate various operating cycles, e.g., such as wash or rinse cycles.
Although water supply conduit 166, water supply source 170, discharge nozzle 176, and water control valve 172 are all described and illustrated herein in the singular form, it should be appreciated that these terms may be used herein generally to describe a supply plumbing for providing hot or cold water into wash chamber 110. In this regard, water supply conduit 166 may include separate conduits for receiving hot and cold water, respectively. Similarly, water supply source 170 may include both hot- and cold-water supplies regulated by dedicated valves. In addition, washing machine appliance 100 may include one or more pressure sensors (not shown) for detecting the amount of water and or clothes within wash tub 108. For example, the pressure sensor may be operably coupled to a side of tub 108 for detecting the weight of wash tub 108, which controller 156 may use to determine a volume of water in wash chamber 110 and a subwasher load weight.
After wash tub 108 is filled and the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket 114 can be drained, e.g., by drain pump assembly 138. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket 114 depending on the specifics of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller or agitation element 132 may again provide agitation within wash basket 114. One or more spin cycles may also be used as part of the cleaning process. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket 114 is rotated at relatively high speeds to help wring fluid from the laundry articles through perforations 126. During or prior to the spin cycle, drain pump assembly 138 may operate to discharge wash fluid from wash tub 108, e.g., to an external drain. After articles disposed in wash basket 114 are cleaned or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 114, e.g., by reaching into wash basket 114 through opening 116.
Referring now to FIG. 4 , a top-down view of the wash basket 114 is provided. In some embodiments, a footwear cleaner assembly 200 is positioned within the wash basket 114. Particularly, the footwear cleaner assembly may be disposed or positioned within the wash basket (e.g., around the agitation element 132) when laundering of footwear articles is desired. As will be appreciated in more detail below, the footwear cleaner assembly 200 may define a hollowed-out ring or toroid (e.g., open, rectangular toroid) that can physically separate two or more articles sets within the wash basket. For example, the footwear cleaner assembly 200 may advantageously allow laundering of a first article set (e.g., normal clothing articles such as pants, shirts, etc.) and a second article set that is different from the first article set (e.g., footwear articles such as shoes, sandals, etc.).
Notably, the footwear cleaner assembly 200 may be a removeable component that a user may selectively place within the wash basket 114. In this regard, when a user wants to launder footwear articles, they may place the footwear cleaner assembly 200 into the wash basket 114 of the washing machine appliance 100. Conversely, when a user does not want to launder footwear articles, they may remove the footwear cleaner assembly 200 from the wash basket 114. For example, when a user wants to launder only normal clothing articles (e.g., shirts, pants, socks, etc.), the user may remove the footwear cleaner assembly 200 to maximize the wash space within the wash basket 114.
As mentioned above, the footwear cleaner assembly 200 may be positioned around the agitation element 132 (e.g., along the radial direction R). For example, the footwear cleaner assembly 200 interface with a perimeter wall 203 and form a friction fit (e.g. an interference fit) therebetween). Additionally or alternatively, the footwear cleaner assembly 200 may be rested on a bottom wall of the wash basket 114 and positioned around an impeller portion 133 of the agitation element 132. Generally, the footwear cleaner assembly 200 may include an outer ring 202 and an inner ring 204. In particular, the outer ring 202 may interface with a perimeter wall 203 of the wash basket 114. The inner ring 204 may be positioned inside (e.g., along the radial direction R) the outer ring 202. The inner ring 204 may include an inner surface 206 and an outer surface 208. The inner surface 206 of the inner ring 204 may be positioned inside (e.g., along the radial direction R) of the outer surface 208 of the inner ring 204.
The outer ring 202 may include a top edge 210 and a bottom edge 212. The top edge 210 of the outer ring 202 may be positioned above the bottom edge 212 of the outer ring 202 (e.g., along the axial direction A, such as when the footwear cleaner assembly 200 is installed within the wash basket 114). The inner ring 204 may include a top edge 214 and a bottom edge 216. The top edge 214 of the inner ring 204 may be positioned above the bottom edge 216 of the inner ring 204 (e.g., along the axial direction A, such as when the footwear cleaner assembly 200 is installed within the wash basket 114). The top edge 210 of the outer ring may be positioned axially above the top edge 214 of the inner ring. Similarly, the bottom edge 212 of the outer ring 202 may be positioned axially above the bottom edge 216 of the inner ring 204. As will be appreciated in more detail below (e.g., with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 ), the footwear cleaner assembly 200 may also include a cutout or a notch 218 at the bottom edge of the outer ring 202. The notch 218 may be shaped to accommodate the curved or rounded bottom edge of the wash basket 114.
The inner surface 206 of the inner ring 204 may define a first wash compartment 220 positioned around the agitation element 132. During operation of the washing machine appliance 100, the first wash compartment 220 may be configured to contain or hold a first article set. The first article set can include conventional or normal clothing articles such as pants, shirts, socks, etc. Moreover, the outer ring 202 and the inner ring 204 may define a second wash compartment 222 therebetween. For instance, the outer ring 202 may include an inner surface 224 and an outer surface 225. The outer surface 225 of the outer ring 202 may be positioned outside of the inner surface 224 of the outer ring 202 (e.g., along the radial direction R). The outer surface 225 of the outer ring 202 may be interfaced with the perimeter wall 203 of the wash basket 114. The inner surface 224 of the outer ring 202 may be positioned inside of the outer surface 225 of the outer ring 202 (e.g., along the radial direction R). The inner surface 224 of the outer ring 202 and the outer surface 208 of the inner ring 204 may together define the second wash compartment 222. During operation of the washing machine appliance 100, the second wash compartment 222 may contain or hold a second article set. The second article set may include articles that are different from the first article set. Particularly, the second article set may include footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, etc.). The second wash compartment 222 may be positioned outside of the first wash compartment 220 (e.g., along the radial direction R). In this regard, during operation of the washing machine appliance 100, a user may be able to launder the first article set and the second article set simultaneously. Moreover, the first article set and the second article set may be physically separated from one another during operation of the washing machine appliance 100.
In some embodiments, the footwear cleaner assembly 200 may advantageously include a plurality of article baskets 230 that are positioned circumferentially around the agitation element 132 (e.g., to form the shape of the footwear cleaner assembly 200). For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , the footwear cleaner assembly 200 includes four article baskets that are positioned circumferentially around the agitation element 132. Notably, the plurality of article baskets 230 may improve the installation process of the footwear cleaner assembly 200 (e.g., when compared to a monolithic or single structure footwear cleaner assembly). For example, a monolithic or single structure cleaning assembly may be cumbersome or difficult for a user to place into the wash basket 114 or take out of the wash basket 114, for example, some appliances may have a lip or overhang that is present at the top of the wash tub 108. The lip or overhang of such appliances may make it difficult or impossible to install a monolithic or single structure cleaning assembly. Notably, the exemplary plurality of article baskets 230 of the exemplary footwear cleaner assembly 200 may be individually placed within the wash basket 114 and aligned such that the shape of the footwear cleaner assembly 200 is formed within the wash basket 114.
As should be appreciated, the illustrated number of article baskets included in the plurality of article baskets 230 is provided by way of example only. In additional or alternative exemplary embodiments, the plurality of article baskets 230 may include two or more article baskets. For example, the plurality of article baskets 230 may include two article baskets, three article baskets, six article baskets, or any other suitable number of article baskets.
As will be described in greater detail below, the plurality of article baskets 230 may include walls that segment or divide the second wash compartment 222 into a plurality of wash sub-compartments 232. Notably, the wash sub-compartments 232 defined by the plurality of article baskets 230 may allow user to separate footwear articles into individual wash sub-compartments 232 (e.g., for ease of washing the footwear articles). Particularly, referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 , an article basket 300 of the plurality of article baskets 230 is described in detail herein. As should be appreciated, only a discrete article basket of the plurality of article baskets 230 is described herein for the sake of brevity and clarity only. One of ordinary skill in the art would clearly recognize that all of the article baskets of the plurality of article baskets 230 may be configured or constructed in the same or similar manner as the exemplary article basket 300.
The exemplary article basket may include an outer wall 302, an inner wall 304, a first side wall 306, and a second side wall 308. The outer wall 302 and the inner wall 304 may be spaced apart (e.g., along the radial direction R, such as when the article basket 300 is installed within the wash basket 114). In this regard, when installed within the wash basket 114, the outer wall 302 may form a portion of the outer ring 202 of the footwear cleaner assembly 200 and the inner wall 304 may form a portion of the inner ring 204 of the footwear cleaner assembly 200. Together, the inner walls 304 of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets 230 together define the first wash compartment 220 for laundering the first article set.
In addition, the first side wall 306 and the second side wall 308 may define circumferential boundaries of the article basket 300. The first side wall 306 and the second side wall 308 may generally be shaped complementary to one another. For example, the first side wall 306 and the second side wall 308 may be angled relative to the outer wall 302 and the inner wall 304 such that they are complementary to one another. In this regard, when an adjacent article basket is positioned within the wash basket 114, the first side wall 306 of the exemplary article basket 300 and the second side wall 308 of the adjacent article basket 300 may interface with one another. Together, the outer wall 302, the inner wall 304, the first side wall 306, and the second side wall 308 of the exemplary article basket 300 may define a second wash sub-compartment 232 of the second wash compartment 222. In some embodiments, the first side wall 306, the second side wall 308, and the outer wall 302 of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets 230 define the notch 218 for accommodating the outer bottom edge of the wash basket 114. For instance, the notch 218 may correspond to the bottom edge of the wash basket 114 (e.g., as a complementary or matched surface) such that the footwear cleaner assembly 200 may sit flush to the perimeter wall 203 and bottom wall of the wash basket 114.
In some embodiments, the walls of the article basket 300 (e.g., the outer wall 302, the inner wall 304, the first side wall 306, or the second side wall 308 of the article basket 300) may define a plurality of wash fluid holes 310 (e.g., extending radially) therethrough. The plurality of wash fluid holes 310 may permit the flow of wash fluid (e.g., into and out of the second wash sub-compartments 232) during operation of the washing machine appliance 100 (e.g., during a wash cycle of the washing machine appliance 100). In some embodiments, each wash fluid hole of the plurality of wash fluid holes 310 is shaped to permit the flow of wash fluid during operation. In some embodiment (e.g., FIGS. 4 through 6 ), the exemplary plurality of wash fluid holes 310 define a rectangular shape. However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the plurality of wash fluid holes 310 define any suitable shape (e.g., circular, trapezoidal, oval, etc.). Notably, the wash fluid holes 310 advantageously allow water to seep into the second wash compartment 222 (e.g., during a fill stage of a wash cycle) and seep out of the second wash compartment 222 (e.g., during a rinse stage or a spin stage of a wash cycle).
Optionally, the footwear cleaner assembly 200 may include a lid assembly 320 attached to the top edge 210 of the outer ring 202 and the top edge 214 of the inner ring 204. The lid assembly 320 may be selectively moveable (e.g., hingeable, removable, etc.) to transition the footwear cleaner assembly 200 between an open position and a closed position. Particularly, in the open position, the lid assembly 320 may be positioned relative to the plurality of article baskets 230 such that the second wash compartment 222, or a portion thereof (e.g., a second wash sub-compartment 232), is accessible. In this regard, in the open position, a user may be capable of positioning footwear articles within the second wash compartment 222 (e.g., for laundering) or removing footwear articles from the second wash compartment 222 (e.g., after laundering is complete). In the closed position, the lid assembly 320 may be positioned relative to the plurality of article baskets 230 such that the second wash compartment 222, or a portion thereof (e.g., a second wash sub-compartment 232) is not accessible (e.g., to a user). For instance, when footwear articles are placed within the second wash compartment 222 (e.g., for laundering), the lid assembly 320 may be transitioned to the closed positioned. Thus, during a wash cycle, axial movement of the footwear articles may be constrained by the lid assembly 320. Notably, this may prevent or mitigate unnecessary movement that can cause noise (e.g., banging, rumbling, etc.) or damage to the washing machine appliance 100 during a wash cycle of the washing machine appliance 100.
Particularly, each article basket of the plurality of article baskets 230 may have a discrete lid of the lid assembly 320 attached thereto. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6 , a lid 330 of the lid assembly 320 may be attached to the article basket 300. The lid 330 may be hingeably or removably attached to the top of the exemplary article basket 300. For example, a living hinge (e.g., a hinge integrated into the lid 330 and the article basket 300), or a dedicated hinge (e.g., a piano hinge) may hingeably attach the lid 330 to the top of the article basket 300. In this regard, the lid 330 may be independently moveable between an open position and a closed position, for instance, to selective transition each second wash sub-compartment 232 between an open position and a closed position.
Optionally, the footwear cleaner assembly 200 may include a wire mesh 340 attached to the inner walls thereof. In some embodiments, the wire mesh 340 may be attached to an inner surface 206 of the inner ring 204 to prevent or mitigate articles from passing through the wash fluid holes 310. For example, the wire mesh 340 may prevent or mitigate clothes, shoelaces, or other clothing articles or pieces from passing through the wash fluid holes 310 during a wash cycle. Each article basket of the plurality of article baskets 230 may include wire mesh attached to an inner surface of any suitable wall that defines wash fluid holes 310 therethrough. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6 , the article basket 300 may include a wire mesh 340 attached to the inner surface of the inner wall 304. The wire mesh 340 may cover the wash fluid holes 310 such that wash fluid may pass through but large items, such as articles or portions thereof, may not pass through the wash fluid holes 310. Notably, the wire mesh 340 may advantageously prevent articles from getting caught or tangled within the wash fluid holes 310 and may prevent or mitigate large dirt or debris (e.g., that may be washed off of the articles) from exiting the first wash compartment 220 into the second wash compartment 222 or exiting the second wash compartment 222 into the second wash compartment 220.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A footwear cleaner assembly for a top-load washing appliance, the top-load washing appliance comprising a wash tub positioned within a cabinet, a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub and defining a wash chamber, and an agitation element for imparting an oscillatory motion to articles, the footwear cleaner assembly comprising:

a plurality of article baskets spaced circumferentially around the agitation element within the wash basket, each article basket of the plurality of article baskets comprising an outer wall, an inner wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall,

wherein the inner walls of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets together define a first compartment for washing a first article set therebetween,

wherein the outer wall, the inner wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets define a second wash compartment for washing a second article set,

wherein the second wash compartment is positioned outside of the first wash compartment.

2. The footwear cleaner assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer wall, the inner wall, the first side wall, or the second side wall of each article basket of the plurality of baskets defines a plurality of wash fluid holes therethrough.

3. The footwear cleaner assembly of claim 2, wherein the first side wall, the second side wall, and the outer wall of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets define a notch, and wherein the notch corresponds to a bottom edge of the wash basket.

4. The footwear cleaner assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of article baskets comprises four article baskets.

5. The footwear cleaner assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of article baskets together comprise an outer ring and an inner ring,

wherein the outer ring comprises a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the inner ring comprises a top edge and a bottom edge,

wherein the top edge of the outer ring is positioned axially above the top edge of the inner ring, and

wherein the bottom edge of the outer ring is positioned axially above the bottom edge of the inner ring.

6. The footwear cleaner assembly of claim 5, wherein the footwear cleaner assembly further comprises:

a lid assembly attached to the top edge of the inner ring and the top edge of the outer ring,

wherein the lid assembly is selectively moveable to transition the footwear cleaner assembly between an open position and a closed position.

7. The footwear cleaner assembly of claim 6, wherein the lid assembly is hingeably attached footwear cleaner assembly to transition the footwear cleaner assembly between the open position and the closed position.

8. The footwear cleaner assembly of claim 1, wherein the footwear cleaner assembly further comprises a wire mesh attached to an inner surface of the footwear cleaner assembly.

9. The footwear cleaner assembly of claim 8, wherein the wire mesh is directly attached to the inner surface of the inner wall of each article basket.

10. A washing machine appliance comprising:

a wash tub positioned within a cabinet, the wash tub defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction;

a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub and defining a wash chamber configured for receiving a load of clothes;

an agitation element for imparting an oscillatory motion to articles, the agitation element extending along the axial direction and liquid in the wash basket; and

a footwear cleaner assembly positioned within the wash basket around the agitation element along the radial direction, the footwear cleaner assembly comprising:

an outer ring interfaced with the wash basket; and

an inner ring positioned inside the outer ring along the radial direction,

wherein the inner ring defines a first wash compartment positioned around the agitation element for washing a first article set, and

wherein the outer ring and the inner ring define a second wash compartment therebetween for washing a second article set, and

wherein the second wash compartment is positioned outside of the first wash compartment along the radial direction.

11. The washing machine appliance of claim 10, wherein the footwear cleaner assembly comprises a plurality of article baskets,

wherein the plurality of article baskets are positioned circumferentially around the agitation element,

wherein each article basket of the plurality of article baskets comprises an outer wall, an inner wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall,

wherein the outer wall, the inner wall, the first wall, and the second side wall of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets defines a wash sub-compartment of the second wash compartment.

12. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the outer wall of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets together define the outer ring, and wherein the inner wall of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets together define the inner ring.

13. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the outer wall, the inner wall, the first side wall, or the second side wall of each article basket of the plurality of baskets defines a plurality of wash fluid holes therethrough.

14. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the first side wall, the second side wall, and the outer wall of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets define a notch, and wherein the notch corresponds to a bottom edge of the wash basket.

15. The washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the plurality of article baskets comprises four article baskets.

16. The washing machine appliance of claim 10, wherein outer ring comprises a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the inner ring comprises a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the top edge of the outer ring is positioned axially above the top edge of the inner ring, and wherein the bottom edge of the outer ring is positioned axially above the bottom edge of the inner ring.

17. The washing machine appliance of claim 16, wherein the footwear cleaner assembly further comprises a lid assembly attached to the top edge of the inner ring and the top edge of the outer ring, wherein the lid assembly is selectively moveable to transition the footwear cleaner assembly between an open position and a closed position.

18. The washing machine appliance of claim 17, wherein the lid assembly is hingeably attached footwear cleaner assembly to transition the footwear cleaner assembly between the open position and the closed position.

19. The washing machine appliance of claim 10, wherein the footwear cleaner assembly further comprises a wire mesh attached to an inner surface of the footwear cleaner assembly.

20. The washing machine appliance of claim 19, wherein the wire mesh is directly attached to the inner surface of the inner wall of each article basket.