Washing machine fluid additive dispenser with multiple delayed dispensing cups

Abstract

A washing machine device (100) and a fluid additive dispenser (210) thereof. The washing machine device (100) includes a washing tub and a wash basket (120) rotatably mounted within the washing tub. The fluid additive dispenser (210) includes a first reservoir (220) defining a first cup (218) for a first additive and an outlet (234) in fluid communication with the wash basket (120). The fluid additive dispenser (210) further includes a second cup (222) for a second additive, the second cup (222) being disposed within and separate from the first cup (218), and the second reservoir (224) being in fluid communication with the wash basket (120) via the outlet (234) of the first cup (218). The washing machine device (100) and the fluid additive dispenser (210) thereof are used for handling a plurality of fluid additives.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to fluid additive dispensers for use with appliances, such as washing machine appliances. Background Art

[0002] Washing machine equipment typically forms a wash fluid to clean clothing items placed in a wash basket of the equipment. The wash fluid may include water and various fluid additives, such as detergent, fabric softener, and / or bleach. The fluid additives may be mixed with water in a wash tub of the equipment to form the wash fluid.

[0003] To introduce the fluid additive into the wash tub, the user can manually add the fluid additive to the wash tub and / or wash basket. For example, after starting the appliance, the user can pour detergent directly into the wash basket. Conversely, some washing machine appliances include features for receiving and dispensing fluid additives during operation. For example, a tray or container mounted to the top panel of a vertical axis washing machine appliance can receive and direct the fluid additive into the appliance's wash tub. Similarly, a horizontal axis washing machine appliance can include a drawer within which a container is mounted that receives and directs the fluid additive into the appliance's wash tub.

[0004] The above-described containers can sometimes provide a time delay function, whereby the additive can be stored in a reservoir of the container prior to a wash cycle, and the washing machine device can be configured to add water to the reservoir at a desired time during the wash cycle until the additive and water mixture is withdrawn from the reservoir, for example, via a siphon valve. However, such a time delay function is typically provided only for a single additive, or multiple reservoirs and / or multiple water sources (e.g., multiple water lines and / or valves) are required to provide a time delay function for each of multiple additives.

[0005] Therefore, a washing machine apparatus having features for improved handling of various fluid additives would be useful. Summary of the Invention

[0006] 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.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, a washing machine device is provided. The washing machine device includes a cabinet defining a vertical orientation. The cabinet has a top panel defining an opening. A wash tub is mounted within the cabinet and is configured to contain fluid during operation of the washing machine device. A wash basket is rotatably mounted within the wash tub. A fluid additive dispenser is positioned adjacent to the wash tub and the wash basket. The fluid additive dispenser includes a first cup defining a first reservoir for a first additive and an outlet in fluid communication with the wash basket. The fluid additive dispenser also includes a second cup defining a second reservoir for a second additive. The second cup is disposed within the first cup. The second reservoir is separate from the first reservoir. The second reservoir is also in fluid communication with the wash basket via the outlet of the first cup.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a fluid additive dispenser for a washing machine appliance is provided. The fluid additive dispenser includes a first cup defining a first reservoir for a first additive and an outlet in fluid communication with a wash basket. The fluid additive dispenser also includes a second cup defining a second reservoir for a second additive. The second cup is disposed within the first cup. The second reservoir is separate from the first reservoir. The second reservoir is also in fluid communication with the wash basket via the outlet of the first cup.

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a full and enabling disclosure of the invention, including the best mode thereof, is set forth in the specification to those skilled in the art.

[0011] Figure 1 A perspective view is provided of an exemplary laundry machine apparatus, such as may be incorporated with various embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0012] Figure 2 Provided Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 , wherein a door of the washing machine appliance is shown in an open position.

[0013] Figure 3 A top-down plan view of an exemplary fluid additive dispenser for a washing machine appliance is provided, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0014] Figure 4 Provided Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of a fluid additive dispenser.

[0015] Figure 5 Cross-sectional views of fluid additive dispensers for laundry washing machines are provided according to additional exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided for the purpose of explaining the present invention, rather than limiting the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used together with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is contemplated that the present invention encompasses such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0017] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine apparatus 100 is shown. Figure 1 In FIG, the lid or door 130 is shown in the closed position. Figure 2 , door 130 is shown in an open position. Although described in the context of a specific embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine apparatus 100, it should be understood that the vertical axis washing machine apparatus 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine apparatuses having different configurations, different appearances, and / or different features may also be used with the present subject matter, such as horizontal axis washing machines.

[0018] The washing machine apparatus 100 has a cabinet 102 extending in a vertical direction V between a top 103 and a bottom 104. The washing basket 120 ( Figure 2 ) is rotatably mounted within the cabinet 102. A motor (not shown) is mechanically coupled to the wash basket 120 to selectively rotate the wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or rinse cycle of the washing machine apparatus 100). The wash basket 120 defines a wash chamber 121 ( Figure 2 ), which is configured to receive items to be washed. An agitator or impeller (not shown) extends from the wash basket 120 into the wash chamber 121. During operation of the washing machine device 100, the impeller helps agitate items placed in the wash chamber 121.

[0019] The cabinet 102 of the washing machine device 100 has a top plate 200. The top plate 200 defines an opening 105 ( Figure 2 ), which allows the user to access the washing chamber 121 of the washing basket 120. The door 130 is rotatably mounted to the top plate 200. However, the door 130 can alternatively be mounted to the cabinet 102 or any external suitable support. The door 130 is selectively Figure 1 Display closed position and Figure 2 1. The door 130 is rotated between the open position shown. In the closed position, the door 130 prohibits access to the washing chamber 121. Conversely, in the open position, the washing chamber 121 is accessible to a user. A window 136 in the door 130 allows viewing of the washing chamber 121 when the door 130 is in the closed position (e.g., during operation of the washing machine device 100). The door 130 also includes a handle 132, which a user can pull and / or lift, e.g., when opening and closing the door 130.

[0020] The top plate 200 defines at least one hole or opening 201 ( Figure 2 The opening 201 is configured to receive a plurality of fluid additives, such as detergent, fabric softener, and / or bleach. The opening 201 allows the plurality of fluid additives to pass through the top plate 200 to a fluid additive dispenser 210 (e.g., Figure 3 ). The fluid additive dispenser 210 will be described in more detail below.

[0021] With multiple input selectors 112 ( Figure 1 ) extends from the top panel 200. The control panel 110 and the input selector 112 together form a user interface input for the operator to select machine cycles and features. The display 114 of the control panel 130 indicates the selected feature, countdown timer and / or other items of interest to the user of the equipment.

[0022] The operation of washing machine apparatus 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device (not shown) that is operatively coupled to control panel 110 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 110, the controller operates the various components of washing machine apparatus 100 to perform the selected machine cycles and features.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, laundry can be loaded into the wash chamber 121 through the opening 105, and a washing operation can be initiated by the operator manipulating the input selector 112. The wash basket 120 can be filled with water and detergent to form a wash fluid. One or more valves (not shown) can be controlled by the washing machine device 100 to provide for filling the wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of laundry being washed. Once the wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of the wash chamber 121 are agitated to clean the laundry in the wash basket 120.

[0024] After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is complete, the wash basket 120 can be emptied. The laundry can then be rinsed by adding fluid to the wash basket 120 again, and, depending on the details of the wash cycle selected by the user, the impeller can again provide agitation in the wash chamber 121. One or more spin cycles can also be used. In particular, a spin cycle can be applied after the wash cycle and / or after the rinse cycle to wring out the washing fluid from the washed items. During the spin cycle, the wash basket 120 rotates at a relatively high speed. After the items placed in the wash basket 120 have been cleaned and / or washed, the user can remove the items from the wash basket 120, for example, by reaching the wash chamber 121 through the opening 105.

[0025] Figure 3 2 is a top-down view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid additive dispenser 210. As used herein, the term "additive" or "fluid additive" generally refers to a fluid other than water, such as detergent, bleach, fabric softener, fragrance, and / or other such laundry treatment chemicals. The fluid additive dispenser 210 can be positioned at the opening 201 of the top plate 200. For example, the open top of the fluid additive dispenser 210 can be aligned with and positioned below the opening 201. As an example, a user can pour an additive (e.g., detergent) through the opening 201 so that the additive enters the fluid additive dispenser 210.

[0026] The fluid additive dispenser 210 can be constructed from any suitable material. For example, the fluid additive dispenser 210 can be constructed from plastic, metal, or a combination of materials.

[0027] like Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG. 2 , a water conduit 214 can be coupled to and / or in fluid communication with the fluid additive dispenser 210. The water conduit 214 is in fluid communication with a water source (not shown), for example, using a hose or other conduit. The water conduit 214 can include one or more outlet ports 216 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 ) to direct the selective water flow into the fluid additive dispenser 210.

[0028] The fluid additive dispenser 210 may include a first cup 218 and a second cup 220. The second cup 220 may be positioned within the first cup 218, for example, the second cup 220 may be surrounded by the first cup on at least five sides, such as all six sides. The first cup 218 may define a first reservoir 222 for a first additive and an outlet 234 in fluid communication with the wash basket 120. The second cup 222 may define a second reservoir 224 for a second additive. The second reservoir 224 may be in fluid communication with the wash basket 120 via the outlet 234 of the first cup 218.

[0029] The second reservoir 224 may be separate from the first reservoir 220, for example, the second reservoir 224 may be defined by a structure different from the structure defining the first reservoir 220. For example, Figures 3 to 5 , the second reservoir 224 can be separate and distinct from the first reservoir 220 because the second cup 222 defining the second reservoir 224 is a separate and distinct structure from the first cup 218 defining the first reservoir 220. For example, there is no common wall defining a portion of each of the first reservoir 220 and the second reservoir 224.

[0030] In at least some embodiments, for example, Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the outlet 234 of the first cup 218 can be a siphon outlet 234. For example, the fluid additive dispenser 210 can include a siphon 230 extending through the bottom wall 250 of the first cup 218 and a siphon cover 240 positioned above and around the siphon 230. In such an embodiment, the siphon 230 can include a siphon inlet 232 and a siphon outlet 234 spaced apart in a vertical direction V, wherein the siphon outlet 234 is vertically located below the siphon inlet 232. The siphon outlet 234 can preferably be positioned to direct additives and / or water from the fluid additive dispenser 210 into the wash basket 120 and / or wash tub.

[0031] As described above, the fluid additive dispenser 210 is in fluid communication with the wash basket 120 for adding fluid, such as fabric softener, bleach, fragrance additives (e.g., perfume or essential oils), and / or any other desired additives, to the wash basket 120. Specifically, the fluid additive dispenser 210 can include only one outlet in fluid communication with the wash basket 120, such as the siphon outlet 234. Thus, in some embodiments, the fluid additive dispenser 210 is in fluid communication with the wash basket 120 only via the siphon outlet 234. For example, the outlet 234 can be the sole exit point for liquid from the first cup 218 and the second cup 222 into the wash basket 120.

[0032] The siphon cover 240 can be positioned above and around the siphon tube 230 such that an inlet 242 of the siphon cover 240 is positioned below the siphon tube inlet 232 along the vertical direction V, and a top wall 246 of the siphon cover 240 is positioned above the siphon tube inlet 232 along the vertical direction V. In this arrangement, the siphon cover 240 and the siphon tube 230 are juxtaposed along the vertical direction V such that they partially overlap in the vertical direction with a narrow gap remaining therebetween, e.g., a siphon channel 238 is defined between an inner surface 244 of the siphon cover 240 and an outer surface 236 of the siphon tube 230 for siphoning liquid from the first reservoir 220 from the inlet 242 of the siphon cover 240 to the inlet 232 of the siphon tube 230. In some exemplary embodiments, the siphon tube 230 and the siphon cover 240 may be cylindrical and jointly define a longitudinal direction, a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a circumferential direction extending around the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical siphon tube 230 and the siphon cover 240. In such an embodiment, the width of the siphon channel 238 defined between the inner surface 244 of the siphon cover 240 and the outer surface 236 of the siphon tube 230 may be arranged along the radial direction.

[0033] In some embodiments, the second cup 222 can be positioned above the outlet 234. For example, the second cup 222 (or at least a portion thereof) can be positioned directly above the outlet 234 along the vertical direction V. Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, the siphon cover 240 can be integrally formed with the second cup 222. For example, the top wall 246 of the siphon cover 240 can be a portion of the bottom wall 252 of the second cup 222.

[0034] In at least some embodiments, the fluid additive dispenser 210 can define a first volume and a second volume that is larger than the first volume. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first volume may correspond to filling the fluid additive dispenser 210 to a first level L1, and the second volume may correspond to filling the fluid additive dispenser 210 to a second level L2. The fluid additive dispenser 210 may be configured such that when the fluid additive dispenser 210 is filled to the first volume, liquid flows from the fluid additive dispenser 210 into the wash basket 120 through the first cup 218, and when the fluid additive dispenser 210 is filled to the second volume, liquid flows from the fluid additive dispenser 210 into the wash basket 120 through the second cup 222.

[0035] Still refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5, the siphon passage 238 regulates the flow of the first fluid additive out of the first reservoir 220. As an example, the additive can be placed in the first reservoir 220 before the start of the wash cycle. Such additive can be stored in the first reservoir 220 until approximately a first additive level A1, which is below the siphon inlet 232, and flows by gravity to the siphon cap inlet 242, but does not reach the siphon inlet 232. During operation of the wash cycle, and in some exemplary embodiments, at a particular desired step of the wash cycle (which may depend on the type of additive), water can be initiated to flow into the fluid additive dispenser 210 through the outlet 216 of the water conduit 214. This water can mix with the fluid additive within the first reservoir 220 and fill the first reservoir 220 to a particular level, such as at or about a first siphon level L1, at which point a siphon is formed along the siphon channel 238 between the inlet 242 in the siphon cover 240 and the siphon tube inlet 232, causing the first reservoir 220 to at least partially drain of the water and fluid additive solution. In other words, when the first reservoir 220 is filled so that the liquid level reaches the first siphon level L1, the liquid begins to flow along the siphon channel 238 from the siphon cover inlet 242 to the siphon tube inlet 232. Thus, when the fluid additive dispenser 210 is filled to a first volume (e.g., the first siphon level L1), liquid flows from the fluid additive dispenser 210, via the siphon channel 238, from the first cup 218, and into the wash basket 120.

[0036] In some embodiments, for example, Figure 4 As shown in FIG, when the fluid additive dispenser 210 is filled to the second volume, liquid can flow from the fluid additive dispenser 210 through the second cup 222 into the wash basket 120 via the second siphon channel 268. For example, as shown in FIG. Figure 4As shown in FIG, the siphon 230 may be a first siphon, the siphon cover 240 may be a first siphon cover, and the fluid additive dispenser 210 may further include a second siphon 260 extending through the bottom wall 252 of the second cup 222 and a second siphon cover 270 positioned above and around the second siphon 260. Similar to the first siphon 230 and the first siphon cover 240 described above, the second siphon 260 may include a second siphon inlet 262 and a second siphon outlet 264 spaced apart in a vertical direction V, wherein the second siphon outlet 264 is vertically located below the second siphon inlet 262. The second siphon outlet 264 may preferably be positioned to direct additives and / or water from the second reservoir 224 directly (e.g., not via the first reservoir 220) into the first siphon 230, and from the first siphon 230 into the wash basket 120 and / or wash tub via the first siphon outlet 234. For example, the second siphon outlet 264 may be positioned between the first siphon inlet 232 and the first siphon outlet 234 , eg, below the first siphon inlet 232 in the vertical direction V and above the first siphon outlet 234 in the vertical direction V.

[0037] The second siphon cover 270 can be positioned above and around the second siphon tube 260 such that an inlet 272 of the second siphon cover 270 is positioned below the second siphon tube inlet 262 in the vertical direction V, and a top wall 276 of the second siphon cover 270 is positioned above the second siphon tube inlet 262 in the vertical direction V. In this arrangement, the second siphon cover 270 and the second siphon tube 260 are juxtaposed in the vertical direction V such that they partially overlap in the vertical direction with a narrow gap remaining therebetween, e.g., a second siphon channel 268 is defined between an inner surface 274 of the second siphon cover 270 and an outer surface 266 of the second siphon tube 260 for siphoning liquid from the second reservoir 224 from the inlet 272 of the second siphon cover 270 to the inlet 262 of the second siphon tube 260. In some exemplary embodiments, the second siphon tube 260 and the second siphon cover 270 may be cylindrical and jointly define a longitudinal direction, a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a circumferential direction extending around the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical second siphon tube 260 and the second siphon cover 270. In such an embodiment, the width of the second siphon channel 268 defined between the inner surface 274 of the second siphon cover 270 and the outer surface 266 of the second siphon tube 260 may be arranged along the radial direction.

[0038] As described above, the second volume can correspond to filling the fluid additive dispenser 210 to the second level L2. In embodiments including a second siphon 260 and a second siphon cap 270, a second additive can be placed in the second reservoir 224 prior to the start of the wash cycle. This second additive can be stored in the second reservoir 224 until approximately a second additive level A2, which is below the second siphon inlet 262, and will flow by gravity to the second siphon cap inlet 272, but will not reach the second siphon inlet 262. During operation of the wash cycle, and in some exemplary embodiments, at a particular desired step of the wash cycle (which may depend on the type of additive), water can be initiated to flow into the fluid additive dispenser 210 through the outlet 216 of the water conduit 214. When this water reaches a particular level (e.g., at or approximately to the second level L2), the second level is Figure 4 2 (e.g., the second siphon level L2 in the exemplary embodiment including the second siphon tube 260 and the second siphon cover 270 shown in FIG), water can flow into the second reservoir 224, mix with the second additive therein, and form a siphon along the second siphon channel 268 between the inlet 272 in the second siphon cover 270 and the siphon tube inlet 262, so that the second reservoir 224 is at least partially drained of the water and fluid additive solution. In other words, when the fluid additive dispenser 210 is filled so that the liquid level reaches the second siphon level L2, the liquid will begin to flow from the siphon cover inlet 272 along the second siphon channel 268 to the siphon tube inlet 262. Therefore, when the fluid additive dispenser 210 is filled to the second volume (e.g., the second siphon level L2), the liquid flows from the fluid additive dispenser 210 via the second siphon channel 268 through the second cup 220 into the wash basket 120.

[0039] In some embodiments, for example, Figure 5 As shown in FIG, when the fluid additive dispenser 210 is filled to the second volume, the liquid can flow from the fluid additive dispenser 210 through the second cup 222 via the first reservoir 220 and the siphon channel 238 into the wash basket 120. For example, in such an embodiment, the second additive can be stored in a portion of the second cup 222, such as in the recess 254 defined therein. In some embodiments, for example, by Figure 5 In the example embodiment shown, the second reservoir 224 can be defined by a recess 254. When the fluid additive dispenser 210 is filled to the second volume, for example, to a volume such as Figure 5 At the height of the second level L2 shown in FIG, water can flow into the second cup 222 and mix therein with the second additive. In addition, at the second level L2, water can flow out of the second cup 222, so that the water and the second additive mixture from the second reservoir 224 flows into the first reservoir 220 and flows to the outlet 234 via the first siphon channel 238.

[0040] Thus, fluid additive dispenser 210 can provide for the dispensing of multiple additives from a single dispenser and via a single outlet, such as a first additive in first reservoir 220 and a second additive in second reservoir 224. Furthermore, fluid additive dispenser 210 can provide multiple additives with a time delay, wherein the first additive is dispensed from first reservoir 220 at an earlier time when the fluid additive dispenser is filled to a first siphon level L1, and the second additive is dispensed from second reservoir 224 at a later time after continuing to allow water to flow into fluid additive dispenser 210 until fluid additive dispenser 210 is filled to a second level L2. Furthermore, fluid additive dispenser 210 can provide multiple additives using only a single water supply or inlet. For example, fluid additive dispenser 210 and an associated washing machine appliance can include only a single water line that is in fluid communication with both first cup 218 and second cup 222. For example, the single water line can be the sole water supply for fluid additive dispenser 210.

[0041] 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 combined 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. If such other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims, such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine comprising: a chassis defining a vertical orientation, the chassis having a top panel defining an opening; a wash tub mounted within the cabinet and configured to contain fluid during operation of the washing machine apparatus; a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub; A fluid additive dispenser positioned adjacent the wash tub and wash basket, the fluid additive dispenser comprising: a first cup defining a first reservoir for a first additive and an outlet in fluid communication with the wash basket; and a second cup defining a second reservoir for a second additive, the second cup disposed within the first cup, the second reservoir being separate from the first reservoir and in fluid communication with the wash basket via the outlet of the first cup; wherein the first cup further comprises a siphon, wherein the outlet is a siphon outlet of the siphon, the siphon extending from the siphon inlet to the siphon outlet; further comprising a siphon cap surrounding the siphon tube such that a siphon channel is defined between an inner surface of the siphon cap and an outer surface of the siphon tube for siphoning liquid from the first reservoir to the siphon tube inlet, wherein the siphon cap is integrally formed with the second cup; Also included is a single water line in fluid communication with both the first cup and the second cup.

2. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The second cup is positioned above the outlet.

3. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The outlet of the first cup is the only outlet point for liquid from the first and second cups into the wash basket.

4. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The second cup is in fluid communication with the wash basket via the first reservoir and the outlet.

5. The washing machine apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second outlet defined by a bottom wall of the second cup, wherein A second outlet defined by the bottom wall of the second cup is upstream of the outlet of the first cup such that the second cup is in fluid communication with the wash basket via the second outlet defined by the bottom wall of the second cup and the outlet of the first cup.

6. The washing machine device according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid additive dispenser defines a first volume and a second volume greater than the first volume, wherein when the fluid additive dispenser is filled to the first volume, liquid flows from the fluid additive dispenser through the first cup into the wash basket, and when the fluid additive dispenser is filled to the second volume, liquid flows from the fluid additive dispenser through the second cup into the wash basket.

7. A fluid additive dispenser for a washing machine device, the fluid additive dispenser comprising: a first cup defining a first reservoir for a first additive and an outlet in fluid communication with the wash basket; as well as a second cup defining a second reservoir for a second additive, the second cup being disposed within the first cup and separate from the first cup, the second reservoir being separate from the first reservoir and in fluid communication with the wash basket via an outlet of the first cup; wherein the first cup further comprises a siphon, wherein the outlet is a siphon outlet of the siphon, the siphon extending from the siphon inlet to the siphon outlet; further comprising a siphon cap surrounding the siphon tube such that a siphon channel is defined between an inner surface of the siphon cap and an outer surface of the siphon tube for siphoning liquid from the first reservoir to the siphon tube inlet, wherein the siphon cap is integrally formed with the second cup; Also included is a single water line in fluid communication with both the first cup and the second cup.

8. The fluid additive dispenser of claim 7, wherein: A second cup is positioned above the outlet.

9. The fluid additive dispenser of claim 7, wherein: The outlet of the first cup is the only outlet point for liquid from the first and second cups into the wash basket.

10. The fluid additive dispenser of claim 7, wherein: The second cup is in fluid communication with the wash basket via the first reservoir and the outlet.

11. The fluid additive dispenser of claim 8, further comprising a second outlet defined by a bottom wall of the second cup, wherein A second outlet defined by the bottom wall of the second cup is upstream of the outlet of the first cup such that the second cup is in fluid communication with the wash basket via the second outlet defined by the bottom wall of the second cup and the outlet of the first cup.

12. The fluid additive dispenser of claim 8, wherein: The fluid additive dispenser defines a first volume and a second volume greater than the first volume, wherein when the reservoir is filled to the first volume, liquid flows from the fluid additive dispenser through the first cup, and wherein when the reservoir is filled to the second volume, liquid flows from the fluid additive dispenser through the second cup.

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