All-in-1 wash and dry laundry machine with independent load compartments

Abstract

A multi-functional laundry machine has multiple compartments for independently washing and drying differing loads of laundry. Each compartment of the multi-functional laundry machine can include at least one water line for providing cold and / or hot water to the compartment, an air line for providing ambient and / or heated air to the compartment, and a drain line for draining water from the compartment. The multi-functional machine can include a single vent line shared by both compartments. The multi-functional machine can be computer-operated or computer-controlled for operating according to user selectable settings. A method of using the machine includes placing laundry into each compartment, selecting an operating setting, and operating the machine according to the operating setting.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry machine and, more particularly, to an all-in-1 multi-load washer-dryer.

[0002] Currently, commercially available laundry washing machines can only process one load of laundry at a time. The user must wait for one load of clothes to finish washing before another load of clothes may be washed. They do not wash separate loads of multiple colors at the same time. Moreover, commercially available laundry washing machines do not both wash and dry a load of laundry in a single apparatus.

[0003] As can be seen, there is a need for a machine that washes and dries multiple loads of laundry simultaneously.

[0004] The present invention provides a machine which may be used to both wash and dry clothes. Whites and darks may be washed in separate loads at one time, saving time on the washing process.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a multi-functional laundry machine comprises a housing; at least one computer controller mounted within the housing; a plurality of compartments disposed within the housing and separated by at least one divider; and at least one door mounted on the housing. The at least one computer controller is configured to operate the multi-functional laundry machine according to at least one operating setting. The plurality of compartments are configured to operate independently of one another and to provide both a washing cycle and a drying cycle controlled by the at least one computer controller. Each of the plurality of compartments includes at least one conduit selected from the group consisting of a water line, an air line, a vent line, and a drain line. The at least one door is configured to provide access to the plurality of compartments.

[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of using the multi-functional laundry machine comprises placing a load of laundry into each compartment of the plurality of compartments; selecting the at least one operating setting for each of the plurality of compartments; and operating, by the at least one computer controller, each of the plurality of compartments according to the at least one operating setting.

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a multi-load laundry washer-dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in use;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic view thereof; and

[0010] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method of using the washer-dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0012] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an all-in-one washer-dryer that has multiple compartments for separate loads.

[0013] The inventive machine may have computer-operated user-selected control settings. The machine may have controls enabling the user to rotate the compartments, for example rotating from a front cylinder or compartment to a rear cylinder or compartment.

[0014] The user may wash two loads at once in separate compartments of one machine, such as a load of colors and a load of whites without staining the white garments. Water may flow in and out of the two containers separately. Once it stops washing and rinsing, the machine may automatically start drying. The compartments may tumble or spin at the same speed and have the same time periods for each operating step, including wash, rinse, and dry. Heat may flow to both containers at the same time, each having a vent. The computer may sense whichever load dries first and shut that dryer off, put the dried load into a cycle of fluff air, and send the rest of the power or divert heat to the remaining clothes that are not dry. Once the sensor indicates that both loads are completely dry, the computer may turn the machine off.

[0015] The washer-dryer machine may perform a self-cleaning cycle to prevent smell from accumulating. The self-cleaning frequency may be determined by the user. For example, the washer may self-clean once a month.

[0016] The washer-dryer machine may have an insulating plastic shield to separate electric circuitry from the containers, isolating the circuitry from water and heat.

[0017] The washer-dryer machine may be an extra big heavy-duty washer and dryer for home and industrial use that accommodates heavy, medium, and light loads.

[0018] In some embodiments, the compartments or containers may be configured side-by-side, such that they rotate in one machine on both sides.

[0019] In some embodiments, the machine may have a panel that slides down to seal the cylinder openings during operation.

[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, a washer-dryer machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, having a divider 12 separating a first compartment 14 containing a first load 18, and a second compartment 16 containing a second load 20. While a front-loading washer-dryer machine is shown, the invention is not limited to a front loader. Further, while the compartments 14, 16 are shown as simultaneously accessible from the door, the invention is not so limited. The compartments may be divided such that only one is accessible at a time and the divider rotates to provide access to the second compartment.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, a water line 22, an air line 24, and a vent line 26 are shared by both compartments 14, 16. Each compartment may have a separate drain line (not shown) draining to a shared outlet. Water temperature may be independently selected for each compartment by way of valves or on-demand water heater devices (not shown).

[0022] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using the inventive washer-dryer machine, including separating colors and whites into separate compartments, adding detergent, and running the machine. A wash cycle may commence independently for each compartment, during which time a load in each compartment can be cleaned utilizing detergents applied. Once the wash cycle is completed for each compartment a drying cycle can commence independently for each compartment. During the drying cycle, the washer-dryer machine may divert airflow so that the loads in both compartments dry fully. In embodiments, a sensor can determine whether the load in a compartment is sufficiently dry, and in response can either terminate the drying cycle, if both compartments are dry, or divert heated air to the compartment that is not sufficiently dry. In some cases, each compartment may have a dedicated air heater (not shown), heating the air according to settings selected by the user to achieve a dry load of laundry.

[0023] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0011]The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0012]Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an all-in-one washer-dryer that has multiple compartments for separate loads.

[0013]The inventive machine may have computer-operated user-selected control settings. The machine may have controls enabling the user to rotate the compartments, for example rotating from a front cylinder or compartment to a rear cylinder or compartment.

[0014]The user may wash two loads at once in separate compartments of one machine, such as a load of colors and a load of whites without staining the white garments. Water may flow in and out of the two containers separately. Once it stops wa...

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry machine and, more particularly, to an all-in-1 multi-load washer-dryer.

[0002] Currently, commercially available laundry washing machines can only process one load of laundry at a time. The user must wait for one load of clothes to finish washing before another load of clothes may be washed. They do not wash separate loads of multiple colors at the same time. Moreover, commercially available laundry washing machines do not both wash and dry a load of laundry in a single apparatus.

[0003] As can be seen, there is a need for a machine that washes and dries multiple loads of laundry simultaneously.

[0004] The present invention provides a machine which may be used to both wash and dry clothes. Whites and darks may be washed in separate loads at one time, saving time on the washing process.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a multi-functional laundry machine comprises a housing; at least one computer controller mounted within the housing; a plurality of compartments disposed within the housing and separated by at least one divider; and at least one door mounted on the housing. The at least one computer controller is configured to operate the multi-functional laundry machine according to at least one operating setting. The plurality of compartments are configured to operate independently of one another and to provide both a washing cycle and a drying cycle controlled by the at least one computer controller. Each of the plurality of compartments includes at least one conduit selected from the group consisting of a water line, an air line, a vent line, and a drain line. The at least one door is configured to provide access to the plurality of compartments.

[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of using the multi-functional laundry machine comprises placing a load of laundry into each compartment of the plurality of compartments; selecting the at least one operating setting for each of the plurality of compartments; and operating, by the at least one computer controller, each of the plurality of compartments according to the at least one operating setting.

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a multi-load laundry washer-dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in use;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic view thereof; and

[0010] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method of using the washer-dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0012] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an all-in-one washer-dryer that has multiple compartments for separate loads.

[0013] The inventive machine may have computer-operated user-selected control settings. The machine may have controls enabling the user to rotate the compartments, for example rotating from a front cylinder or compartment to a rear cylinder or compartment.

[0014] The user may wash two loads at once in separate compartments of one machine, such as a load of colors and a load of whites without staining the white garments. Water may flow in and out of the two containers separately. Once it stops washing and rinsing, the machine may automatically start drying. The compartments may tumble or spin at the same speed and have the same time periods for each operating step, including wash, rinse, and dry. Heat may flow to both containers at the same time, each having a vent. The computer may sense whichever load dries first and shut that dryer off, put the dried load into a cycle of fluff air, and send the rest of the power or divert heat to the remaining clothes that are not dry. Once the sensor indicates that both loads are completely dry, the computer may turn the machine off.

[0015] The washer-dryer machine may perform a self-cleaning cycle to prevent smell from accumulating. The self-cleaning frequency may be determined by the user. For example, the washer may self-clean once a month.

[0016] The washer-dryer machine may have an insulating plastic shield to separate electric circuitry from the containers, isolating the circuitry from water and heat.

[0017] The washer-dryer machine may be an extra big heavy-duty washer and dryer for home and industrial use that accommodates heavy, medium, and light loads.

[0018] In some embodiments, the compartments or containers may be configured side-by-side, such that they rotate in one machine on both sides.

[0019] In some embodiments, the machine may have a panel that slides down to seal the cylinder openings during operation.

[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, a washer-dryer machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, having a divider 12 separating a first compartment 14 containing a first load 18, and a second compartment 16 containing a second load 20. While a front-loading washer-dryer machine is shown, the invention is not limited to a front loader. Further, while the compartments 14, 16 are shown as simultaneously accessible from the door, the invention is not so limited. The compartments may be divided such that only one is accessible at a time and the divider rotates to provide access to the second compartment.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, a water line 22, an air line 24, and a vent line 26 are shared by both compartments 14, 16. Each compartment may have a separate drain line (not shown) draining to a shared outlet. Water temperature may be independently selected for each compartment by way of valves or on-demand water heater devices (not shown).

[0022] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using the inventive washer-dryer machine, including separating colors and whites into separate compartments, adding detergent, and running the machine. A wash cycle may commence independently for each compartment, during which time a load in each compartment can be cleaned utilizing detergents applied. Once the wash cycle is completed for each compartment a drying cycle can commence independently for each compartment. During the drying cycle, the washer-dryer machine may divert airflow so that the loads in both compartments dry fully. In embodiments, a sensor can determine whether the load in a compartment is sufficiently dry, and in response can either terminate the drying cycle, if both compartments are dry, or divert heated air to the compartment that is not sufficiently dry. In some cases, each compartment may have a dedicated air heater (not shown), heating the air according to settings selected by the user to achieve a dry load of laundry.

[0023] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0011]The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0012]Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an all-in-one washer-dryer that has multiple compartments for separate loads.

[0013]The inventive machine may have computer-operated user-selected control settings. The machine may have controls enabling the user to rotate the compartments, for example rotating from a front cylinder or compartment to a rear cylinder or compartment.

[0014]The user may wash two loads at once in separate compartments of one machine, such as a load of colors and a load of whites without staining the white garments. Water may flow in and out of the two containers separately. Once it stops wa...

Claims

1. A multi-functional laundry machine, comprising:a housing;at least one computer controller mounted within the housing, wherein the at least one computer controller is configured to operate the multi-functional laundry machine according to at least one operating setting;a plurality of compartments disposed within the housing and separated by at least one divider, the plurality of compartments configured to operate independently of one another and to provide both a washing cycle and a drying cycle controlled by the at least one computer controller, wherein each of the plurality of compartments includes at least one conduit selected from the group consisting of a water line, an air line, a vent line, and a drain line; andat least one door mounted on the housing, wherein the at least one door is configured to provide access to the plurality of compartments.

2. The multi-functional laundry machine of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of compartments includes a separate drain line communicatively coupled to a main drain line.

3. The multi-functional laundry machine of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of compartments is independently accessible using the at least one door.

4. The multi-functional laundry machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one divider is rotatable to provide selectable access to each of the plurality of compartments.

5. The multi-functional laundry machine of claim 1, further comprising:at least one sensor disposed in each of the plurality of compartments, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect a moisture level.

6. The multi-functional laundry machine of claim 5, further comprising:at least one diverter disposed in the air line, wherein the at least one diverter is configured to prevent or allow airflow into a specific compartment of the plurality of compartments based on the moisture level detected.

7. A method of using the multi-functional laundry machine of claim 1, comprising:placing a load of laundry into each compartment of the plurality of compartments;selecting the at least one operating setting for each of the plurality of compartments; andoperating, by the at least one computer controller, each of the plurality of compartments according to the at least one operating setting.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one operating setting for each of the plurality of compartments includes at least a washing setting and a drying setting.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the operating step further comprises:determining, by the at least one computer controller, an end of the washing cycle for each of the plurality of compartments; andin response to the determination, executing the drying cycle for each of the plurality of compartments, wherein the drying cycle forces air from the air line into each of the plurality of compartments independently.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:determining, using at least one sensor, a moisture level for each compartment of the plurality of compartments; andin response to the moisture level being below a threshold in a first compartment of the plurality of compartments, diverting the air from the first compartment.

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