REMOVABLE AGITATOR WITH FABRIC SOFTENER DISPENSER

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the disclosure generally relate to removable agitators for laundry treating appliances, and in particular to removable agitators having built-in dispensing capabilities.

BACKGROUND

Laundry treating appliances, such as clothes washers, clothes dryers, washing machines, refreshers, and non-aqueous systems, can have a configuration based on a container, such as a laundry basket or drum that defines a drum opening, which may or may not rotate, and that at least partially defines a treating chamber in which laundry items are placed for treating. The laundry treating appliance can have a controller that implements a number of user-selectable, pre-programmed cycles of operation having one or more operating parameters. Hot water, cold water, or a mixture thereof, along with various treating chemistries, or detergents, can be supplied to the treating chamber in accordance with the cycle of operation.

Laundry treating appliances typically operate to treat laundry items by placing the laundry items in contact with treating fluid such as a detergent/water mixture, sometimes referred to as wash liquor, and providing relative motion between the laundry items and the fluid. The controller can further control a motor to rotate the laundry basket or drum according to one of the pre-programmed cycles of operation. The controller can also control a clothes mover provided within the laundry basket or drum and configured to impart mechanical energy to laundry items within the treating chamber according to a selected cycle of operation. The clothes mover can include multiple components, such as a base, which can be provided as an impeller plate, and a barrel, which can be provided as an agitator post, and which can couple to the base.

Filters are used in laundry treating appliances to capture pet hair, lint, and other particulates from laundry loads. The captured particulate is retained inside the filter, allowing the consumer to clean the filter after a wash cycle is completed. For customers who do not use clothes drying appliances, it is especially important to trap lint during the wash cycle.

SUMMARY

In one or more illustrative examples, an agitator for use in a laundry treating appliance includes a barrel having an upper end and a lower end, configured to removably attach to an impeller mount, comprising a plurality of tabs extending radially outward from an exterior surface of the barrel, and a plurality of snaps, and a modular accessory configured to be selectively attachable to the barrel, the modular accessory defining exterior features to interact with laundry items, the modular accessory comprising an accessory body defining a hollow interior sized to receive the barrel, the accessory body having an open bottom, generally cylindrical sides, and an open top; a plurality of tab holders disposed on an inner surface of the accessory body, the tab holders positioned to receive the tabs of the barrel when the modular accessory is slid onto the barrel; and a plurality of snap locks disposed on the inner surface of the accessory body, each snap lock defining a locking surface configured to engage a hook of a corresponding snap of the barrel to secure the modular accessory to the barrel.

In one or more illustrative examples, the modular accessory is removably attachable to the barrel by sliding the accessory body upward onto the barrel until the tabs engage the tab holders and the snaps engage the snap locks, and wherein the modular accessory is detachable by manually compressing the snaps inward to release them from the snap locks.

In one or more illustrative examples, the plurality of tabs are disposed at the upper end of the barrel, and the plurality of snaps are disposed at the lower end of the barrel.

In one or more illustrative examples, the exterior features comprise a bristled surface including a plurality of bristles extending radially outward from an exterior surface of the accessory body, such that during a cycle of operation the bristled surface imparts mechanical energy to the laundry items to assist in removing debris and stains.

In one or more illustrative examples, the bristles are arranged in a spiral or helical pattern wrapping around the cylindrical sides of the accessory body.

In one or more illustrative examples, the exterior features comprise a vane profile.

In one or more illustrative examples, the vane profile defines a solid spiral or helical structure that wraps around the accessory body.

In one or more illustrative examples, the exterior features comprise a plurality of divider panels for segregating the laundry items within the laundry treating appliance, the divider panels extending radially outward from the accessory body, the divider panels being sized to divide a laundry basket into multiple sections extending from the barrel to an inner circumference of the basket, the divider panels defining perforations distributed across their surfaces to permit water flow between the sections.

In one or more illustrative examples, wherein the divider panels are equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the accessory body to divide the laundry basket into a plurality of equal sections.

In one or more illustrative examples, an agitator for a laundry treating appliance includes a barrel having a hollow interior and an upper end and a lower end; a handle portion removably attachable to the upper end of the barrel; a locking post extending downward into the hollow interior of the barrel; and an internal filter, positionable within the hollow interior of the barrel, and attachable around the locking post, the internal filter comprising two connectable filter halves collectively forming a hollow cylindrical structure with an open top and a closed bottom, the hollow cylindrical structure defining a plurality of openings configured to allow water to pass through, wherein the filter halves define snapping hinges facilitating connection of the filter halves.

In one or more illustrative examples, each of the snapping hinges comprises a hinge pin disposed along a vertical edge of a side of each of the filter halves forming a pivot axis for opening and closing the filter halves; and an annular snap fit disposed along an opposite vertical side of each of the filter halves, the annular snap fit sized to receive the hinge pin to secure the filter halves together in a closed position.

In one or more illustrative examples, the hinge pin defines a rounded shape and the annular snap fit defines a concave section to receive the hinge pin and facilitate rotation open of the filter halves.

In one or more illustrative examples, each of the filter halves defines a hemispherical half of the bottom of the internal filter as a horizontal surface connecting an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical sides, the bottom of the internal filter defining a locking post passthrough, sized to fit around the locking post when the internal filter is assembled.

In one or more illustrative examples, the locking post defines a filter retaining slot, recessed into the locking post at a height corresponding to an attachment point of the bottom of the internal filter to the locking post, such that the internal filter is fixable in place vertically inside the agitator, wherein a combined depth of the locking post passthrough and the filter retaining slot allows the filter halves of the internal filter to completely close around the locking post.

In one or more illustrative examples, the handle portion defines at least one filter water inlet vertically through the handle portion for introducing the water into the hollow interior of the barrel during a cycle of operation.

In one or more illustrative examples, the barrel defines a pair of release buttons positioned on opposite sides of the handle portion for securing the handle portion to the barrel, and the handle portion defines button openings sized and positioned to receive the release buttons in an attached state, such that a bottom surface of each of the release buttons latches against an upper surface of a respective one of the button openings to secure the handle portion onto the barrel, and further that pressing the release buttons inward frees the release buttons to allow removal of the handle portion.

In one or more illustrative examples, a filtering agitator configured to be removably mounted to an impeller mount as a clothes mover includes a barrel having an upper end and a lower end, the barrel defining a hollow interior and a series of water passages through the barrel into the hollow interior enabling water flow into and out of the agitator; a connector disposed at the lower end of the barrel, the connector being configured to removably attach to a corresponding connector of the impeller mount; a handle portion disposed at the upper end of the barrel; and a filtering locking post, controllable at the upper end of the barrel, configured to be adjusted between a locked position in which the agitator is secured to the impeller mount and an unlocked position allowing movement of the agitator with respect to the impeller mount, the filtering locking post including a pull portion positioned to facilitate gripping of both the handle portion and the pull portion, such that the pull portion is configured to be compressible towards the handle portion to transition the filtering locking post from the locked position into the unlocked position, wherein the filtering locking post defines a plurality of perforations along its length arranged in zones of varying sizes for capturing particles in the water flow.

In one or more illustrative examples, the zones of varying sizes include coarse perforations at a lower end of the locking post for filtering larger debris; medium perforations in an intermediate zone for capturing medium-sized debris; and fine perforations near an upper end of the locking post for trapping finer particles.

In one or more illustrative examples, the handle portion comprise a handle top, handle locks positioned within the handle top, and a bayonet mount-type connection to secure the handle portion to the barrel.

In one or more illustrative examples, the filtering locking post defines vertical support ribs reinforcing the locking post and maintaining structural integrity of the perforations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a laundry treating appliance including a removable filtering agitator;

FIG. 2A is a simplified cross-sectional view of the laundry treating appliance and the clothes mover of FIG. 1 with the agitator shown in an attached configuration;

FIG. 2B is a simplified cross-sectional view of the laundry treating appliance and the clothes mover of FIG. 1 with the agitator shown in a detached configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an agitator coupling to an impeller for use with the clothes mover and laundry treating appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the agitator coupling to the impeller of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the agitator coupling to the impeller of FIG. 3 in a first position.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the agitator coupling to the impeller of FIG. 3 in a second position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an agitator for receiving modular accessories that are selectively attachable to the agitator;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the agitator of FIG. 7 in combination with a modular accessory;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the agitator of FIG. 7 having received the modular accessory;

FIG. 10 is an example detail of the brush modular accessory uninstalled from the agitator of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is an example low fin profile modular accessory;

FIG. 12 is an example medium fin profile modular accessory;

FIG. 13 is an example aggressive fin profile modular accessory;

FIG. 14 is an example divider modular accessory;

FIG. 15 is an example top view of the agitator of FIG. 7 with the divider modular accessory installed into the laundry treating appliance;

FIG. 16 is an example process for assembly of the agitator of FIG. 7 with the divider modular accessory of FIG. 14 into the laundry treating appliance;

FIG. 17 is an example perspective view of an agitator providing for selective attachment of detectable scrub pads;

FIG. 18 is an example top view of an impeller providing for selective attachment of detectable scrub pads;

FIG. 19 is an example perspective view of an impeller providing for selective attachment of detectable scrub pads;

FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the main components of an agitator having an internal filter;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of the internal filter in an assembled closed state;

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the internal filter in an opened state;

FIG. 21C is a perspective detail of one of the snap hinges of the internal filter;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of attachment of the internal filter to the locking post of the internal filtering agitator of FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the handle portion and an upper portion of the barrel of the internal filtering agitator of FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a cutaway view of the handle portion and an upper portion of the barrel of the internal filtering agitator of FIG. 20;

FIG. 25 is an example of the water flow through the filtering agitator of FIG. 20 during a cycle of operation of the laundry treating appliance;

FIG. 26 is an example exploded view of an agitator having integrated lighting;

FIG. 27 is an example assembled view of an agitator having integrated lighting;

FIG. 28 is an example agitator with rollers in an assembled state attached to the impeller;

FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the components of the agitator with rollers;

FIG. 30 is one of the rollers alone;

FIG. 31 is an example perspective view of the agitator without the rollers installed;

FIG. 32 is a detail of installation of the rollers;

FIG. 33 is an example top cutaway view of the barrel, illustrating the clearance between the rollers and the locking post nested within the barrel;

FIG. 34 is an example perspective view of a barrel of an agitator with additional features to provide greater agitation;

FIG. 35 is another example perspective view of a barrel of an agitator with additional features to provide greater agitation;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the barrel with openings to provide for water flow into and out of an agitator having a filtering locking post;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the filtering locking post of the agitator of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a cutaway side view of the barrel and handle portion of the agitator of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is an example cutaway view of the handle portion and locking post of the agitator of FIG. 36;

FIG. 40 illustrates an example of the agitator having vanes with the tubercle geometry as well as with the installation of the scrubber cap;

FIG. 41 illustrates an example detail of the tubercle geometry of the vanes of the barrel of the agitator of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 illustrates an example perspective view of the scrubber cap installed to the handle portion of FIG. 40;

FIG. 43 is an example perspective view of the installation of the scrubber cap to the handle portion of the agitator of FIG. 40;

FIG. 44 is an example side cutaway view of the scrubber cap installed to the handle portion of the agitator of FIG. 40;

FIG. 45 is an example exploded perspective view of the handle portion, basket, barrel, cover, and impeller;

FIG. 46A is a cutaway side view of the agitator and impeller before installation of the agitator;

FIG. 46B is a perspective view of the impeller before installation of the agitator;

FIG. 47A is a cutaway side view of the agitator and impeller with the agitator pressed into the socket;

FIG. 47B is a perspective view of the impeller with the agitator being pressed into the socket;

FIG. 48A is a cutaway side view of the agitator and impeller with the agitator rotated after being pressed into the socket;

FIG. 48B is a perspective view of the impeller with the agitator rotated after being pressed into the socket;

FIG. 49A is a cutaway side view of the agitator and impeller with the agitator released upwards after being pressed and rotated into the socket;

FIG. 49B is a perspective view of the impeller with the agitator released upwards after being pressed and rotated into the socket;

FIG. 50 is an example perspective view of the barrel of the agitator without the basket or handle portion installed;

FIG. 51 is an example perspective view of the basket uninstalled from the barrel;

FIG. 52A is a side perspective view of the handle portion of the filtering agitator;

FIG. 52B is another perspective view of the handle portion illustrating the interior of the handle portion;

FIG. 53A shows the rotation of the handle portion to unscrew the threads of handle portion from the threads of the agitator;

FIG. 53B shows the lifting and removal of the handle portion from the agitator. This exposes the basket inside the barrel of the agitator;

FIG. 53C shows the lifting out of the basket from the interior of the barrel;

FIG. 53D shows agitator without the basket inside;

FIG. 53E shows the basket being returned to inside the barrel;

FIG. 53F shows the basket being lowered into the barrel;

FIG. 53G shows the rotation of the handle portion to screw the threads of handle portion onto the threads of the agitator; and

FIG. 53H shows the reassembled agitator with the clothes mover inside the barrel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Aspects of the disclosure generally relate to various 2-in-1 removable agitators that implement various features. Further aspects of the disclosure are discussed in detail herein.

FIG. 1 is a simplified view of a laundry treating appliance 10 including a removable agitator 150. The removable agitator 150 may include an attachable clothes retriever as shown in detail in FIGS. 1-15J. The laundry treating appliance 10 can be any laundry treating appliance 10 that performs a cycle of operation to clean or otherwise treat laundry items placed therein, non-limiting examples of which include a horizontal or vertical axis clothes washer; a clothes dryer; a combination washing machine and dryer; a dispensing dryer; a tumbling or stationary refreshing/revitalizing machine; an extractor; a non-aqueous washing apparatus; and a revitalizing machine. While the laundry treating appliance 10 is illustrated herein as a vertical axis, top-load laundry treating appliance 10, the aspects of the present disclosure can have applicability in laundry treating appliances 10 with other configurations. The laundry treating appliance 10 shares many features of a conventional automated clothes washer and/or dryer, which will not be described in detail herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of the exemplary aspects in accordance with the present disclosure.

Laundry treating appliances 10 are typically categorized as either a vertical axis laundry treating appliance 10 or a horizontal axis laundry treating appliance 10. As used herein, the term “horizontal axis” laundry treating appliance 10 refers to a laundry treating appliance 10 having a rotatable drum that rotates about a generally horizontal axis relative to a surface that supports the laundry treating appliance 10. The drum can rotate about the axis inclined relative to the horizontal axis, with fifteen degrees of inclination being one example of the inclination. Similar to the horizontal axis laundry treating appliance 10, the term “vertical axis” laundry treating appliance 10 refers to a laundry treating appliance 10 having a rotatable drum that rotates about a generally vertical axis relative to a surface that supports the laundry treating appliance 10. However, the rotational axis need not be perfectly vertical to the surface. The drum can rotate about an axis inclined relative to the vertical axis, with fifteen degrees of inclination being one example of the inclination.

In another aspect, the terms vertical axis and horizontal axis are often used as shorthand terms for the manner in which the appliance imparts mechanical energy to the laundry, even when the relevant rotational axis is not absolutely vertical or horizontal. As used herein, the “vertical axis” laundry treating appliance 10 refers to a laundry treating appliance 10 having a rotatable drum, perforate or imperforate, that holds fabric items and, optionally, a clothes mover, such as an agitator, impeller, nutator, and the like within the drum. The clothes mover can move within the drum to impart mechanical energy directly to the clothes or indirectly through wash liquid in the drum. The clothes mover can typically be moved in a reciprocating rotational movement. In some vertical axis laundry treating appliances 10, the drum rotates about a vertical axis generally perpendicular to a surface that supports the laundry treating appliance 10. However, the rotational axis need not be vertical. The drum can rotate about an axis inclined relative to the vertical axis.

As used herein, the “horizontal axis” laundry treating appliance 10 refers to a laundry treating appliance 10 having a rotatable drum, perforated or imperforate, that holds laundry items and washes and/or dries the laundry items. In some horizontal axis laundry treating appliances 10, the drum rotates about a horizontal axis generally parallel to a surface that supports the laundry treating appliance 10. However, the rotational axis need not be horizontal. The drum can rotate about an axis inclined or declined relative to the horizontal axis. In horizontal axis laundry treating appliances 10, the clothes are lifted by the rotating drum and then fall in response to gravity to form a tumbling action. Mechanical energy is imparted to the clothes by the tumbling action formed by the repeated lifting and dropping of the clothes. Vertical axis and horizontal axis machines are best differentiated by the manner in which they impart mechanical energy to the fabric articles.

Regardless of the axis of rotation, a laundry treating appliance 10 can be top-loading or front-loading. In a top-loading laundry treating appliance 10, laundry items are placed into the drum through an access opening in the top of a cabinet, while in a front-loading laundry treating appliance 10 laundry items are placed into the drum through an access opening in the front of a cabinet. If a laundry treating appliance 10 is a top-loading horizontal axis laundry treating appliance 10 or a front-loading vertical axis laundry treating appliance 10, an additional access opening is located on the drum.

In more detail, the laundry treating appliance 10 can include a structural support assembly comprising a cabinet 14, which defines a housing and an interior, within which a laundry holding assembly resides. The cabinet 14 can be a housing having a chassis and/or a frame, to which decorative panels can or cannot be mounted, defining an interior, enclosing components typically found in a conventional laundry treating appliance 10, such as an automated clothes washer or dryer, which can include motors, pumps, fluid lines, controls, sensors, transducers, and the like. Such components will not be described further herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of the present disclosure.

The laundry holding assembly of the illustrated exemplary laundry treating appliance 10 can include a rotatable basket 30 having an open top 13 that can be disposed within the interior of the cabinet 14 and can at least partially define a rotatable treating chamber 32 for receiving laundry items for treatment and an access opening 15. The access opening 15 can provide access to the treating chamber 32. The treating chamber 32 is configured to receive a laundry load comprising laundry items for treatment, including, but not limited to, a hat, a scarf, a glove, a sweater, a blouse, a shirt, a pair of shorts, a dress, a sock, and a pair of pants, a shoe, an undergarment, a jacket, bedding, blankets, rugs, pillows, etc.

The open top 13 can be aligned with the access opening 15. A tub 34 can also be positioned within the cabinet 14 and can define an interior 24 within which the basket 30 can be positioned. The tub 34 can also at least partially define at least a portion of the treating chamber 32. The tub 34 can have a generally cylindrical side or tub peripheral wall 12 closed at its bottom end by a base 16 that can at least partially define a sump 60. The tub 34 can be at least partially aligned with the access opening 15 and the open top 13. In one example, the tub 34, the basket 30, along with the open top 13, and the access opening 15, can have central axes that are co-axial with one another, or with at least one of the other axes, such that a common central axis is formed.

The basket 30 can have a generally peripheral side wall 18, which is illustrated as a cylindrical side wall, closed at the basket end by a basket base 20 to further at least partially define the treating chamber 32. The basket 30 can be rotatably mounted within the tub 34 for rotation about a vertical basket axis of rotation and can include a plurality of perforations (not shown), such that liquid can flow between the tub 34 and the rotatable basket 30 through the perforations (not shown). While the illustrated laundry treating appliance 10 includes both the tub 34 and the basket 30, with the basket 30 at least partially defining the treating chamber 32, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure for the laundry holding assembly to include only one receptacle, such as the tub 34, without the basket 30, with the receptacle defining the laundry treating chamber 32 for receiving the load to be treated.

The cabinet 14 can further define a top wall or top panel 36, which can comprise a shroud 29 or to which the shroud 29 can be coupled. The shroud 29 can define at least a portion of the access opening 15, such that the shroud 29 can at least partially encircle the access opening 15. The shroud 29 can curve downwards toward the treating chamber 32 to direct laundry items into the basket 30. The shroud 29 can overlie a portion of the basket 30 such that the laundry items do not fall between the basket 30 and the tub 34.

A selectively openable closure or cover, illustrated herein as comprising a lid 28, can be movably mounted to or coupled to the cabinet 14 for selective movement between an opened position and a closed position, as shown, to selectively open and close the access opening 15, respectively, and to selectively provide access into the laundry treating chamber 32 through the access opening 15 of the basket 30. In one example, the lid 28 can be rotatable between the closed position and the opened position relative to the cabinet 14. By way of non-limiting example, the lid 28 can be hingedly coupled to the cabinet 14 for movement between the opened position and the closed position. In the closed position, the lid 28 can seal against at least one of the access opening 15, the top panel 36, or the shroud 29 and can at least partially confront the treating chamber 32 when the lid 28 closes the access opening 15. In the opened position, the lid 28 can be spaced apart from the access opening 15, the top panel 36, or the shroud 29 and can allow access to the top panel 36 and the access opening 15.

A clothes mover 100 can be rotatably mounted within the basket 30 to impart mechanical agitation and energy to a load of laundry items placed in the basket 30 or the treating chamber 32 according to a cycle of operation. The clothes mover 100 can be oscillated or rotated about its vertical axis of rotation during a cycle of operation in order to produce load motion effective to wash the load contained within the treating chamber 32. The clothes mover 100 can comprise a base or a first clothes mover, illustrated herein as an impeller 120, and a barrel, illustrated herein as an agitator 150. The agitator 150 as illustrated herein can comprise a vertically oriented agitator post that can be removably coupled with the impeller 120, the agitator 150 projecting vertically from the impeller 120 within the treating chamber 32 and toward the open top 13 of the basket 30. In this aspect of the disclosure, the clothes mover 100 can be formed by coupling an additional component, the agitator 150, to the impeller 120 and can be thought of as forming a second clothes mover.

The agitator 150 can include any configuration of vanes 155, blades, or other structural features for imparting mechanical energy to laundry items during a cycle of operation. Generally, the vertical extent of the agitator 150, combined with vane 155, blade, or other structural features, can impart the mechanical action to laundry items, which provides improved cleaning performance and can be suitable for particularly soiled loads. Other exemplary types of clothes movers include, but are not limited to, an agitator alone, a wobble plate, and a hybrid impeller/agitator.

The basket 30 and the clothes mover 100 can be driven, such as to rotate within the tub 34, by a drive assembly 40 that includes a motor 41, which can include a gear case, operably coupled with the basket 30 and clothes mover 100. The motor 41 can be a brushless permanent magnet (BPM) motor having a stator (not shown) and a rotor (not shown). Alternately, the motor 41 can be coupled to the basket 30 through a belt and a drive shaft to rotate the basket 30, as is known in the art. Other motors, such as an induction motor or a permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor, can also be used. The motor 41 can rotate the basket 30 at various speeds in either rotational direction about the vertical axis of rotation during a cycle of operation, including at a spin speed wherein a centrifugal force at the inner surface of the basket side wall 18 is 1 g or greater. Spin speeds are commonly known for use in extracting liquid from the laundry items in the basket 30, such as after a wash or rinse step in a treating cycle of operation. A loss motion device or clutch (not shown) can be included in the drive assembly 40 and can selectively operably couple the motor 41 with either the basket 30 and/or the clothes mover 100.

A suspension assembly 22 can dynamically hold the tub 34 within the cabinet 14. The suspension assembly 22 can dissipate a determined degree of vibratory energy generated by the rotation of the basket 30 and/or the clothes mover 100 during a treating cycle of operation. Together, the tub 34, the basket 30, and any contents of the basket 30, such as liquid and laundry items, define a suspended mass for the suspension assembly 22.

The laundry treating appliance 10 can further include a liquid supply assembly to provide liquid, such as water or a combination of water and one or more wash aids, such as detergent, into the treating chamber 32 for use in treating laundry items during a cycle of operation. The liquid supply assembly can include a water supply 44 configured to supply hot or cold water. The water supply 44 can include a hot water inlet 45 and a cold water inlet 46. A valve assembly can include a hot water valve 48, a cold water valve 50, and various conduits 52, 58 for selectively distributing the water supply 44 from the hot water and cold water inlets 45, 46. The valves 48, 50 are selectively openable to provide water from a source of water, such as from a household water supply (not shown) to the conduit 52. A second water conduit, illustrated as the water inlet 58, can also be fluidly coupled with the conduit 52 such that water can be supplied directly to the treating chamber 32 through the open top 13 of the basket 30. The water inlet 58 can be configured to dispense water, and optionally treating chemistry, into the tub 34 in a desired pattern and under a desired amount of pressure. For example, the water inlet 58 can be configured to dispense a flow or stream of treating chemistry or water into the tub 34 by gravity, i.e., a non-pressurized stream. The valves 48, 50 can be opened individually or together to provide a mix of hot and cold water at a selected temperature. While the valves 48, 50 and conduit 52 are illustrated exteriorly of the cabinet 14, it will be understood that these components can be internal to the cabinet 14.

A treating chemistry dispenser 54 can be provided for dispensing treating chemistry to the basket 30 for use in treating the laundry items according to a cycle of operation, either directly or mixed with water from the water supply 44. The treating chemistry dispenser 54 can be a single use dispenser, a bulk dispenser, or a combination of or an integrated single use and bulk dispenser, in non-limiting examples, and is fluidly coupled to the treating chamber 32. While the treating chemistry dispenser 54 is illustrated herein as being provided at the top panel 36 or the shroud 29, it will be understood that other locations for the treating chemistry dispenser 54 can be contemplated, such as at a different location within the cabinet 14. Further, the treating chemistry dispenser 54 can be provided in a drawer configuration or as at least one reservoir fluidly coupled to the treating chamber 32.

The treating chemistry dispenser 54 can include means for supplying or mixing detergent to or with water from the water supply 44. Alternatively, water from the water supply 44 can also be supplied to the tub 34 through the treating chemistry dispenser 54 without the addition of a detergent. The treating chemistry dispenser 54 can be configured to dispense the treating chemistry or water into the tub 34 in a desired pattern and under a desired amount of pressure. For example, the treating chemistry dispenser 54 can be configured to dispense a flow or stream of treating chemistry or water into the tub 34 by gravity, i.e., a non-pressurized stream.

The treating chemistry dispenser 54 can include multiple chambers or reservoirs fluidly coupled to the treating chamber 32 for receiving doses of different treating chemistries. The treating chemistry dispenser 54 can be implemented as a dispensing drawer that is slidably received within the cabinet 14, or within a separate dispenser housing which can be provided in the cabinet 14. The treating chemistry dispenser 54 can be moveable between a fill position, where the treating chemistry dispenser 54 is exterior to the cabinet 14 and can be filled with treating chemistry, and a dispense position, where the treating chemistry dispenser 54 is interior of the cabinet 14.

Non-limiting examples of treating chemistries that can be dispensed by the dispensing assembly during a cycle of operation include one or more of the following: water, detergents, surfactants, enzymes, fragrances, stiffness/sizing agents, wrinkle releasers/reducers, softeners, antistatic or electrostatic agents, stain repellents, water repellents, energy reduction/extraction aids, antibacterial agents, medicinal agents, vitamins, moisturizers, shrinkage inhibitors, and color fidelity agents, and combinations thereof. The treating chemistries can be in the form of a liquid, powder, or any other suitable phase or state of matter.

Additionally, the liquid supply assembly and treating chemistry dispenser 54 can differ from the configuration shown, such as by inclusion of other valves, conduits, wash aid dispensers, heaters, sensors, such as water level sensors and temperature sensors, and the like, to control the flow of treating liquid through the laundry treating appliance 10 and for the introduction of more than one type of detergent/wash aid.

A liquid recirculation and drain assembly can be provided with the laundry treating appliance 10 for recirculating liquid from within the laundry holding assembly and draining liquid from the laundry treating appliance 10. Liquid supplied to the tub 34 or into the treating chamber 32 through the water inlet 58 and/or the treating chemistry dispenser 54 typically enters a space between the tub 34 and the basket 30 and can flow by gravity to the sump 60. More specifically, the sump 60 can be located in and formed in part by the bottom of the tub 34 and the liquid recirculation assembly can be configured to recirculate treating liquid from the sump 60 onto the top of a laundry load located in the treating chamber 32.

A pump 62 can be housed below the tub 34 and can have an inlet fluidly coupled with the sump 60 and an outlet configured to fluidly couple and to direct liquid to either or both a household drain 64, which can drain the liquid from the laundry treating appliance 10, or a recirculation conduit 66. In this configuration, the pump 62 can be used to drain or recirculate wash water in the sump 60. As illustrated, the recirculation conduit 66 can be fluidly coupled with the treating chamber 32 such that it supplies liquid from the recirculation conduit 66 into the open top 13 of the basket 30. The recirculation conduit 66 can introduce the liquid into the basket 30 in any suitable manner, such as by spraying, dripping, or providing a steady flow of liquid. In this manner, liquid provided to the tub 34, with or without treating chemistry can be recirculated into the treating chamber 32 for treating the laundry within. The liquid recirculation and drain assembly can include other types of recirculation assemblies.

It is noted that the illustrated drive assembly, suspension assembly, liquid supply assembly, recirculation and drain assembly, and dispensing assembly are shown for exemplary purposes only and are not limited to the assemblies shown in the drawings and described above. For example, the liquid supply and recirculation and pump assemblies can differ from the configuration shown in FIG. 1, such as by inclusion of other valves, conduits, sensors (such as liquid level sensors and temperature sensors), and the like, to control the flow of liquid through the laundry treating appliance 10 and for the introduction of more than one type of treating chemistry. For example, the liquid supply assembly can be configured to supply liquid into the interior of the basket 30 or into the interior of the tub 34 not occupied by the basket 30, such that liquid can be supplied directly to the tub 34 without having to travel through the basket 30. In another example, the liquid supply assembly can include a single valve for controlling the flow of water from the household water source. In another example, the recirculation and pump assembly can include two separate pumps for recirculation and draining, instead of the single pump 62 as previously described.

The laundry treating appliance 10, and specifically the liquid supply and/or recirculation and drain assemblies, can be provided with a heating assembly (not shown), which can include one or more devices for heating laundry and/or to heat liquid provided to the treating chamber 32 as part of a cycle of operation, such as, for example, a steam generator, which can be any suitable type of steam generator, such as a flow through steam generator or a tank-type steam generator, and/or a sump heater. Alternatively, the sump heater can be used to generate steam in place of or in addition to the steam generator. In one example, the heating assembly can include a heating element provided in the sump 60 to heat liquid that collects in the sump 60. Alternatively, the heating assembly can include an in-line heater that heats the liquid as it flows through the liquid supply, dispensing and/or recirculation assemblies.

The laundry treating appliance 10 can further include a control assembly, illustrated herein as a controller 70, for controlling the operation of the laundry treating appliance 10 and coupled with various working components of the laundry treating appliance 10 to control the operation of the working components and to implement one or more treating cycles of operation. The control assembly can include the controller 70 located within the cabinet 14 and a user interface 26 that can be operably coupled with the controller 70. The user interface 26 can provide an input and output function for the controller 70.

The user interface 26 can include one or more knobs, dials, switches, displays, touch screens and the like for communicating with the user, such as to receive input and provide output. For example, the displays can include any suitable communication technology including that of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) array, or any suitable display that can convey a message to the user. The user can enter different types of information including, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options. Other communications paths and methods can also be included in the laundry treating appliance 10 and can allow the controller 70 to communicate with the user in a variety of ways. For example, the controller 70 can be configured to send a text message to the user, send an electronic mail to the user, or provide audio information to the user either through the laundry treating appliance 10 or utilizing another device such as a mobile phone.

The controller 70 can include the machine controller and any additional controllers provided for controlling any of the components of the laundry treating appliance 10. For example, the controller 70 can include the machine controller and a motor controller. Many known types of controllers can be used for the controller 70. It is contemplated that the controller is a microprocessor-based controller that implements control software and sends/receives one or more electrical signals to/from each of the various working components to implement the control software. As an example, proportional control (P), proportional integral control (PI), and proportional derivative control (PD), or a combination thereof, a proportional integral derivative control (PID), can be used to control the various components of the laundry treating appliance 10.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the laundry treating appliance 10 as described herein allows the user to customize the laundry treating appliance 10 for treating the laundry load or loads to be treated. For example, the laundry treating appliance 10 can be utilized and operated with one of at least two different configurations, each utilizing a different type of clothes mover 100, the configurations selectable based on the user's treatment needs. Aspects of the laundry treating appliance 10 described herein allow the user to selectively assemble and disassemble the agitator 150, which can be thought of as forming a second clothes mover, and the impeller 120, which can be thought of as a first clothes mover, to configure the laundry treating appliance 10 into one of the two configurations. The user can customize the clothes mover 100 based on the user's personal preferences, based on the amount and/or type of mechanical action implemented by the different configurations of the clothes mover 100, and/or based on characteristics of the laundry items to be treated, non-limiting examples of which include an amount of laundry items to be treated, a size of the laundry item(s) to be treated, soil level of the laundry items, an amount and/or type of mechanical energy to be applied to the laundry items, the type of fabric of the laundry items (e.g., whether the laundry is delicate or rugged), and a fill level of liquid during treatment.

The laundry treating appliance 10 can be configured in a first configuration, illustrated by way of example as a configuration A as shown, and also as illustrated in FIG. 1, by assembling the agitator 150 with the impeller 120 within the laundry treating appliance 10. In the configuration A, the user can elect to use the clothes mover 100 that includes the agitator 150 for treating a laundry load. Such a configuration as configuration A can be useful if the user wishes to implement a treatment mode using agitator-based washing, such as for imparting significant or high quantities of mechanical action onto particularly soiled laundry items, or if the user wishes to perform deep water washing, or based on any other user preference for the clothes mover 100 and the agitator 150, such as a personal preference.

In another example, the laundry treating appliance 10 can also be configured in a second configuration, illustrated by way of example as a configuration B as shown, by assembling only the impeller 120 within the laundry treating appliance 10 and decoupling or removing the agitator 150. In the configuration B, the user elects to use the clothes mover 100 with the lower profile impeller 120 and that does not include the agitator 150 or any similar agitator post. Such a configuration as configuration B can be useful if the user wishes to implement a treatment mode using impeller-based washing, such as for low water washing, for gentler washing, wherein a lower mechanical action is imparted to the laundry items, or for washing bulky items such as blankets or comforters that could tangle around the agitator 150. Larger, bulky laundry items generally do not fit well in the basket 30 when a vertical-oriented agitator-type clothes mover 100, such as configuration A including the agitator 150, is present. Thus, the user can selectively configure the laundry treating appliance 10 to utilize the only the impeller 120 as illustrated in the configuration B, without the agitator 150 extending upward into the treating chamber 32, for use in treating large and/or bulky loads or to implement a low water treatment mode, for example, or based on another preference of the user, such as a personal preference.

The components of the laundry treating appliance 10 are configured to allow the user to configure and reconfigure the laundry treating appliance 10 into either of the agitator 150 configuration A and the impeller 120 configuration B as desired. The user can select either of the configurations A or B based on personal preference of utilizing the particular type of clothes mover 100 of configuration A or B over the other, the desired cycle of operation to be implemented, and/or characteristics of the laundry items or the laundry load.

Turning now to the process or method of configuring or re-configuring the clothes mover 100, to operate the laundry treating appliance 10 and to utilize configuration A in which the agitator 150 is present in the laundry treating appliance 10, the user can assemble the agitator 150 in the laundry treating appliance 10, such as by coupling or assembling the agitator 150 to the impeller 120 to form the clothes mover 100. The user can then utilize the laundry treating appliance 10 to implement a cycle of operation on a load of laundry in a conventional manner. When the agitator 150 is configured to be supported at least in part by the impeller 120, configuration A will include the impeller 120. Optionally, if the agitator 150 does not require the impeller 120 for support, such as when the agitator 150 can be supported by the basket 30, configuration A does not have to include the impeller 120. In this alternative configuration A, the impeller 120 does not have to be present and the clothes mover 100 can be utilized with just the agitator 150.

To operate the laundry treating appliance 10 and to utilize configuration B in which only the impeller 120 is present in the laundry treating appliance 10, the removable agitator 150 is disassembled or uncoupled from the impeller 120 by the user and removed from the laundry treating appliance 10, and the impeller 120 is assembled within the basket 30. To assemble the impeller 120 within the basket 30, the agitator 150 can be configured to separate from the impeller 120 while the impeller 120 remains coupled with the drive assembly 40 and the motor 41. The user can then utilize the laundry treating appliance 10 to implement a cycle of operation on a load of laundry in a conventional manner. The impeller 120 is configured to operate as the clothes mover 100 of configuration B, that is different from the clothes mover 100 of configuration A and independent of the agitator 150, during a cycle of operation. In this manner, the laundry treating appliance 10 can be selectively re-configured by the user between the first and second configurations as illustrated to utilize two different clothes movers 100.

Further, to configure or reconfigure the laundry treating appliance 10 from the first configuration, configuration A, to the second configuration, configuration B, the user removes or decouples the agitator 150 and sets it aside. Optionally, the laundry treating appliance 10 can be configured to facilitate storage of the removable agitator 150 when not in use. For example, the laundry treating appliance 10 can include a storage element that suspends the removable agitator 150 from the laundry treating appliance 10, such as a hook, clamp, hanger, or suspending rod. In another example, the storage element can be in the form of a shelf, drawer, or cavity configured to support the removable agitator 150. In another aspect of the disclosure, a companion laundry dryer or laundry module can include the storage element configured to store the removable agitator 150.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an agitator 150 is coupled to an impeller 120 to form the clothes mover 100 using a bayonet mount-type connection. The agitator 150 includes a grip portion, illustrated herein as a handle portion 151 at an upper end of the agitator 150 in combination with a barrel 154 extending from the handle portion 151 and forming the remainder of the agitator 150. The handle portion 151 can facilitate insertion, removal, and storage of the agitator 150 by the user by giving the user a convenient handle to grip onto and to rotate the agitator 150 as needed.

The agitator 150 further includes a handle pull locking post 153 provided within the interior of the agitator 150, such that the locking post 153 is nested within the agitator 150. The locking post 153 can include a handle pull portion 157 positioned such that the user can grip the handle portion 151 of the agitator 150 and the handle pull portion 157 of the locking post 153 at the same time. The locking post 153 further defines at least one pin 159 protruding downwardly from a lower end of the locking post 153. The at least one pin 159 can be thought of as forming a portion of the first connector 152.

The barrel 154 may also be of a generally cylindrical shape and may define a hollow interior. As illustrated, the barrel 154 has a closed bottom, generally cylindrical sides, and an open top. The barrel 154 may, in some examples, taper inward, generally reducing in diameter from the handle portion 151 to the bottom end of the barrel 154 that connects to the impeller 120.

The handle portion 151 comprises a hollow cylindrical base 162 sized for attachment to the upper end of the barrel 154. In addition, the handle portion 151 comprises handle supports 163 extending vertically upwards from opposite sides of the hollow cylindrical base 162 (here 180 degrees apart), terminating in a handle top 164 connecting the handle supports 163 together.

The interior of the hollow cylindrical base 162 may define a series of snaps or other connectors that engage into a corresponding series of apertures or other connectors in an annular connection portion 165 at the upper end of the barrel 154. The annular connection portion 165 may define a cylindrical wall extending upwards from the top of the barrel 154 sized to be received around the outside of a lower extent of the hollow cylindrical base 162 of the handle portion 151 (or, in other examples, sized to be received within the inside outside of the lower extent of the handle portion 151. The annular connection portion 165 may further define a lip 166 to act as a stop to limit the insertion of the handle portion 151 onto the barrel 154. When the handle portion 151 is inserted onto the annular connection portion 165, the exterior of the hollow cylindrical base 162 of the handle portion 151 may form a generally flush exterior with the exterior of the barrel 154.

The locking post 153 can be movable within and relative to the agitator 150, for example such that the locking post 153 is vertically slidable within and relative to the barrel 154 of the agitator 150 between a lower, locking position and a raised position. A biasing element, illustrated herein as a handle pull spring 161 that extends between the inner surface of the handle top 164 of the handle portion 151 and the upper surface of the handle pull portion 157 so as to bias the locking post 153 downwardly from the handle portion 151 and through the barrel 154 when not compressed by the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second connector 122 including at least one channel 132 configured to receive at least one pin 156 carried by the first connector 152. The at least one pin 159, illustrated herein as a plurality of pins 159, can protrude downwardly from the locking post 153, and thus also from the barrel 154 of the agitator 150, adjacent to at least one pin 156. In one example, the pins 159 and the pins 156 can be provided in an alternating manner, such that the pins 159 are received between the pins 156. The second connector 122 can further define at least one locking opening 137, which can be provided in a bottom wall of the second connector 122. The second connector 122 optionally includes a biasing element, such as at least one spring, within the socket 126 which is compressed within the socket 126 when the agitator 150 is coupled with the impeller 120, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

To assemble the clothes mover 100, the agitator 150 is aligned with the impeller 120 such that the at least one pin 156 is aligned with at least one opening 134 of the channels 132. It is contemplated that the user can grip the agitator 150 by the handle portion 151 during insertion of the agitator 150 into the impeller 120. Further, the user can also grip the handle pull portion 157 of the locking post 153 at the same time, compressing the handle pull spring 161 and holding the locking post 153 in the raised position. The agitator 150 is moved toward the impeller 120, as illustrated by arrow 138, to insert the first connector 152 into the second connector 122. As the first connector 152 is inserted into the second connector 122, the pin 156 travels into the channel 132. The locking post 153 can be maintained in the raised position by the grip of the user against the handle pull portion 157 and the handle portion 151. The agitator 150 is then rotated, as illustrated by arrow 140, to move the pin 156 into a lock portion 136 of the channel 132, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In one example, the at least one locking opening 137 can be positioned beneath the lock portion 136 of the channel 132. Further, the first and second connectors 152, 122 can be positioned and sized such that the locking post 153 must be held in the raised position to prevent the pins 159 from protruding downwardly beyond the pins 156 and in order for the agitator 150 to be rotated as illustrated by arrow 140.

In FIG. 5, the agitator 150 is coupled with the impeller 120, with the pins 156 engaging the lock portion 136 of the channel 132. The locking post 153 is still provided in the raised position, such that the pins 159 do not exceed downwardly beyond the pins 156. When the agitator 150 is coupled with the impeller 120, a biasing element of the impeller 120, such as a spring, biases the agitator 150 away from the impeller 120, facilitating maintaining the pin 156 in the lock portion 136. The biasing element applies a force that presses the agitator 150, and thus the pin 156, upward, which presses the pin 156 upwardly against the wall forming the lock portion 136. Biasing the pin 156 against the wall of the lock portion 136 can inhibit unintended rotation of the agitator 150 relative to the impeller 120 during a cycle of operation into a position in which the pin 156 is aligned with the channel opening 134, which could result in unintended uncoupling of the agitator 150 from the impeller 120.

Referring now to FIG. 6, and in order to further inhibit unintended rotation of the agitator 150 relative to the impeller 120 during a cycle of operation, once the agitator 150 has been rotated to move the pins 156 into the lock portion 136, the pins 159 of the locking post 153 overlie and are aligned with the locking openings 137. The user can release the handle pull portion 157 and the handle portion 151, allowing the handle pull spring 161 to bias the locking post 153 downwardly. As the handle pull spring 161 biases the locking post 153 downwardly, the pins 159 are moved downwardly to be inserted into and received within the locking openings 137. When the pins 159 are received within the locking openings 137, unintended rotation of the agitator 150 relative to the impeller 120 during a cycle of operation is inhibited. Further, the engagement between the pins 156 and the lock portion 136 prevents unintended vertical movement of the agitator 150 relative to the impeller 120.

To uncouple the agitator 150 from the impeller 120, the user can again grip the agitator 150 by the handle portion 151 and can also grip the handle pull portion 157 of the locking post 153 and compress the handle pull spring 161 to hold the locking post 153 in the raised position, withdrawing the pins 159 from the locking openings 137, to permit rotational movement of the agitator 150. The agitator 150 can then be rotated in the opposite direction of arrow 140 of FIG. 4 until the pins 156 are no longer aligned with the lock portion 136 and are instead aligned with the at least one opening 134 of the channels 132. When the pins 156 are aligned with the at least one opening 134, the agitator 150 can be withdrawn in the opposite direction of arrow 138 of FIG. 4.

An advantage of the aspects described herein is that providing a laundry treating appliance 10 with customizability yields even more customizable options due to combinability of different features to make new combinations. Another aspect which provides customizability to the laundry treating appliance 10 is that the clothes movers can include a wide variety of additional options, features, or utilities that can be coupled with the agitator kits.

FIGS. 7-16 collectively illustrate a clothes mover 100 including an impeller 120 and an agitator 150, and further comprising a modular accessory 200 accessory that can be selectively attachable to the agitator 150. The modular accessory 200 design may provide flexibility to consumers by offering different accessories that can be used in combination with the removable agitator 150 for different laundry needs.

The modular accessory 200 defines an accessory body 202 of a generally cylindrical shape with a hollow interior configured to be received around the exterior of the barrel 154. As illustrated, the accessory body 202 has an open bottom, generally cylindrical sides, and an open top. The accessory body 202 may, in some examples, taper inward, generally reducing in diameter from the top end to the bottom end of the modular accessory 200. The modular accessory 200 may generally be sized to slide upwards onto the bottom of the barrel 154, such that the barrel 154 of the agitator 150 passes through the modular accessory 200. When installed onto the barrel 154, the inner cylindrical face of the accessory body 202 may be generally flush with the exterior cylindrical face of the barrel 154.

The exterior face of the accessory body 202 of the modular accessory 200 may host various features to aid in the processing of laundry items. For example, the modular accessories 200 may include a bristled modular attachment (as shown in FIG. 10) for cleaning shoes or a drum separator modular attachment (as shown in FIG. 14) for segregating laundry items, Different modular accessories 200 may also define different fin profiles, such as an aggressive fin profile (as shown in FIG. 10), a medium fin profile (as shown in FIG. 11), and a low/gentle fin profile (as shown in FIG. 12). Other variations may be possible, such as a ultraviolet (UV) sanitation modular attachment, a nozzle modular attachment, a steam injector modular attachment, a sensor-enabled clothes detector modular attachment, and/or a wireless-enabled modular attachment providing communication of wash conditions. Further details of the hosted features are discussed in detail beginning with FIG. 10.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the barrel 154 without attachment of the modular accessory 200. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the barrel 154 receiving the modular accessory 200. FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the barrel 154 with the modular accessory 200 attached. The barrel 154 o the agitator 150 may define various features to facilitate the selective attachment and removal of the different modular accessories 200. As shown, the barrel 154 defines tabs 204 and snaps 206 that collectively serve to secure the modular accessory 200 once slid onto the barrel 154.

The tabs 204 generally refer to protrusions extending outward from the surface of the barrel 154. The tabs 204 extend a distance radially from the exterior circumferential surface of the barrel 154 to securely fit into tab holders 210 defined by the hollow of the modular accessory 200. The tabs 204 may have a slight taper inwards down the barrel 154 and rounded edges to facilitate smooth insertion into the tab holders 210. The tabs 204 may accordingly provide easy insertion into the tab holders 210 without binding or jamming, allowing the modular accessory 200 to slide smoothly onto the barrel 154. In the illustrated example, three tabs 204 are evenly spaced around the circumference near the top of the barrel 154. This arrangement may provide balanced support around the barrel 154, helping to distribute the holding force and preventing the modular accessory 200 from rotating, tilting, or wobbling when attached. It should be noted that this is only an example, and different numbers, sizes, or arrangements of tabs 204 may be used.

The snaps 206 refer to locking features located near the lower portion of the barrel 154. Each snap 206 defines a flexible, spring-like protrusion on the barrel 154. The snaps 206 may further define a hook 208 or angled edge at the end. The snaps 206 may be formed of a resilient material that can withstand repeated flexing without breaking or deforming, and in many cases are an integral part of the barrel 154.

As seen in FIG. 8, the modular accessory 200 defines tab holders 210 sized to receive the tabs 204, such that tabs 204 may slide smoothly into the tab holders 210. The tab holders 210 may be formed as recessed slots defined along the inner surface of the upper circumference of the modular accessory 200. As the modular accessory 200 body may be of a generally consistent thickness, the exterior of the modular accessory 200 may define protrusions or raised sections along the outer circumference of the modular accessory 200 that provide the structure of the recessed slots.

The modular accessory 200 may further define snap locks 212, sized and positioned to receive the snaps 206. As shown, the snap locks 212 define rectangular cutouts up and into the sides of the body of the modular accessory 200. An upper end 214 of the snap locks 212 may serve as a locking surface to retain the hooks 208 of the snaps 206 in the attached position.

The modular accessory 200 may be slid upwards onto the bottom of the barrel 154 (as illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 8), such that the barrel 154 of the agitator 150 passes through the modular accessory 200 and the tabs 204 slide into the tab holders 210. Once in position, the snaps 206 may secure into snap locks 212, thereby preventing lateral or rotational movement of the modular accessory 200 relative to the barrel 154 and retaining the modular accessory 200 in place. As best seen in FIG. 9, the hook 208 of a snap 206 may be seen extended into a snap lock 212, securing the modular accessory 200 in place.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the modular accessory 200 installed to the barrel 154 of the agitator 150. In particular, the tabs 204 of the barrel 154 may be observed to be nested within the tab holders 210 of the modular accessory 200. Additionally, the snaps 206 of the barrel 154 may be observed to be fixed into the snap locks 212 of the modular accessory 200. In particular, the hooks 208 of the snaps 206 are shown as mated to the upper ends 214 of the snap locks 212, preventing the modular accessory 200 from sliding off the barrel 154 of the agitator 150.

To remove the modular accessory 200, the snaps 206 may be manually compressed inward, releasing them from the snap locks 212 and allowing the modular accessory 200 to slide off the barrel 154. This design enables a tool-free attachment and detachment, making the modular accessory 200 easy to install or replace. For example, a user may decide that a laundry load requires a different modular accessory 200. In such cases, the user may remove the agitator 150 from the laundry treating appliance 10, remove the modular accessory 200 from the barrel 154, install a different modular accessory 200 onto the barrel 154, and reattach the agitator 150 to the laundry treating appliance 10.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example detail of the brush modular accessory 200 uninstalled from the agitator 150. The brush modular accessory 200 is the modular accessory 200 being installed to the barrel 154 in FIGS. 8-9. As shown, the modular accessory 200 defines a configuration of brushes 216 for imparting mechanical energy to laundry items during a cycle of operation. The brushes 216 are extending radially outwards from the accessory body 202 in a spiral or helical structure that wraps around the accessory body 202. During a cycle of operation, the brushes 216 may serve a cleaning or scrubbing function, in addition to providing agitation within the basket 30.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate example modular accessories 200 having different configurations of vanes 218 (as compared to the vanes 155 of the barrel 154 itself). FIG. 11 illustrates an example low fin profile modular accessory 200. FIG. 12 illustrates an example medium fin profile modular accessory 200. FIG. 13 illustrates an example aggressive fin profile modular accessory 200. Referring more specifically to FIG. 11, the vane 218 in the low fin profile defines a solid spiral or helical structure that wraps around the accessory body 202. The vane 218 in many cases may be integral with and formed of the same material as the accessory body 202. The vane 218 in FIG. 11 defines approximately one full turn around the modular accessory 200, and is designed to impart some agitation within the basket 30. For sake of comparison, the vane 218 in FIG. 12 defines approximately two full turns around the modular accessory 200, and is designed to impart a greater level of agitation within the basket 30 as compared to the low fin profile modular accessory 200. Moreover, the vane 218 in FIG. 13 defines many full turns around the modular accessory 200, and is designed to impart an even greater level of agitation within the basket 30 as compared to the low fin profile modular accessory 200 or medium fin profile modular accessory 200. Thus, a user may attach the modular accessory 200 designed to impart the desired amount of agitation within a cycle. The user may adjust the agitation in this way, for example, to combat different levels of soiling in the laundry items.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example divider modular accessory 200. The divider modular accessory 200 is designed to divide the laundry basket 30 into multiple sections (here three), allowing for organized separation of laundry items.

As shown, the modular accessory 200 defines three large, flat divider panels 220 that are attached to the central cylindrical structure of the accessory body 202 that slides onto the barrel 154. Each divider panel 220 defines a generally rectangular shape, following the general contour of the cylindrical laundry basket 30. The bottom edge of the divider panel 220 may define a contour matching that of the impeller 120. This shape allows the divider panels 220 to align closely with the basket 30 walls and bottom, preventing laundry items from slipping through gaps around the edges. The divider panels 220 may also define a perforations 222 along its surface allowing water to flow freely between the sections.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example top view of the agitator 150 with the divider modular accessory 200 installed into the laundry treating appliance 10. When attached to the agitator 150 and installed into the basket 30, these divider panels 220 extend outward from the center of the basket 30 to the inner circumferential surface of the basket 30, creating three distinct sections within the laundry basket 30. This arrangement is useful for sorting laundry within a load, allowing users to organize items by type, color, or other criteria within the basket 30.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example process for assembly of the agitator 150 with the divider modular accessory 200 into the laundry treating appliance 10. As shown at the left, the agitator 150 is configured with the divider modular accessory 200 attached. As shown in the middle, a plan cutaway view illustrates the agitator 150 being lowered into the basket 30 of the laundry treating appliance 10. As shown at the right, plan cutaway view illustrates the agitator 150 being installed to the impeller 120. A detail of the contour of the divider panel 220 and the impeller 120 is illustrated at the upper right.

FIGS. 17-19 collectively illustrate a clothes mover 100 including an impeller 120 and an agitator 150, and further comprising detectable scrub pads 300. The agitator 150 may twist back and forth, rubbing against the laundry items to remove the dirt and/or stains. The impeller 120 may also be in contact with the laundry items as the impeller 120 spins or rotates, which may cause the laundry items to rub against one another. To improve the wash quality, detectable scrub pads 300 may be selectively attachable to the agitator 150 and/or to the impeller 120.

The detectable scrub pads 300 may be formed of flat sheets of material with a rough outer surface, such as a metal or plastic mesh. The detectable scrub pads 300 may accordingly offer a rough surface to increase the scrubbing action on the laundry items, thereby reducing the wash cycle time and/or increasing the amount of cleaning performed.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of the detectable scrub pads 300 placed on the agitator 150. In an example, the agitator 150 may define a series of rectangular pad apertures 302 for receiving rectangular detectable scrub pads 300. The pad apertures 302 may each define a recess into the barrel 154 of the agitator 150, allowing the outer surface of the detectable scrub pads 300 to be generally flush with the exterior contour of the agitator 150. The pad aperture 302 may define a slide lock portion 304 into which one end of the detectable scrub pad 300 fits, such that the other end of the detectable scrub pad 300 is rotated and snapped into place into the pad aperture 302.

FIGS. 18-19 collectively illustrate an example of the detectable scrub pads 300 placed on the impeller 120. In this example, the detectable scrub pads 300 may be received into pad apertures 302 defined into vanes 306 of the impeller 120. In this example, the pad apertures 302 may each define a recess into the vanes 306 of the impellers 120, allowing the outer surface of the detectable scrub pads 300 to be generally flush with the exterior contour of the impeller 120.

Before a wash cycle, the detectable scrub pads 300 may be installed into the pad apertures 302 of the agitator 150 and/or impeller 120. Once a wash is complete, the detectable scrub pads 300 may be removed from the pad apertures 302 and cleaned or discarded.

FIGS. 20-25 collectively illustrate a clothes mover 100 including an impeller 120 and an agitator 150, and further comprising an internal filter 400. As shown in FIG. 20, the agitator 150 includes a handle portion 151, a handle pull spring 161, a locking post 153, the internal filter 400, and a barrel 154. Details of the internal filter 400 are discussed in detail with respect to FIGS. 21A-21C. The locking post 153 is adapted for receiving the internal filter 400 as discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 22. Assembly and disassembly of the agitator 150 are discussed with respect to FIGS. 23-24. Operation of the agitator 150 with the internal filter 400 is discussed with respect to FIG. 25.

Beginning with FIG. 21A, the internal filter 400 of the filtering agitator 150 of FIG. 20 is shown in an assembled closed state. As shown in FIG. 21B the internal filter 400 is shown in an open state. FIG. 21C illustrates a detail of snapping hinges 408 of the internal filter 400.

The internal filter 400 has a generally cylindrical form with an open top and a closed bottom, tapering slightly as it extends downwards, which gives the internal filter 400 a conical shape with a relatively wider top as compared to the base. This design is practical for the internal filter 400, as it encourages particles to settle downward rather than clogging the upper sections, and also allows for the internal filter 400 to be accommodated within the tapered body of the barrel 154.

The internal filter 400 is an assembly of two filter halves 402, each comprising half of the cylindrical structure. The shape of each half is a vertically bisected, slightly conical form, which allows the filter halves 402 to assemble along the central axis. The filter halves 402 define various openings 404, allowing fluid to pass through while capturing debris. In some examples, the openings 404 are defined by a mesh (e.g., plastic, metal wire, etc.) that may be reinforced by vertical and/or horizontal bars 406, creating a sturdy yet open framework.

The snapping hinges 408 are used to connect the filter halves 402 together along their central axis. In the illustrated example, snapping hinges 408 are defined at the upper and lower ends of both of the filter halves 402, e.g., as a vertical spine along one side of each filter half 402. One side of the snapping hinges 408 includes a hinge pin 410 that acts as a rotation axis when the filter halves 402 open and close. The other side of the snapping hinges 408 includes an annular snap fit 412 sized to receive the hinge pin 410.

The snap fit 412 design includes concave sections where the convex hinge pin 410 sits, giving it a robust and secure hold while allowing smooth movement. The rounded shape of the hinge pin 410 provides a pivot point for rotation open of the filter halves 402. For example the user may detach the hinge pins 410 and annular snap fits 412 of the two snapping hinges 408 on one side of the filter halves 402, and may rotate the filter halves 402 open using the two snapping hinges 408 of the opposite side of the filter halves 402. This snapping hinge 408 structure is well-integrated into the filter halves 402, maintaining the cylindrical form of the internal filter 400 when reclosed.

Each of the filter halves 402 also defines a respective portion of a bottom of the internal filter 400. Each filter bottom half 414 forms its half of the bottom of the internal filter 400 by forming a horizontal surface connecting the inner circumferential surface of the respective filter half 402. When the two filter halves 402 are closed, the filter bottom halves 414 collectively form a circular bottom.

Turning to FIG. 22, and with continued reference to FIG. 21C, each of the filter bottom halves 414 further defines a locking post passthrough 416. The locking post passthroughs 416 allow for the internal filter 400 to be installed around the locking post 153. The locking post passthrough 416 may be sized to conform to the shape of the vertical rod portion of the locking post 153. As shown, the example locking post 153 has a plus-shaped horizontal cross section, and the locking post passthrough 416 defines a rectangular slot placed midway across the filter bottom half 414, extending radially outward from the axis of the internal filter 400 partially to the inner surface of the filter half 402. The locking post 153 defines a corresponding filter retaining slot 418, recessed into the vertical rod portion at a height corresponding to the attachment point of the bottom of the internal filter 400 to the locking post 153. This allows the internal filter 400 to be fixed in place vertically inside the agitator 150 and also prevents rotation of the internal filter 400 inside the agitator 150. The combined depth of the locking post passthrough 416 plus the filter retaining slot 418 allows the filter halves 402 of the internal filter 400 to completely close around the locking posts 153, with a minimum of a gap between the locking post 153 and the filter bottom halves 414.

The handle pull portion 157 of the locking post 153 defines filter water inlets 420 into the interior of the agitator 150. As shown, two filter water inlets 420 are defined vertically through the handle pull portion 157 on either side of the handle. These filter water inlets 420 provide a path for water into the interior of the internal filter 400 during a cycle of operation of the laundry treating appliances 10.

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the handle portion 151 and an upper portion of the barrel 154 of the internal filtering agitator 150. As shown, the barrel 154 defines a pair of release buttons 422 on opposite sides of the handle. The handle portion 151 in turn defines button openings 424 on opposite sides of the hollow cylindrical base 162 sized to allow passage of the release buttons 422. While only one of the release buttons 422 is shown in FIG. 23, the other of the release buttons 422 is on the reverse side placed 180 degrees away from the illustrated release button 422.

FIG. 24 illustrates a cutaway view of the handle portion 151 and an upper portion of the barrel 154 of the internal filtering agitator 150. As best seen in this view, the bottom surface 426 of the release button 422 latches against the upper surface 428 of the button opening 424 to secure the handle portion 151 onto the barrel 154. To remove the handle portion 151 from the barrel 154, the user presses in the release buttons 422, thereby freeing the bottom surface 426 from the upper surface 428.

Once this is accomplished, the handle portion 151 may be removed. Once the handle portion 151 is removed, the locking post 153 may be removed. This may be accomplished by raising the locking post 153 vertically out of the interior of the barrel 154. Once the locking post 153 is removed, the internal filter 400 may be removed. This may be accomplished by unsnapping one side of the snapping hinges 408 and rotating the filter halves 402 open. The internal filter 400 may then be cleaned.

Once cleaned (or replaced), the internal filter 400 may be closed around the locking post 153. This may be done by aligning the locking post passthroughs 416 of the filter bottom halves 414 with the filter retaining slots 418 of the locking post 153, and then closing the internal filter 400 around the locking post 153. Next, the locking post 153 may be lowered into the interior of the barrel 154. This may be done such that the pins 159 align between the pins 156 of the barrel 154. Next, the handle portion 151 may be oriented such that the release buttons 422 and button openings 424 are aligned, such that handle portion 151 is pressed onto the top of the barrel 154 and the release buttons 422 snap into the button openings 424. In the assembled state, the agitator 150 may, in turn be assembled into the impeller 120 for use.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example of the water flow through the filtering agitator 150 during a cycle of operation of the laundry treating appliance 10. As shown, the water flow enters the interior of the agitator 150 through the filter water inlets 420 of the handle portion 151. This water flow enters into the center of the internal filter 400, and flows through the openings 404 of the filter halves 402 to the outside of the internal filter 400 but still inside the barrel 154. While flowing through the openings 404, hair, debris, or other particulate is trapped inside the internal filter 400. The bottom of the barrel 154 defines various openings 430 at the bottom of the barrel 154 through which the water flow may exit and rejoin the water in the basket 30.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example exploded view of an agitator 150 having integrated lighting. FIG. 27 illustrates an example assembled view of an agitator 150 having integrated lighting. As shown, the lighted agitator 150 provides an upper light near the top of the barrel 154 and a lower light near the bottom of the barrel 154. These example lights are placed 180 degrees opposite one another to cover the entire basket 30 with lighting. It should be noted that this is merely an example, and other layouts and/or quantities of lights may be used.

As shown in FIG. 26, the components of the lighting may include a replaceable battery 500, a leak-proof battery cap 502, one or more lights 504, and, for each of the lights 504, a leak-proof light cap 506.

The battery 500 may be any of various available cells such as one or more AA batteries, button cell batteries, etc. The handle top 164 of the handle portion 151 may define a battery recess 508 sized to receive the battery 500 (or batteries 500). The leak-proof battery cap 502 may then be installed above the battery recess 508 to prevent the passage of water into the battery recess 508 and onto the electrical connections to the battery 500 (or batteries 500). If the battery 500 becomes drained, the user may remove the leak-proof battery cap 502, change the battery 500 and replace the leak-proof battery cap 502.

The lights 504 may be LEDs or other efficient lighting devices suitable to provide adequate illumination by being powered via the battery 500. The lights 504 may be embedded into the barrel 154, and may be sealed into the barrel 154 via the leak-proof light caps 506, which may be transparent or translucent to allow for the passage of light from the lights 504 into the basket 30. Wiring may be provided inside the agitator 150 to provide power to the lights 504 from the battery 500. While not shown, a switch may be provided on the agitator 150 to allow the user to activate the lights 504. This may allow the user to switch the lights 504 on when needed.

FIGS. 28-33 collectively illustrate a clothes mover 100 including an impeller 120 and an agitator 150, and further comprising rollers 600. The rollers 600 may be used to impart additional scrubbing action during a cycle of operation of the laundry treating appliance 10.

FIG. 28 illustrates the agitator 150 with rollers 600 in an assembled state attached to the impeller 120. As shown in FIG. 28, the rollers 600 are attached to the barrel 154 in a vertical orientation between the vanes 155 of the barrel 154.

FIG. 29 illustrates an exploded view of the components of the agitator 150 with rollers 600. As shown in FIG. 29, the components of the agitator 150, from top to bottom, include the handle portion 151, the handle pull spring 161, the rollers 600, the locking post 153, and the barrel 154.

FIG. 30 illustrates one of the rollers 600 alone. As shown, the roller 600 comprises a cylindrical roller body 602. The cylindrical roller body 602 of the roller 600 defines longitudinal ribs 604 running parallel to its central axis, serving to provide traction for the roller 600 against laundry items within the basket 30. A central nub 606 is provided on each flat face of the cylindrical roller body 602, coaxial with the central axis of the roller 600. The central nubs 606 are positioned at the geometric center of the circular end caps, to serve as mounting points for rotational support into the barrel 154.

FIG. 31 illustrates an example perspective view of the barrel 154 of the agitator 150 without the rollers 600 installed. As compared to the barrels 154 discussed herein, the profile of this barrel 154 is modified to accommodate the snap fitting rollers 600. As shown, the barrel 154 defines a set of mounts 610 for receiving the rollers 600. Each mount 610 comprises a through hole 612 into the interior of the barrel 154 sized to receive the roller 600 and a pair of mounting sockets 614. The mounting sockets 614 are positioned on opposite sides of the through hole 612 and are aligned with the axis of rotation of the roller 600. The mounting sockets 614 are positioned as being raised radially outwards from the cylindrical surface of the barrel 154 to allow the rollers 600 to be raised outwards from the body of the barrel 154 while serving as lateral support points for the rollers 600.

Each mounting socket 614 defines a roller pin aperture 616, which is a small, circular indent or hole sized to receive the central nubs 606 on each flat end 607 of the roller 600. The roller pin apertures 616 are coaxial with the central axis of the rollers 600, allowing the central nubs 606 to be securely seated within the mounting sockets 614 while also enabling the rollers 600 to rotate freely about their axis.

Additionally, one or more barrel slots 618 are defined by the lower end of the barrel 154, to help drain water from the barrel 154. For example, water may enter the barrel 154 through the mounts 610, and may be desired to drain out of the barrel 154 once the cycle of operation is complete.

FIG. 32 illustrates a detail of installation of the rollers 600 to the barrel 154. As shown, rollers 600 are placed into the mounts 610, such that the central nubs 606 of the rollers 600 are snapped in place into the roller pin apertures 616 and free to rotate.

FIG. 33 illustrates an example top cutaway view of the barrel 154, illustrating the clearance between the rollers 600 and the locking post 153 nested within the barrel 154. As the mounts 610 are raised outwards and away from the center of the barrel 154, the rollers 600 provide clearance to the locking post 153 nested within the barrel 154. Thus, the rotational movement of the rollers 600 is unimpeded by the locking post 153.

FIGS. 34-35 collectively illustrate an example barrel 154 with additional features to provide greater agitation. These features may include a textured surface 700 to provide surface roughness to the agitator 150, designed to enhance the cleaning and agitation effects while ensuring fabric safety. The features may also include vertical savonius type vertical fins 702 between the helical vanes 155 which may aid in creating extra turbulence during a cycle of operation.

The textured surface 700 may be of various types of solid projections or depressions, such as triangular projections, hexagonal pyramid projections, etc., designed to improve wash performance. The textured surface 700 may increase rubbing of the laundry items against the barrel 154 and thus may aid in the removal of detritus or stains from the laundry items.

As shown, the textured surface 700 defines a tessellating hexagonal profile. Nevertheless, different shapes of the textured surface 700 may be used to provide different properties. For example, the textured surface 700 may include shapes that are one or more of: an improper triangular pyramid, regular triangular pyramid (equilateral), square pyramid, pentagonal pyramid, hexagonal pyramid, heptagonal pyramid, octagonal pyramid, enneagonal pyramid, decagonal pyramid, digonal trapezohedron (tetrahedron), trigonal trapezohedron, tetragonal trapezohedron, pentagonal trapezohedron, hexagonal trapezohedron, heptagonal trapezohedron, octagonal trapezohedron, decagonal trapezohedron, and/or dodecagonal trapezohedron. The following table provides example friction coefficients for various texture designs:

Minimum
Relative

Texture

Friction
Friction

Shape
Optimized Geometry
Coefficient
Coefficient

Circular
S_p= 0.2000, ε = 0.0030
0.0371
+14.9%

Spherical
S_p= 0.2500 it
0.0323
0

Elliptical
S_p= 0.3500, ε = 0.0050
0.0279
−13.6%

Ellipsoidal
S_p= 0.3500, ε₁= 0.0048, ε₂=
0.0244
−24.5%

0.0021

Ellipsoidal
S_p= 0.3500, ε₁= 0.0120, ε₂=
0.0534
N/A

0.0053

Triangular
S_p= 0.1500, ε = 0.0030
0.0534
+65.3%

Chevron
S_p= 0.1500, ε = 0.0035, K =
0.0506
+56.7%

0.3000

It can be seen that triangular or chevron texture shapes provide the highest coefficient of friction values. Therefore, adding such a polygonal texture may best help in rubbing action in the wash cycle. Texture shapes with a straight edge or a flat bottom profile provides maximum friction coefficient.

The barrel 154 defines vanes 155 that follow a helical or spiral path along the vertical axis of the agitator 150, meaning they wrap around the central body of the barrel 154 in a corkscrew-like fashion. This spiral configuration serves to impart both axial and rotational forces on the water and laundry items within the basket 30. As the agitator 150 rotates, the spiral profile helps to draw material (such as laundry items) downward or upward, depending on the direction of rotation, thereby enhancing the mixing or agitation effect by promoting a three-dimensional flow pattern.

Additionally, the illustrated barrel 154 may further define vertical fins 702 that provide a profile similar to a Savonius turbine, which is commonly used in wind and fluid applications to generate rotational motion. The vertical fins 702 are oriented to form concave and convex surfaces between the vanes 155, which create differential pressure as fluid or material moves past them. In this application, the vertical fins 702 improve agitation by generating a lifting or swirling motion in the surrounding water in the basket 30. In many examples, the vertical fins 702 are molded as part of the main body of the barrel 154 along with the vanes 155.

FIGS. 36-39 collectively illustrate a clothes mover 100 including an impeller 120 and an agitator 150, and further comprising a filtering locking post 153. FIG. 36 illustrates the barrel 154 having water passages 800 to provide for water flow into and out of the agitator 150. FIG. 37 illustrates aspects of the filtering features of the filtering locking post 153.

As best seen in FIG. 36, the barrel 154 defines a series of water passages 800 facilitating the flow of water into and out of the agitator 150. The water passages 800 are oriented perpendicularly to the central axis of the agitator 150 and are evenly spaced along its height. The illustrated water passage 800 are circular through-holes, which may minimize stress concentration, but other shapes of water passage 800 are possible. This layout ensures that water passes through the agitator 150 evenly across different vertical levels to come in contact with the filtering locking post 153, thereby promoting uniform filtration. It should be noted that this is only one example, and the spacing and size of the water passages 800 may be optimized to balance factors such as structural integrity, water flow, prevention of passage of laundry items, and aesthetics.

FIG. 37 illustrates the filtering locking post 153 as removed from the barrel 154. As shown, the locking post 153 provides a multi-layered perforation system that aids in trapping lint and debris during a cycle of operation of the laundry treating appliance 10. The multi-layered perforation system provides a plurality of distinct zones with varying hole sizes. In the illustrated example this includes, from top to bottom, fine-sized perforations 806, medium-sized perforations 804, and coarse-sized perforations 802.

The perforations 802, 804, 806 may be formed as mesh-like structures of different sizes. The mesh aids in capturing finer lint particles that may otherwise escape through the larger openings, ensuring effective debris capture throughout the wash cycle. The filtering portion of the locking post 153 may be reinforced by vertical support ribs 808 that run along the length of the post. These ribs 808 provide structural integrity, helping to maintain the rigidity of the locking post 153 to allow for the smooth operation of the pin 159 in locking the agitator 150 into the impeller 120 as well as to prevent deformation of the filter sections of perforations 802, 804, 806 to ensure consistent filtration performance.

The gradient in perforation size is designed to create a progressive filtering effect. The coarse-sized perforations 802 at the bottom facilitate the initial entry of water and larger debris particles. The medium-sized perforations 804 act as an intermediate filter, allowing water and smaller particles through while capturing medium-sized debris. The fine-sized perforations 806 near the top serve as a final filter layer, trapping finer particles and lint while allowing water to pass. This progression of perforation sizes helps prevent clogging by allowing larger particles to be captured at the bottom, reducing the load on the finer filtering sections.

Similar to the other locking posts 153 discussed herein, the locking post 153 defines a handle pull portion 157 positioned such that the user can grip the handle portion 151 of the agitator 150 and the handle pull portion 157 of the locking post 153 at the same time. The locking post 153 further defines at least one pin 159 protruding downwardly from a lower end of the locking post 153, to allow the agitator 150 to be secured to the impeller 120.

FIG. 38 illustrates a cutaway side view of the barrel 154 and handle portion 151. The handle portion 151 and barrel 154 define a bayonet mount-type connection including locks 810 sized to be received into channels 812 into the barrel 154. The locks 810 define protrusion extending radially inwards from the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical base 162 of the handle portion 151. The channels 812 define openings in the circumferential walls of the barrel 154 configured to receive the locks 810. To assemble the agitator 150, the handle portion 151 is aligned with the barrel 154 such that the locks 810 are aligned with at least one opening 814 of the channels 812. The handle portion 151 is moved toward the barrel 154, to insert the locks 810 into the openings 814 of the channels 812. As the locks 810 are inserted into the openings 814, the locks 810 travel into the channels 812. The handle portion 151 is then rotated, to move the locks 810 into a securing portion 816 of the channels 812.

To remove the handle portion 151 and free the locking post 153 for cleaning, the user can again grip the agitator 150 by the handle portion 151 and can also grip the handle pull portion 157 of the locking post 153 and compress the handle pull spring 161 to hold the locking post 153 in the raised position, withdrawing the pins 159 from the locking openings 137, to permit rotational movement of the handle portion 151 with respect to the barrel 154. The handle portion 151 can then be rotated to cause the locks 810 to move within the channels 812 towards the openings 814. Then, the handle portions 151 may be pulled upwards and away from the barrel 154, allowing the handle portion 151 and the locking post 153 to be freed from the barrel 154.

FIG. 39 illustrates an example cutaway view of the handle portion 151 and locking post 153. As shown in FIG. 39, the upper portion of the handle pull portion 157 of the locking post 153 defines handle snaps 818 sized to be received into handle locks 820 defined into the interior of the handle top 164 of the handle portion 151. Each handle snap 818 defines a flexible, spring-like protrusion extending outwards from the upper portion of the handle pull portion 157, with a hook 822 or angled edge at the end. The handle snaps 818 may be formed of a resilient material that can withstand repeated flexing without breaking or deforming, and in many cases are an integral part of the locking post 153. The handle portion 151 may further define the handle locks 820, which are sized and positioned to receive the handle snap 818. A lower surface 824 of the handle locks 820 may serve as a locking surface to retain the hooks 822 of the handle snap 818 in the attached position. This attachment may allow for the locking post 153 to be secured to the handle portion 151, facilitating the connection and removal of the combination of the handle portion 151 and the locking post 153 into and out of the barrel 154 of the agitator 150.

Accordingly, the filtering locking post 153 may be installed to the agitator 150, the agitator 150 may be installed to the impeller 120, and a cycle of operation may be performed by the laundry treating appliance 10. Once the cycle is complete, the agitator 150 may be removed from the impeller 120, and the locking post 153 may be removed from the agitator 150 and cleaned.

FIGS. 40-44 collectively illustrate a clothes mover 100 including an impeller 120 and an agitator 150, with additional features to provide greater agitation and capture of particulate. These features may include vanes 155 with a tubercle geometry 900, which may aid in creating extra turbulence during a cycle of operation. These features may further include a scrubber cap 902 which may be used to address stains in laundry items.

FIG. 40 illustrates an example of the agitator 150 having vanes 155 with the tubercle geometry 900 as well as with the installation of the scrubber cap 902. FIG. 41 illustrates an example detail of the tubercle geometry 900 of the vanes 155 of the barrel 154. The tubercle geometry 900, characterized by rounded, wave-like projections, has unique mechanical and fluid dynamic implications in an agitator 150 design.

The vane 155 defines an outer leading edge that makes primary contact with the water and laundry items as the agitator 150 rotates. This leading edge wraps around the vane 155 in a helical or spiral fashion along the body of the barrel 154, and the tubercle pattern follows this outer edge continuously along its length. The tubercles themselves are wave-like protrusions or undulations arranged periodically along this leading edge, creating a scalloped or undulating pattern that protrudes outward. These rounded bumps or projections vary the effective surface of the vane 155 along the perimeter, creating multiple peaks and troughs. This design increases the edge length of the vane 155, enhancing its surface interaction with the wash water and with the laundry items, thus improving agitation efficiency. Tubercles are inspired by biological forms, such as the leading-edge tubercles on humpback whale flippers, which improve maneuverability and flow control. In the agitator 150 application, the tubercles on the vane 155 edge similarly aim to control water flow and enhance movement, adapting a natural form for improved mechanical performance.

FIG. 42 illustrates an example perspective view of the scrubber cap 902 installed to the handle portion 151. FIG. 43 illustrates an example perspective view of the installation of the scrubber cap 902 to the handle portion 151. FIG. 44 illustrates an example side cutaway view of the scrubber cap 902 installed to the handle portion 151. The scrubber cap 902 designed to be snap-fitted onto the handle portion 151 of the agitator 150, and once installed provides a textured surface 904 for scrubbing laundry items.

As shown, the scrubber cap 902 comprises a cap base 906 and two opposite cap arms 908. The cap base 906 defines a slightly concave or conforming profile that matches the contour of the handle top 164 of the handle portion 151. This ensures a snug fit along the handle portion 151, minimizing any gaps that could allow unwanted movement or rotation during use.

The cap arms 908 extend downwards from the cap base 906 for securing along the sides of the handle portion 151. The cap arms 908 are shaped to wrap partially around the handle supports 163 of the handle portion 151, providing lateral stability and preventing side-to-side movement once the scrubber cap 902 is attached. Each cap arm 908 is curved to match the cylindrical or ergonomic shape of the handle supports 163 of the handle portion 151.

The lower ends of the cap arm 908 define cap grooves 910 defined into the inner surfaces of the cap arms 908. The cap grooves 910 are sized and positioned to engage with corresponding snap-fit tabs 912 defined by the outer surface of the handle supports 163. The cap arms 908 are formed of a flexible material to allow slight outward bending during attachment of the scrubber cap 902 onto the handle portion 151, enabling the cap arms 908 to flex and deflect along the sides of the handle portion 151 before snapping the cap grooves 901 into place around the snap-fit tabs 912. Each snap-fit tab 912 may define a rounded edge to aid in the sliding of the cap arms 908 over the handle portion 151 during installation but also preventing the scrubber cap 902 from easily sliding back off. This shape provides a secure interlock with the handle portion 151, requiring intentional pulling force to disengage.

When installed, the cap base 906 of the scrubber cap 902 may cover the upper surface of the handle portion 151. The cap base 906 may further define the textured surface 904 to assist with cleaning. The textured surface 904 may be located on the upper surface of the cap base 906, and may include various textured surfaces, such as bristles, textured ridges, or raised patterns that provide friction when in contact with laundry. Similar to the use of a brush, the textured surface 904 may provide a scrubbing surface for working out stains. In an example, when a customer wants to soften a stain, the customer may apply some detergent on the stained area, remove the scrubber cap 902 from the handle portion 151 of the agitator 150, rub the textured surface 904 against the stain, and replace the scrubber cap 902 back onto the handle portion 151.

FIGS. 45-53H collectively illustrate a clothes mover 100 including an impeller 120 and an agitator 150, and further comprising an internal basket 1000. The internal basket 1000 may be used to wash small laundry items such as sock pairs, handkerchiefs, stocking pairs, masks, etc., which may get lost in the laundry treating appliance 10. The internal washer feature may be implemented as a hollow agitator 150 which encloses the basket 1000 for use in washing the small items. The basket 1000 may be secured by a threaded handle portion 151 attached to the barrel 154 of the agitator 150. To allow for use of the interior of the barrel 154 for maintaining the basket 1000, the locking post 153 may be removed and the locking functionality of the agitator 150 may be engaged and disengaged from the lower end of the agitator 150 (e.g., via a push and rotate clockwise motion to lock the agitator 150 to the impeller 120, and a push and rotate anticlockwise motion to unlock and release the agitator 150 from the impeller 120). This mechanism allows for the space within the agitator 150 to be used to aid in washing small laundry items more efficiently.

FIG. 45 illustrates an example exploded perspective view of the handle portion 151, basket 1000, barrel 154, cover 1040, and impeller 120. As this design does not include the locking post 153, the agitator 150 and impeller 120 are configured to provide for attachment and locking of the first connector 152 into the second connector 122 without the pins 159 of the locking post 153. To do so, the pins 156 of the first connector 152 and the lock portion 136 of the channel 132 are configured to provide a locked position where rotation of the agitator 150 is inhibited. To do so, the pins 156 and lock portions 136 define J-shaped hooks, as opposed to L-shaped hooks. This allows the agitator 150 to be secured in place without requiring the pins 159 of the locking post 153.

More specifically, the pins 156 define a shape having a vertical portion 1020 extending downwards from the bottom of the barrel 154, connected at its lower end to a first end of a horizontal portion 1022 extending in a circumferential direction parallel to the bottom of the barrel 154, with the second end of the horizontal portion 1022 defining a hook 1024 extending upwards towards the bottom of the barrel 154. The hook 1024 is of lesser height than the vertical portion 1020, providing a vertical gap for insertion into the lock portions 136.

Similarly, the lock portions 136 cooperate with the pins 156 to complete the bayonet connection. Each of the lock portions 136 may be defined into the inner cylindrical wall of the socket 126 of the second connector 122, and may include a vertical portion 1030 extending upwards from the bottom of the second connector 122 connected at its upper end to a first end of a horizontal portion 1032 extending in a circumferential direction around the second connector 122, with the second end of the horizontal portion 1032 defining a hook 1034 extending downwards. The hook 1034 is also of lesser height than the vertical portion 1030, providing a vertical gap for insertion of the first connector 152 into the locking opening 137 defined by the lock portions 136.

In one example, the pins 156 of the first connector 152 and the lock portions 136 of the second connector 122 can be provided in an alternating manner, such that the pins 156 are received between the lock portions 136. The second connector 122 may further include a cover 1040 within the socket, that is biased upward by a biasing element 1042, such as at least one spring, within the socket 126. The cover 1040 may be retained within the socket 126 which is compressed within the socket 126 when the agitator 150 is coupled with the impeller 120. The cover 1040 may be retained into the socket 126 by snaps 1044, which may be retained into apertures into the bottom of the socket 126 (not shown).

FIGS. 46A-49B collectively illustrate the steps for locking the agitator 150 to the impeller 120. In general, the steps include pressing the agitator 150 into the impeller 120, rotating the agitator 150 in the locking direction (as shown, clockwise) and releasing the agitator 150 once in the locked position. It should be noted that these steps may be performed in the reverse order to release the agitator 150 from the impeller 120, e.g., by pressing the agitator 150, rotating the agitator 150 in the unlocking direction (as shown, counterclockwise) and lifting the agitator 150 out of the impeller 120 once in the unlocked position.

FIG. 46A illustrates a cutaway side view of the agitator 150 and impeller 120 before installation of the agitator 150. FIG. 46B illustrates a perspective view of the impeller 120 before installation of the agitator 150. As shown, the first connector 152 is above and completely disconnected from the second connector 122. Moreover, the cover 1040 is in a raised position substantially covering the socket 126 and included lock portions 136 due to the operation of the biasing element 1042 pressing the cover 1040 upwards.

FIG. 47A illustrates a cutaway side view of the agitator 150 and impeller 120 with the agitator 150 pressed into the socket 126. FIG. 47B illustrates a perspective view of the impeller 120 with the agitator 150 being pressed into the socket 126. As shown, the pins 156 of the first connector 152 of the barrel 154 push the cover 1040 down against the biasing element 1042, such that the pins 156 move downwards between the lock portions 136 of the second connector 122

FIG. 48A illustrates a cutaway side view of the agitator 150 and impeller 120 with the agitator 150 rotated after being pressed into the socket 126. FIG. 48B illustrates a perspective view of the impeller 120 with the agitator 150 rotated after being pressed into the socket 126. As can be seen, the hooks 1024 of the pins 156 of the first connector 152 are rotated (e.g., clockwise) until coming into contact with the vertical portions 1030 of the lock portions 136 of the second connector 122.

FIG. 49A illustrates a cutaway side view of the agitator 150 and impeller 120 with the agitator 150 released upwards after being pressed and rotated into the socket 126. FIG. 49B illustrates a perspective view of the impeller 120 with the agitator 150 released upwards after being pressed and rotated into the socket 126. As can be seen, the hooks 1024 of the pins 156 of the first connector 152 are raised up into the hooks 1034 of the lock portions 136 of the second connector 122. The biasing element 1042 and cover 1040 may serve to maintain the agitator 150 and impeller 120 in this locked position.

FIG. 50 illustrates an example perspective view of the barrel 154 of the agitator 150 without the basket 1000 or handle portion 151 installed. As shown, the barrel 154 defines a series of upper water passages 1050 and lower water passages 1052 facilitating the flow of water into and out of the agitator 150. The upper water passages 1050 include a concentric series of circular through holes along the upper end of the barrel 154, while the lower water passages 1052 define two concentric rings of circular through holes along the lower end of the barrel 154. Circular through holes may minimize stress concentration, but other shapes of water passages 1050, 1052 are possible. It should be noted that this is only one example, and the spacing and size of the water passages 1050, 1052 may be optimized to balance factors such as structural integrity, water flow, prevention of passage of laundry items, and aesthetics. In another example, the water passages 1050, 1052 may be defined along the vertical extent of the barrel 154, as shown in FIG. 36 (for example).

FIG. 51 illustrates an example perspective view of the basket 1000 uninstalled from the barrel 154. The basket 1000 may be of a generally cylindrical shape and may define a hollow interior. As illustrated, the basket 1000 has a closed bottom, generally cylindrical sides, and an open top. The basket 1000 may, in some examples, taper inward (as the barrel 154 tapers inwards), generally reducing in diameter from the handle portion 151 to the bottom end of the barrel 154 that connects to the impeller 120. In general the basket 1000 may be smaller than the barrel 154 as the basket 1000 is sized to be received inside the barrel 154.

The basket 1000 may also define basket water passages 1054 facilitating the flow of water into and out of the agitator 150. The basket water passages 1054 may include various patterns of openings to facilitate the free flow of water. As shown, the basket water passages 1054 include circular through holes along the vertical extent of the basket 1000. Additionally, the basket 1000 may define handle cutouts 1056, here shown as elongate slots in the top row of basket water passages 1054, that may be used to aid in lifting the basket 1000 out of the barrel 154. It should be noted that this is only one example, and the spacing and size of the basket water passages 1054 and handle cutouts 1056 may be optimized to balance factors such as structural integrity, water flow, prevention of passage of laundry items, and aesthetics.

FIG. 52A illustrates a side perspective view of the handle portion 151 of the filtering agitator 150, while FIG. 52B illustrates another perspective view of the handle portion 151 illustrating the interior of the handle portion 151. As best seen in FIGS. 50 and 52B, the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical base 162 of the handle portion 151 may define threads 1058 to allow for the handle portion 151 to be screwed onto corresponding threads 1060 of the annular connection portion 165 of the barrel 154. When screwed on and attached, the handle portion 151 secures the basket 1000 in place inside the barrel 154. When unscrewed and detached, the handle portion 151 may be removed, allowing for the basket 1000 to be removed.

FIGS. 53A-53H collectively illustrate the steps for accessing the basket 1000 from the agitator 150. FIG. 53A shows the rotation of the handle portion 151 to unscrew the threads 1058 of handle portion 151 from the threads 1060 of the agitator 150. FIG. 53B shows the lifting and removal of the handle portion 151 from the agitator 150. This exposes the basket 1000 inside the barrel 154 of the agitator 150. FIG. 53C shows the lifting out of the basket 1000 from the interior of the barrel 154. FIG. 53D shows agitator 150 without the basket 1000 inside. At this point, the user may tighten the handle portion 151 back onto the barrel 154 and cause the laundry treating appliance 10 to perform a cycle of operation without the clothes mover 100. Or, the user may clean or fill the basket 1000 while outside of the laundry treating appliance 10 to be returned to the barrel 154. FIG. 53E shows the basket 1000 being returned to a position inside the barrel 154. FIG. 53F shows the basket 1000 being lowered into the barrel 154. FIG. 53G shows the rotation of the handle portion 151 to screw the threads 1058 of handle portion 151 onto the threads 1060 of the agitator 150. FIG. 53H shows the reassembled agitator 150 with the clothes mover 100 inside the barrel 154.

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various aspects can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature may not be illustrated in all of the aspects of the disclosure is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different aspects can be mixed and matched as desired to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are expressly described. Combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure.

This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. While the aspects of the present disclosure have been specifically described in connection with certain specific details thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, which is defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the aspects of the present disclosure are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	17010422	Sep 2020	US
Child	18439148		US

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	18439148	Feb 2024	US
Child	19064214		US

REMOVABLE AGITATOR WITH FABRIC SOFTENER DISPENSER

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