Washing machine fill reservoir

• US 10,640,909 B2
• Filed: 12/21/2016
• Issued: 05/05/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 01/04/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: John Mccloy
• Original Assignee: John Mccloy
• Inventors: McCloy, John
• Primary Examiner(s): Osterhout, Benjamin L
• Application Number:
  US15/386,650
• Publication Number:
  US 20170191207A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,231 Days
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/02 Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/04 Heating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/083 Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/087 Water level measuring or regulating devices
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/088 Liquid supply arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/12 Casings; Tubs

Abstract

A washing machine fill reservoir includes a basin large enough to replenish a volume of water to adequately fill a washing machine drum of a washing machine. Inlet valves allow for introduction of hot and cold water and additives such as-soap, fabric softener, chlorine bleach and emulsifiers. A large orifice valve positioned between the washing machine fill reservoir and the washer drum enables prompt introduction of the fluid maintained in the washing machine fill reservoir to be conveyed into the washer drum. Fluid level in the washing machine fill reservoir may be either fixed volume or adjustable via an internal or external sensing device. The washing machine fill reservoir offers a significantly reduced operating duration of the washing machine, without diminishing the quality of the laundering process.

Claims

1. A fill reservoir for a washing machine comprising:

(a) a water liquid holding chamber, separate and distinct from that of the a washing machine drum;

(b) hot and cold water inlets incorporated into the liquid holding chamber, said liquid holding chamber configured to fill and retain a maximum volume of liquid required for each individual wash cycle segment, while other aspects of a wash cycle proceed;

(c) a heating element and corresponding thermostat monitor which provides an ability to maintain and/or boost the temperature of liquid prior to the liquid being introduced into the washing machine drum;

(d) a port or multiple ports for introducing liquid soaps, fabric softeners or other chemical compounds which enhance the laundering process;

(e) a conduit through which liquid can travel from the liquid holding chamber to the washing machine drum;

(f) a valve which restricts the travel of liquid through the conduit until such time as an introduction of such liquid is called for;

(g) a vent tube which connects an upper portion of the liquid holding chamber to an upper portion of the washing machine drum, which allows for equalization of air pressure during a process of liquid introduction into the washing machine drum; and

(h) a liquid pressure detector or liquid level indicator which provides an ability to determine a proper volume of liquid to be introduced into the liquid holding chamber, wherein said water liquid holding chamber includes a removable cover to avow internal access for cleaning purposes and to facilitate replacement of expendable component parts.

2. A fill reservoir for a washing machine comprising:

a liquid holding chamber, separate and distinct from that of a washing machine drum, the liquid holding chamber configured to fill and retain a volume of liquid required by the washing machine drum that is equal to a maximum amount necessary for each individual wash cycle segment, while other aspects of a wash cycle proceed;

a conduit through which liquid can travel from the liquid holding chamber to the washing machine drum; and

a valve which restricts the travel of liquid through the conduit until such time as the introduction of such liquid is called for;

a heating element and corresponding thermostat monitor that provides an ability to maintain and/or boost the temperature of liquid prior to the liquid being introduced into the washing machine drum; and

a port or multiple ports for introducing liquid soaps, fabric softeners or other chemical compounds which enhance the laundering process.

3. The fill reservoir for a washing machine according to claim 2, further comprising:

hot and cold water inlets incorporated into the liquid holding chamber.

4. The fill reservoir for a washing machine according to claim 2, further comprising:

a vent tube which connects an upper portion of the liquid holding chamber to an upper portion of the washing machine drum, the vent tube allowing for equalization of air pressure during a process of liquid introduction into the washing machine drum.

5. The fill reservoir for a washing machine according to claim 2, further comprising:

a liquid pressure detector or liquid level indicator which provides an ability to determine a proper volume of liquid to be introduced into the liquid holding chamber.

6. The fill reservoir for a washing machine according to claim 2, wherein:

said liquid holding chamber includes a removable cover to allow internal access for cleaning purposes and to facilitate replacement of expendable component parts.