REMOVABLE TANK FOR LAUNDRY BULK DISPENSER SYSTEM

• US 20090095750A1
• Filed: 10/12/2007
• Published: 04/16/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc. DBA GE Appliances (Haier Group Company)
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Mani, Madhusudhanan, Kakileti, Venkat, Polimetla, Sivaprasad, Krishnan, Kannan, Choursiya, Bhawesh Kumar, Vasan, Keerthi, Todd, John Micheal, Dressler, Craig Richard, Fain, Lee Andrew, Vitan, Craig Robert
• Granted Patent: US 8,056,747 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 220/23.83
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4253 Supporting arrangements for the casing, e.g. rollers or supporting legs
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 15/4418 in the form of liquids A47L15/4409, A47L15/4436, A47L15/4445 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/022 in a liquid state D06F39/024 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/125 Supporting arrangements for the casing, e.g. rollers or legs

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing removable storage tanks in an appliance having a pedestal are disclosed. The systems include a storage container located in the pedestal and configured to house an additive. In addition, a cover may be positioned within the pedestal to secure the container within the pedestal. The methods include manufacturing the pedestal such that when a storage container is placed in the pedestal, the storage container will fit in a predetermined orientation. The storage container may be manufactured such that when the storage container is placed in the pedestal the storage container can be secured in the pedestal with a cover.

Claims

1. A system for providing removable storage tanks in an appliance, the system comprising:

a first storage container configured to house a first additive, the first storage container being further configured for insertion and removal from the appliance without the use of tools, the first storage container having a first opening configured to allow the first additive to flow from the first storage container to the appliance.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second storage container, wherein the first and second storage containers are keyed to the appliance.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein keying the first and second storage containers to the appliance comprises the first and second storage containers being differing shapes such that the differing shapes designate a particular location for each of the first and second storage containers.

4. The system of claim 1, including a sensor, wherein the sensor is associated with the first storage container and operatively configured to indicate an amount of the first additive in the first storage container.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the sensor is a removable portion of the first storage container.

6. The system of claim 1, including a cover pivotally attached to the system, wherein the cover is configured to allow access to the first container.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pan located within the appliance, the pan configured to allow the first container to be positioned in the pan in a predetermined orientation.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the cover is configured to be childproof.

9. An appliance configured to include removable storage tanks, the appliance comprising at least:

a first storage container operatively connected to a first pump within the appliance, the first storage container being configured;

for insertion into a predetermined position within the appliance without the use of tools; and

to house a first additive.

10. The appliance of claim 9 including a sensor for use in association with the first storage container, wherein the sensor is operatively connected to a controller and configured to indicate an amount of the first additive within the first storage container.

11. The appliance of claim 10, wherein the sensor is removable from the first storage container.

12. The appliance of claim 9, further comprising a second storage container operatively connected to a second pump, wherein the first and second storage containers are keyed to the appliance.

13. The appliance of claim 9, wherein the first storage container is a smart container.

14. The appliance of claim 9, further comprising a second storage container, wherein the shape of the first storage container differs from the shape of the second storage container.

15. The appliance of claim 9 including a pan, wherein the pan is configured to allow the first container to be positioned within the appliance in a predetermined orientation.

16. The appliance of claim 9 including a cover that is pivotally attached and configured to allow access to the first container.

17. A method for providing removable storage tanks in an appliance, the method comprising:

positioning a first storage container in a predetermined orientation, wherein the container and the appliance are of a configuration that facilitates removably positioning the first storage container in the predetermined orientation; and

associating a sensor with the first storage container, wherein the sensor is operatively connected to a controller and configured to indicate an amount of a first additive within the first storage container.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising associating the first storage container with a first pump in order to facilitate delivery of the first additive within the first storage container.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the first storage container is of a configuration that facilitates receiving a sensor.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprises positioning a second storage container in a manner that facilitates the second storage container being keyed to the appliance and the first storage container.