Installation system for stacked appliances

• US 5,956,790 A
• Filed: 10/08/1998
• Issued: 09/28/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Maytag Corporation (Whirlpool Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Maytag Corporation (Whirlpool Corporation)
• Inventors: Wunderlich, Daniel F., Braunschweig, James R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stinson, Frankie L.
• Application Number:
  US09/168,546
• Time in Patent Office: 355 Days
• Field of Search: 68/3 R, 68/19.2, 68/20, 8/158, 8/159
• US Class Current: 8/159
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 29/00 Combinations of a washing machine with other separate apparatus in a common frame or the like, e.g. with rinsing apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 29/005 the other separate apparatus being a drying appliance
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/12 Casings; Tubs

Abstract

An improved installation system for a stacked washer and dryer appliance assembly having an exhaust vent and a gas system is provided. The exhaust vent system includes an exhaust bracket extending upwardly from the back of the washer. The exhaust bracket is adapted to be connected to a household exhaust duct, with the exhaust pipe of the dryer being automatically sealingly engaged with the exhaust bracket upon positioning of the dryer on the washer. The gas system includes a gas pipe in the washer, and having a rearward end extending out of the back of the washer for connection to a gas source. The forward end of the gas pipe has a shutoff valve, which is adapted to be connected to a gas line operatively mounted in the dryer. All of the connections for the power, water, exhaust, and gas for the stacked appliances can be quickly and easily made, without having to stand behind the appliance assembly after the dryer is mounted on the washer.

Claims

1. An improved stacked appliance assembly including a lower washer and an upper dryer, the washer and dryer each having a front, a back, a top, a bottom, and opposite sides, the improvement comprising:

a gas pipe mounted in the washer and having a first end extending out of the washer for attachment to a gas source and a second end; and

a gas line mounted in the dryer for attachment to the second end of the gas pipe after the dryer is positioned on the washer.

2. The improved stacked appliance assembly of claim 1 further comprising a gas valve on the second end of the gas pipe to control gas flow from the gas source to the gas line of the dryer.

3. The improved stacked appliance assembly of claim 1 wherein the second end of the gas pipe is positioned adjacent the front of the washer.

4. The improved stacked appliance assembly of claim 1 wherein the second end of the gas pipe is positioned adjacent the top of the washer.

5. A method of assembling stacked appliances including a washer and a gas dryer, comprising:

coupling a first end of a gas pipe mouted in and extending from the washer to a gas source;

positioning the dryer upon the washer; and

then

coupling a gas line in the dryer to a second end of the gas pipe.

6. The method of claim 5, including positioning the washer adjacent a rear wall before positioning the dryer on the washer.