Device configured to hold objects in an appliance

Abstract

An appliance comprises a wash tub and a wash basket in which clothes to be washed are positioned. In one embodiment, the wash basket has a first region that is permeable to the washing fluid and a second region in which washing fluid is retained. The wash basket comprises a first wall that forms an outer shell and in which is disposed a second wall that tapers towards the center axis from the first region to the bottom of the outer shell. The second wall forms an inner or first compartment and an outer or second compartment, which is adjacent to and in flow connection with the first compartment proximate the first region. When implemented in an appliance such as a washing machine, the second wall is configured so that the washing fluid moves from the second region to the first region in response to rotation of the wash basket.

1 . A wash basket, comprising:
 a first region in which a first wall is permeable to a washing fluid; and   a second region below the first region and in Which is disposed a second wall forming a first compartment and a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment,   wherein the second wall forms an inner boundary of the second compartment and the first wall forms an outer boundary of the second compartment, and   wherein, proximate the first region, the second compartment is in flow connection with the first compartment.   
     
     
         2 . A wash basket according to  claim 1 , wherein the second wall is tapered at an angle from the first wall towards a center axis of said wash basket. 
     
     
         3 . A wash basket according to  claim 2 , wherein the angle is from about 4″ to about 12″. 
     
     
         4 . A wash basket according to  claim 1 , wherein the second wall comprises a an inner member and an outer member separated by a gap. 
     
     
         5 . A wash basket according to  claim 4 , wherein the outer member is offset from the first wall at the end, and wherein one or more spaces are formed by the offset and through which the washing fluid can flow between the outer member and the first wall. 
     
     
         6 . A wash basket according to  claim 4 , wherein the inner member comprises openings that permit the washing fluid to flow into the gap. 
     
     
         7 . A wash basket according to  claim 6 , wherein the outer member is configured to retain the washing fluid therein. 
     
     
         8 . A wash basket according to  claim 1 , wherein the second compartment comprises a drain feature that is configured to permit flow of washing fluid out of the second compartment. 
     
     
         9 . A wash basket according to  claim 8 , wherein the drain feature is positioned at a low point of a trough. 
     
     
         10 . A wash basket, comprising:
 a first wall forming an outer shell having a cylindrical shape and having a center axis; and   a second wall disposed in the outer shell, the second wall having a first end proximate a bottom section of the first wall and tapering at an angle from the first end away from the center axis to a second end proximate an upright section of the first wall,   wherein the outer shell has a first region configured to be permeable to liquids and a second region in which the first wall and the second wall are configured to form a first compartment and a second compartment,   wherein the second wall forms an inner boundary of the second compartment and the first wall forms an outer boundary of the second compartment, and   wherein, proximate the first region, the second compartment is in flow connection with the first compartment.   
     
     
         11 . A wash basket according to  claim 10 , further comprising an access feature disposed in the bottom section. 
     
     
         12 . A wash basket according to  claim 10 , wherein the second compartment comprises a trough with a drain feature disposed therein. 
     
     
         13 . A wash basket according to  claim 10 , wherein the second wall comprises an inner member and an outer member spaced apart from the inner member, and wherein the inner member is permeable to the washing fluid. 
     
     
         14 . A wash basket according to  claim 13 , wherein the inner member comprises grooves that are disposed longitudinally about the inner member. 
     
     
         15 . A wash basket according to  claim 10 , wherein, at the second end, the second wall is offset from the upright section of the first wall. 
     
     
         16 . An appliance, comprising:
 a wash basket comprising an first region with a plurality of perforations disposed in a first wall and a second region with a first compartment and a second compartment separated by a second wall; and   a wash tub surrounding and in spaced relation to the wash basket to form an annulus therebetween,   wherein the first compartment is configured to retain a washing fluid therein,   wherein the second wall comprises an inner member and an outer member separated from the inner member by a gap, and   wherein the inner member comprises openings that permit the washing fluid to flow into the gap.   
     
     
         17 . An appliance according to  claim 16 , wherein the second wall is configured so that rotation of the wash basket causes an upward flow of the washing fluid from the second region toward the first region. 
     
     
         18 . An appliance according to  claim 16 , wherein proximate the first region the second compartment is in flow connection with the first compartment. 
     
     
         19 . An appliance according to  claim 16 , wherein the annulus is less than about 25 mm. 
     
     
         20 . An appliance according to  claim 16 , wherein the first compartment is configured to hold 15 gal or less of the washing fluid.