US5067253A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lint collecting device
Assignee: Whirlpool Corp
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Filing: 1990-11-07
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Granted: 1991-11-26
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Expires: 2010-11-07
Abstract
Abstract A lint collecting device, particularly suited for use in a clothes dryer has an access opening through a front wall of the dryer above the horizontal access of the dryer and laterally offset and spaced from a vertical line passing through the access. The lint collecting device includes a lint screen held horizontally in a lint collecting zone formed in an air duct within the dryer cabinet and a viewing window is provided in the air duct and the dryer cabinet to render a portion of the lint screen visible from the exterior of the cabinet. A light source may be provided for illuminating a portion of the lint screen.
Inventors
- 👤 Dennis W. Hauch
- 👤 Kurt Werner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 21:43
CPC Classifications
D; D06; D06F; D06F58/00; D06F58/20; D06F58/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A lint collecting device mounted within an outer enclosure comprising: an air duct, positioned within said enclosure and adjacent to a wall of said enclosure, through which lint laden air is directed; means for collecting lint positioned in an enclosed lint collecting zone in said duct; an air inlet and an air outlet for said air duct being positioned so as not to be visible from an exterior of said enclosure; and air impermeable means for rendering at least a portion of said means for collecting lint in said lint collecting zone visible through said wall of said enclosure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
A lint collecting device mounted within an outer enclosure comprising: an air duct, positioned within said enclosure and adjacent to a wall of said enclosure, through which lint laden air is directed; means for collecting lint positioned in an enclosed lint collecting zone in said duct; an air inlet and an air outlet for said air duct being positioned so as not to be visible from an exterior of said enclosure; and air impermeable means for rendering at least a portion of said means for collecting lint in said lint collecting zone visible through said wall of said enclosure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A lint collecting device according to claim 1, wherein said means for collecting lint comprises a screen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A lint collecting device according to claim 1, wherein said means for rendering comprises a transparent window in said duct.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A lint collecting device according to claim 1, wherein said means for collecting lint is removable from said duct at a front of said duct.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
82 words
A lint collecting device comprising: an air duct through which lint laden air is directed; means for collecting lint positioned in a lint collecting zone in said duct; and means comprising a transparent window in said duct for rendering at least a portion of said means for collecting lint in said lint collecting zone visible from an exterior of said duct; and a light source illuminating at least said portion of said means for collecting lint which is visible through said window.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
82 words
A lint collecting device comprising: an air duct through which lint laden air is directed; means for collecting lint positioned in a lint collecting zone in said duct; and means comprising a transparent window in said duct for rendering at least a portion of said means for collecting lint in said lint collecting zone visible from an exterior of said duct; and a light source illuminating at least said portion of said means for collecting lint which is visible through said window.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
81 words
A lint collecting device comprising: an air duct through which lint laden air is directed; a screen for collecting lint positioned in a lint collecting zone in said duct; and means for rendering at least a portion of said screen in said lint collecting zone visible from an exterior of said duct; and said screen being removable form said duct by means of a handle and an interlock mechanism being provided to prevent unauthorized removal of said screen from said duct.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
81 words
A lint collecting device comprising: an air duct through which lint laden air is directed; a screen for collecting lint positioned in a lint collecting zone in said duct; and means for rendering at least a portion of said screen in said lint collecting zone visible from an exterior of said duct; and said screen being removable form said duct by means of a handle and an interlock mechanism being provided to prevent unauthorized removal of said screen from said duct.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-11-25 | 1995-05-27 | 1995-11-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-11-25 | 1999-05-27 | 1999-11-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-11-25 | 2003-05-27 | 2003-11-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |