Footwear Cleaner Assembly for a Washing Machine Appliance

The present subject matter relates generally to a washing machine appliance, and more particularly to a footwear cleaner assembly for a washing machine appliance.

Washing machine appliances generally include a cabinet which supports a wash tub for containing wash fluid, e.g., wash water, detergent, bleach, or other wash additives. A wash basket is mounted within the wash tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During operation of such washing machine appliances, wash fluid is directed into the wash tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the wash basket. The wash basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber in the wash fluid. A spin cycle is often included after some cycles, for example at the end of a wash cycle or a rinse cycle. During the spin cycle, the wash basket spins at a high speed to urge wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber.

Often, a user may utilize the washing machine appliance to launder heavy articles (e.g., comforter, towels, footwear, etc.). In some cases, laundering of these articles can impact the performance of the washing machine appliance. For example, the placement of the heavy articles within the wash basket can cause an uneven distribution of weight during a spin cycle. This can result in imbalances (e.g., excessive displacement of the wash tub and wash basket) of the washing machine appliance. In some instances, imbalances can cause excessive vibration, noise, or improper cleaning of the heavy articles within the wash basket. Additionally, imbalances can cause damage to the washing machine appliance over time due to repeated unwanted movements of the wash basket that may occur.

Accordingly, a washing machine appliance that obviates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be beneficial.

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a footwear cleaner assembly for a top-load washing appliance is provided. The top-load washing appliance may include a wash tub positioned within a cabinet. The top-load washing machine appliance may include a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub and defining a wash chamber. The top-load washing machine appliance may include an agitation element for imparting an oscillatory motion to articles. The footwear cleaner assembly may include a plurality of article baskets spaced circumferentially around the agitation element within the wash basket. Each article basket of the plurality of article baskets may include an outer wall, an inner wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The inner walls of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets together may define a first compartment for washing a first article set therebetween. The outer wall, the inner wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall of each article basket of the plurality of article baskets may define a second wash compartment for washing a second article set. The second wash compartment is positioned outside of the first wash compartment.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance may include a wash tub positioned within a cabinet. The wash tub may define an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The washing machine appliance may include a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub and defining a wash chamber configured for receiving a load of clothes. The washing machine appliance may include an agitation element for imparting an oscillatory motion to articles. The agitation element may extend along the axial direction and liquid in the wash basket. The washing machine appliance may include a footwear cleaner assembly positioned within the wash basket around the agitation element along the radial direction. The footwear cleaner assembly may include an outer ring interfaced with the wash basket. The footwear cleaner assembly may include an inner ring positioned inside the outer ring along the radial direction. The inner ring may define a first wash compartment positioned around the agitation element for washing a first article set. The outer ring and the inner ring may define a second wash compartment therebetween for washing a second article set. The second wash compartment may be positioned outside of the first wash compartment along the radial direction.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin (i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value). In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, such as, clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V).

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

Except as explicitly indicated otherwise, recitation of a singular processing element (e.g., “a controller,” “a processor,” “a microprocessor,” etc.) is understood to include more than one processing element. In other words, “a processing element” is generally understood as “one or more processing element.” Furthermore, barring a specific statement to the contrary, any steps or functions recited as being performed by “the processing element” or “said processing element” are generally understood to be capable of being performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements.” Thus, a first step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements,” and a second step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements and not necessarily by the same one of the one or more processing elements by which the first step or function is performed.” Moreover, it is understood that recitation of “the processing element” or “said processing element” performing a plurality of steps or functions does not require that at least one discrete processing element be capable of performing each one of the plurality of steps or functions.

Generally, a washing machine appliance may be provided in some aspects of the present disclosure. The washing machine appliance can include a cabinet having a wash tub positioned therewithin. A wash basket can be rotatably mounted within the wash tub. The wash basket can define a wash chamber for receiving a load of articles. In some cases, footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, etc.) may be received within the wash chamber for washing. The laundering of footwear articles within a washing machine appliance can cause numerous problems. For example, the laundering of footwear articles within a washing machine appliance can cause imbalances during operation of the washing machine appliance, such as during a spin cycle of the washing machine appliance. In some cases, a slight imbalance may cause vibration or noise. In some other cases, the wash tub may contact the cabinet of the appliance. These impacts or “cabinet strikes” are noisy and can cause the washing machine to “walk” on the floor. Over time, these impacts can damage the washing machine appliance. In yet some other cases, the imbalance can cause damage to the articles or may not sufficiently clean the articles positioned within the wash basket.

Notably, embodiments of the present subject matter may be generally directed to a footwear cleaner assembly that can be disposed or positioned within the wash basket of the washing machine appliance when laundering of footwear articles is desired. In several embodiments, the footwear cleaner assembly may include an outer ring and an inner ring that are positioned around the agitation element. The outer ring may be positioned adjacent (e.g., interfaced with) the wash basket. The inner ring may be positioned radially inward of the outer ring. Notably, an inner surface of the inner ring may define a first wash compartment around the agitation element for washing a first article set (e.g., clothing articles, such as shirts, pants, etc.). Moreover, the outer surface of the inner ring and an inner surface of the outer ring may define a second wash compartment for washing a second article set (e.g., footwear articles).

Turning now to the figures,illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine appliance. Specifically,illustrate perspective views of washing machine appliancein a closed and an open position, respectively.provides a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance. Washing machine appliancegenerally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance, it should be appreciated that vertical axis washing machine applianceis provided by way of example only. It will be understood that aspects of the present subject matter may be used in any other suitable washing machine appliance, such as a horizontal axis washing machine appliance. Indeed, modifications and variations may be made to washing machine appliance, including different configurations, different appearances, or different features while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

Washing machine appliancehas a cabinetthat extends between a top portionand a bottom portionalong the vertical direction V, between a first side (left) and a second side (right) along the lateral direction L, and between a front and a rear along the transverse direction T. As best shown in, a wash tubis positioned within cabinet, defines a wash chamber, and is generally configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. Washing machine appliancefurther includes a primary dispenser or dispensing assembly() for dispensing wash fluid into wash tub.

As may be seen in, the wash tubmay define an axial direction A. For example, the axial direction A may extend through the geometric center of the wash tub. For example, the axial direction A may be generally parallel to the vertical direction V. Also as may be seen, e.g., in, the wash tubmay further define a radial direction R perpendicular to the axial direction A and a circumferential direction C that extends around the axial direction A.

In addition, washing machine applianceincludes a wash basketthat is positioned within wash tuband generally defines an openingfor receipt of articles for washing. More specifically, wash basketis rotatably mounted within wash tubsuch that it is rotatable about an axis of rotation A. According to the illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation A is substantially parallel to the vertical direction V. In this regard, washing machine applianceis generally referred to as a “vertical axis” or “top load” washing machine appliance. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present subject matter may be used within the context of a horizontal axis or front load washing machine appliance as well.

As illustrated, cabinetof washing machine appliancehas a top panel. Top paneldefines an opening (e.g.,) that coincides with openingof wash basketto permit a user access to wash basket. Washing machine appliancefurther includes a doorwhich is rotatably mounted to top panelto permit selective access to opening. In particular, doorselectively rotates between the closed position (e.g.,) and the open position (e.g.,). In the closed position, doorinhibits access to wash basket. Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash basket. A windowin doorpermits viewing of wash basketwhen dooris in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance. Dooralso includes a handlethat, e.g., a user may pull or lift when opening and closing door. Further, although dooris illustrated as mounted to top panel, doormay alternatively be mounted to cabinetor any other suitable support.

As best shown in, wash basketfurther defines a plurality of perforationsto facilitate fluid communication between an interior of wash basketand wash tub. In this regard, wash basketis spaced apart from wash tubto define a space for wash fluid to escape wash chamber. During a spin cycle, wash fluid within articles of clothing and within wash chamberis urged through perforationswherein it may collect in a sumpdefined by wash tub. Washing machine appliancefurther includes a pump assembly() that is located beneath wash tuband wash basketfor gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub.

An impeller or agitation element(e.g.,), such as a vane agitator, impeller, auger, oscillatory basket mechanism, or some combination thereof is disposed in wash basketto impart an oscillatory motion to articles and liquid in wash basket. More specifically, agitation elementextends into wash basketand assists agitation of articles disposed within wash basketduring operation of washing machine appliance, e.g., to facilitate improved cleaning. In different embodiments, agitation elementincludes a single action element (i.e., oscillatory only), a double action element (oscillatory movement at one end, single direction rotation at the other end) or a triple action element (e.g., oscillatory movement plus single direction rotation at one end, single direction rotation at the other end). As illustrated in, agitation elementand wash basketare oriented to rotate about axis of rotation A (which is substantially parallel to vertical direction V).

As best illustrated in, washing machine applianceincludes a drive assembly or motor assemblyin mechanical communication with wash basketto selectively rotate wash basket(e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance). In addition, motor assemblymay also be in mechanical communication with agitation element. In this manner, motor assemblymay be configured for selectively rotating or oscillating wash basketor agitation elementduring various operating cycles of washing machine appliance.

More specifically, motor assemblymay generally include one or more of a drive motorand a transmission assembly, e.g., such as a clutch assembly, for engaging and disengaging wash basketor agitation element. According to the illustrated embodiment, drive motoris a brushless DC electric motor, e.g., a pancake motor. However, according to alternative embodiments, drive motormay be any other suitable type or configuration of motor. For example, drive motormay be an AC motor, an induction motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or any other suitable type of motor. In addition, motor assemblymay include any other suitable number, types, and configurations of support bearings or drive mechanisms.

Referring still to, a control panelwith at least one input selector() extends from top panel. Control paneland input selectorcollectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A displayof control panelindicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation.

Operation of washing machine applianceis controlled by a controller or processing devicethat is operatively coupled to control panelfor user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel, controlleroperates the various components of washing machine applianceto execute selected machine cycles and features. According to an exemplary embodiment, controllermay include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with methods described herein. Alternatively, controllermay be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control paneland other components of washing machine appliancemay be in communication with controllervia one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

During operation of washing machine appliance, laundry items are loaded into wash basketthrough opening, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors. Wash basketis filled with water and detergent or other fluid additives via primary dispenser. One or more valves can be controlled by washing machine applianceto provide for filling wash tuband wash basketto the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basketis properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basketcan be agitated (e.g., with agitation elementas discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket.

Referring again to, dispensing assemblyof washing machine appliancewill be described in more detail. As explained briefly above, dispensing assemblymay generally be configured to dispense wash fluid to facilitate one or more operating cycles or phases of an operating cycle (e.g., such as a wash cycle or a rinse cycle). The terms “wash fluid” and the like may be used herein to generally refer to a liquid used for washing or rinsing clothing or other articles. For example, the wash fluid is typically made up of water that may include other additives such as detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or other suitable treatments (including combinations thereof). More specifically, the wash fluid for a wash cycle may be a mixture of water, detergent, or other additives, while the wash fluid for a rinse cycle may be water only.

As best shown schematically in, dispensing assemblymay generally include a bulk storage tank or bulk reservoirand a dispenser box. More specifically, bulk reservoirmay be positioned under top paneland defines an additive reservoir for receiving and storing wash additive. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, bulk reservoirmay contain a bulk volume of wash additive (such as detergent or other suitable wash additives) that is sufficient for a plurality of wash cycles of washing machine appliance, such as no less than twenty wash cycles, no less than fifty wash cycles, etc. As a particular example, bulk reservoiris configured for containing no less than twenty fluid ounces, no less than three-quarters of a gallon, or about one gallon of wash additive. Optionally, a level detector(e.g., float sensor, conductivity sensor, pressure sensor, reed switch, etc.) configured to detect a volume of liquid within the bulk reservoirmay be provided. The level detectormay be in operative communication with (i.e., communicatively coupled to) the controller. Thus, controllermay be configured to detect a level of wash additive within the bulk reservoir (e.g., as one or more discrete levels or as a variable volumetric value).

As will be described in detail below, dispensing assemblymay include features for drawing wash additive from bulk reservoirand mixing it with water prior to directing the mixture into wash tubto facilitate a cleaning operation. By contrast, dispensing assemblyis also capable of dispensing water only. Thus, dispensing assemblymay automatically dispense the desired amount of water with or without a desired amount of wash additive such that a user can avoid filling dispenser boxwith detergent before each operation of washing machine appliance.

For example, as best shown in, washing machine applianceincludes an aspirator assembly, which is a Venturi-based dispensing system that uses a flow of water to create suction within a Venturi tube to draw in wash additive from bulk reservoirwhich mixes with the water and is dispensed into wash tubas a concentrated wash fluid preferably having a target volume of wash additive. After the target volume of wash additive is dispensed into wash tub, additional water may be provided into wash tubas needed to fill to the desired wash volume. It should be appreciated that the target volume may be preprogrammed in controlleraccording to the selected operating cycle or parameters, may be set by a user, or may be determined in any other suitable manner.

As illustrated, aspirator assemblymay include a Venturi pumpthat is fluidly coupled to both a water supply conduitand a suction line. As illustrated, water supply conduitmay provide fluid communication between a water supply source(such as a municipal water supply) and a water inlet of Venturi pump. In addition, washing machine applianceincludes a water fill valve or water control valvewhich is operably coupled to water supply conduitand is communicatively coupled to controller. In this manner, controllermay regulate the operation of water control valveto regulate the amount of water that passes through aspirator assemblyand into wash tub.

In addition, suction linemay provide fluid communication between bulk reservoirand Venturi pump(e.g., via a suction port defined on Venturi pump). Notably, as a flow of water is supplied through Venturi pumpto wash tub, the flowing water creates a negative pressure within suction line. This negative pressure may draw in wash additive from bulk reservoir. When certain conditions exist, the amount of wash additive dispensed is roughly proportional to the amount of time water is flowing through Venturi pump.

Referring still to, aspirator assemblymay further include a suction valvethat is operably coupled to suction lineto control the flow of wash additive through suction linewhen desired. For example, suction valvemay be a solenoid valve that is communicatively coupled with controller. Controllermay selectively open and close suction valveto allow wash additive to flow from bulk reservoirthrough additive suction valve. For example, during a rinse cycle where only water is desired, suction valvemay be closed to prevent wash additive from being dispensed through suction valve. In some embodiments, suction valveis selectively controlled based on at least one of the selected wash cycle, the soil level of the articles to be washed, and the article type. According to still other embodiments, no suction valveis needed at all and alternative means for preventing the flow of wash additive may be used or other water regulating valves may be used to provide water into wash tub.

Washing machine appliance, or more particularly, dispensing assembly, generally includes a discharge nozzlefor directing a flow of wash fluid (e.g., identified herein generally by reference numeral) into wash chamber. In this regard, discharge nozzlemay be positioned above wash tub proximate a rear of openingdefined through top panel. Dispensing assemblymay be regulated by controllerto discharge wash fluidthrough discharge nozzleat the desired flow rates, volumes, or detergent concentrations to facilitate various operating cycles, e.g., such as wash or rinse cycles.

Although water supply conduit, water supply source, discharge nozzle, and water control valveare all described and illustrated herein in the singular form, it should be appreciated that these terms may be used herein generally to describe a supply plumbing for providing hot or cold water into wash chamber. In this regard, water supply conduitmay include separate conduits for receiving hot and cold water, respectively. Similarly, water supply sourcemay include both hot- and cold-water supplies regulated by dedicated valves. In addition, washing machine appliancemay include one or more pressure sensors (not shown) for detecting the amount of water and or clothes within wash tub. For example, the pressure sensor may be operably coupled to a side of tubfor detecting the weight of wash tub, which controllermay use to determine a volume of water in wash chamberand a subwasher load weight.

After wash tubis filled and the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basketcan be drained, e.g., by drain pump assembly. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basketdepending on the specifics of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller or agitation elementmay again provide agitation within wash basket. One or more spin cycles may also be used as part of the cleaning process. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basketis rotated at relatively high speeds to help wring fluid from the laundry articles through perforations. During or prior to the spin cycle, drain pump assemblymay operate to discharge wash fluid from wash tub, e.g., to an external drain. After articles disposed in wash basketare cleaned or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket, e.g., by reaching into wash basketthrough opening.

Referring now to, a top-down view of the wash basketis provided. In some embodiments, a footwear cleaner assemblyis positioned within the wash basket. Particularly, the footwear cleaner assembly may be disposed or positioned within the wash basket (e.g., around the agitation element) when laundering of footwear articles is desired. As will be appreciated in more detail below, the footwear cleaner assemblymay define a hollowed-out ring or toroid (e.g., open, rectangular toroid) that can physically separate two or more articles sets within the wash basket. For example, the footwear cleaner assemblymay advantageously allow laundering of a first article set (e.g., normal clothing articles such as pants, shirts, etc.) and a second article set that is different from the first article set (e.g., footwear articles such as shoes, sandals, etc.).

Notably, the footwear cleaner assemblymay be a removeable component that a user may selectively place within the wash basket. In this regard, when a user wants to launder footwear articles, they may place the footwear cleaner assemblyinto the wash basketof the washing machine appliance. Conversely, when a user does not want to launder footwear articles, they may remove the footwear cleaner assemblyfrom the wash basket. For example, when a user wants to launder only normal clothing articles (e.g., shirts, pants, socks, etc.), the user may remove the footwear cleaner assemblyto maximize the wash space within the wash basket.

As mentioned above, the footwear cleaner assemblymay be positioned around the agitation element(e.g., along the radial direction R). For example, the footwear cleaner assemblyinterface with a perimeter walland form a friction fit (e.g. an interference fit) therebetween). Additionally or alternatively, the footwear cleaner assemblymay be rested on a bottom wall of the wash basketand positioned around an impeller portionof the agitation element. Generally, the footwear cleaner assemblymay include an outer ringand an inner ring. In particular, the outer ringmay interface with a perimeter wallof the wash basket. The inner ringmay be positioned inside (e.g., along the radial direction R) the outer ring. The inner ringmay include an inner surfaceand an outer surface. The inner surfaceof the inner ringmay be positioned inside (e.g., along the radial direction R) of the outer surfaceof the inner ring.

The outer ringmay include a top edgeand a bottom edge. The top edgeof the outer ringmay be positioned above the bottom edgeof the outer ring(e.g., along the axial direction A, such as when the footwear cleaner assemblyis installed within the wash basket). The inner ringmay include a top edgeand a bottom edge. The top edgeof the inner ringmay be positioned above the bottom edgeof the inner ring(e.g., along the axial direction A, such as when the footwear cleaner assemblyis installed within the wash basket). The top edgeof the outer ring may be positioned axially above the top edgeof the inner ring. Similarly, the bottom edgeof the outer ringmay be positioned axially above the bottom edgeof the inner ring. As will be appreciated in more detail below (e.g., with reference to), the footwear cleaner assemblymay also include a cutout or a notchat the bottom edge of the outer ring. The notchmay be shaped to accommodate the curved or rounded bottom edge of the wash basket.

The inner surfaceof the inner ringmay define a first wash compartmentpositioned around the agitation element. During operation of the washing machine appliance, the first wash compartmentmay be configured to contain or hold a first article set. The first article set can include conventional or normal clothing articles such as pants, shirts, socks, etc. Moreover, the outer ringand the inner ringmay define a second wash compartmenttherebetween. For instance, the outer ringmay include an inner surfaceand an outer surface. The outer surfaceof the outer ringmay be positioned outside of the inner surfaceof the outer ring(e.g., along the radial direction R). The outer surfaceof the outer ringmay be interfaced with the perimeter wallof the wash basket. The inner surfaceof the outer ringmay be positioned inside of the outer surfaceof the outer ring(e.g., along the radial direction R). The inner surfaceof the outer ringand the outer surfaceof the inner ringmay together define the second wash compartment. During operation of the washing machine appliance, the second wash compartmentmay contain or hold a second article set. The second article set may include articles that are different from the first article set. Particularly, the second article set may include footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, etc.). The second wash compartmentmay be positioned outside of the first wash compartment(e.g., along the radial direction R). In this regard, during operation of the washing machine appliance, a user may be able to launder the first article set and the second article set simultaneously. Moreover, the first article set and the second article set may be physically separated from one another during operation of the washing machine appliance.

In some embodiments, the footwear cleaner assemblymay advantageously include a plurality of article basketsthat are positioned circumferentially around the agitation element(e.g., to form the shape of the footwear cleaner assembly). For instance, as illustrated in, the footwear cleaner assemblyincludes four article baskets that are positioned circumferentially around the agitation element. Notably, the plurality of article basketsmay improve the installation process of the footwear cleaner assembly(e.g., when compared to a monolithic or single structure footwear cleaner assembly). For example, a monolithic or single structure cleaning assembly may be cumbersome or difficult for a user to place into the wash basketor take out of the wash basket, for example, some appliances may have a lip or overhang that is present at the top of the wash tub. The lip or overhang of such appliances may make it difficult or impossible to install a monolithic or single structure cleaning assembly. Notably, the exemplary plurality of article basketsof the exemplary footwear cleaner assemblymay be individually placed within the wash basketand aligned such that the shape of the footwear cleaner assemblyis formed within the wash basket.

As should be appreciated, the illustrated number of article baskets included in the plurality of article basketsis provided by way of example only. In additional or alternative exemplary embodiments, the plurality of article basketsmay include two or more article baskets. For example, the plurality of article basketsmay include two article baskets, three article baskets, six article baskets, or any other suitable number of article baskets.

As will be described in greater detail below, the plurality of article basketsmay include walls that segment or divide the second wash compartmentinto a plurality of wash sub-compartments. Notably, the wash sub-compartmentsdefined by the plurality of article basketsmay allow user to separate footwear articles into individual wash sub-compartments(e.g., for ease of washing the footwear articles). Particularly, referring now to, an article basketof the plurality of article basketsis described in detail herein. As should be appreciated, only a discrete article basket of the plurality of article basketsis described herein for the sake of brevity and clarity only. One of ordinary skill in the art would clearly recognize that all of the article baskets of the plurality of article basketsmay be configured or constructed in the same or similar manner as the exemplary article basket.

The exemplary article basket may include an outer wall, an inner wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The outer walland the inner wallmay be spaced apart (e.g., along the radial direction R, such as when the article basketis installed within the wash basket). In this regard, when installed within the wash basket, the outer wallmay form a portion of the outer ringof the footwear cleaner assemblyand the inner wallmay form a portion of the inner ringof the footwear cleaner assembly. Together, the inner wallsof each article basket of the plurality of article basketstogether define the first wash compartmentfor laundering the first article set.

In addition, the first side walland the second side wallmay define circumferential boundaries of the article basket. The first side walland the second side wallmay generally be shaped complementary to one another. For example, the first side walland the second side wallmay be angled relative to the outer walland the inner wallsuch that they are complementary to one another. In this regard, when an adjacent article basket is positioned within the wash basket, the first side wallof the exemplary article basketand the second side wallof the adjacent article basketmay interface with one another. Together, the outer wall, the inner wall, the first side wall, and the second side wallof the exemplary article basketmay define a second wash sub-compartmentof the second wash compartment. In some embodiments, the first side wall, the second side wall, and the outer wallof each article basket of the plurality of article basketsdefine the notchfor accommodating the outer bottom edge of the wash basket. For instance, the notchmay correspond to the bottom edge of the wash basket(e.g., as a complementary or matched surface) such that the footwear cleaner assemblymay sit flush to the perimeter walland bottom wall of the wash basket.

In some embodiments, the walls of the article basket(e.g., the outer wall, the inner wall, the first side wall, or the second side wallof the article basket) may define a plurality of wash fluid holes(e.g., extending radially) therethrough. The plurality of wash fluid holesmay permit the flow of wash fluid (e.g., into and out of the second wash sub-compartments) during operation of the washing machine appliance(e.g., during a wash cycle of the washing machine appliance). In some embodiments, each wash fluid hole of the plurality of wash fluid holesis shaped to permit the flow of wash fluid during operation. In some embodiment (e.g.,), the exemplary plurality of wash fluid holesdefine a rectangular shape. However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the plurality of wash fluid holesdefine any suitable shape (e.g., circular, trapezoidal, oval, etc.). Notably, the wash fluid holesadvantageously allow water to seep into the second wash compartment(e.g., during a fill stage of a wash cycle) and seep out of the second wash compartment(e.g., during a rinse stage or a spin stage of a wash cycle).

Optionally, the footwear cleaner assemblymay include a lid assemblyattached to the top edgeof the outer ringand the top edgeof the inner ring. The lid assemblymay be selectively moveable (e.g., hingeable, removable, etc.) to transition the footwear cleaner assemblybetween an open position and a closed position. Particularly, in the open position, the lid assemblymay be positioned relative to the plurality of article basketssuch that the second wash compartment, or a portion thereof (e.g., a second wash sub-compartment), is accessible. In this regard, in the open position, a user may be capable of positioning footwear articles within the second wash compartment(e.g., for laundering) or removing footwear articles from the second wash compartment(e.g., after laundering is complete). In the closed position, the lid assemblymay be positioned relative to the plurality of article basketssuch that the second wash compartment, or a portion thereof (e.g., a second wash sub-compartment) is not accessible (e.g., to a user). For instance, when footwear articles are placed within the second wash compartment(e.g., for laundering), the lid assemblymay be transitioned to the closed positioned. Thus, during a wash cycle, axial movement of the footwear articles may be constrained by the lid assembly. Notably, this may prevent or mitigate unnecessary movement that can cause noise (e.g., banging, rumbling, etc.) or damage to the washing machine applianceduring a wash cycle of the washing machine appliance.