US1382992A - Washing-machine - Google Patents

Description

N. LOMBARD.

WASHING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG-14, 1920.

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WASHING MACHINE APPLICATION FILED AUGHM, 2920.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

NATHANIEL LOMBARD, or WORCESTER. MASSACHUSETTS, assrenon To nomnnnn,

WHITE COM S ER, MASSACHUSETTS, A conromrron or MASSA- cnUsETTs.

WASHING-MACHINE.

Specification 01' Letters latent. Patent d J 2 1921 Application filed August 14, 1920. Serial No. 403,520.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, NATHANIEL LOMBARD, a citizen of the United States, residing at Worcester, in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and useful Washing-Machine, of which the following is a specification.-

This invention relates to improvements over the washing machine disclosed in my prior Patent No. 944,736, dated December 28,1909.

The principal objects of this inventlon are to improve and perfect the mechanism shown in that patent; to make the tub more sanitary; to provide what is virtually a rubbing action in connection therewith, but without employing any moving parts; to proyide an improved arrangement of parts for circulating the water through the system; to provide a means for separating solid partlcles and a dirt, so arranged that it can be cleaned out readily, and to combine with it in a practical manner a wringer and means for operating it.

The invention also involves the construction of the washing tub in such a form as to make it readily accessible, easily cleaned and to improve the circulation of the water and clothing. Further objects and advantages ofthe invention will appear hereinafter.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which-- Figure 1 is a plan of a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 2 is a central sectional view of the same on the line 22 of Fig. 1 without the wringer, and

Fig. 3 is a central sectional view on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1 showing the wringer in elevation and in positioning for wringing.

The invention is illustrated in a form in which the washing tub 10 has a shape preferably conical or cylindrical, but having a hemispherical bottom. By virtue of this novel and symmetrical shape, combined with the method of its use, this tub with the exception of the grid 12 can be conveniently made of cast iron. in one piece with the overflow chamber 11, and virtually enameled. It can be more easily kept. therefore, in a sanitary condition and protected from corrosion. than if japanned or left unfinished altogether. the only practicable alternative in this instance as located hitherto for tre'atin metallic surfaces in washing machines. 'lhe smooth vitreous surface also nrotects the washing from being torn and prolongs the life of the machine.

The bottom of the tub 10 has a circular open ng in which is fitted a grid 12 that is provided with numerous small perforations and a cylindrical flange 37. Through this the overflow of water in the tub is discharged into a circular overflow chamber 11, shown underneath the bottom of the tub or casing and adapted to receive the water directly therefrom.

This overflow chamber has a centrally located flaring outlet tube 13 connecting with a suction pipe 14 below, into which the water 1s discharged. The grid 12 although described above as perforated is provided with a central portion 15 and preferably of about the same diameter as the flaring inlet mouth of the tube 13. This design obviously provldes a comparatively quiet space at 16 around the bottom of the tube 13, and permits dirt to settle on the walls of chamber 12 as the stream of water changes its direction and velocity while passing from the tube 10 to the suction pipe 14. Access may be had to space 11 for cleansing purposes by lifting out grid 12, which rests on its cylindrical flange 37 loosely fitted into chamber 11.

The outlet pipe 14 passes to the pump 20 of the rotary type, operated by motor 21 directly connected by a shaft 22. In the normal operation of the device this pump lifts water under pressure and under considerable velocity into a pipe 23. This extends up over the upper edge of the tub or receptacle 10 and has a nozzle 24 delivering downwardly into such receptacle preferably in a direction parallel with the inner cylindrical surface thereof, and close to the side of the tub.

In the pipe 23 there is a valve 26 which can be turned to open connection with a hose pipe 27 which can be connected into a trap connected with the sewer system. This pipe also is connected with the supply pipe .28, connected with the water heating system. It can be turned to two different positions. In one position the hot or cold water passes into the tub the reverse way, through the pump from the pipe 28. In that case elec tricity is shut ofl from the motor. In the same position the hose 27 can be connected to discharge water from the tub into the waste, the motor being operated by electricity to speed up the discharge. its second position cuts off the pi )e 27 and connects the pump with the pipe 23 for the normal operation of the machine, the supply coming constantly down the pipe 14:.

The pump and the motor 21 are mounted on a bracket 29 supported on the base of the machine in any convenient position. Preferably they are partly inclosed within the lower part or supporting legs 19 of the structure.

By making the bottom hemispherical and placing the overflow openings low in 'it, the stream of flowing water is contracted later- I ally at the bottom. The clothing therefore,

is concentrated and speeded up as it passes over the grid and the rubbing action increased.

On the top of the tub 10, T have shown a bracket 30. This is provided with a fiat circular upper surface 31, about a central pivot on which is adapted to oscillate the frame 32 of a wringer 33. The surface 31 has perforations at various angular distances from each other, and the wringer frame has a spring pin 3% with a head on it.

The pin is adapted to enter any of the per forations and thus hold the wringer at any desired angular position. it may therefore be operated to wring the clothes not only as they are taken from the washing machine but between it and an adjacent set tub, or between two adjacent set tubs. On the frame 32 on which this wringer is mountedis an additional motor 35 connected by reducing gearing 36.

lln this way it will be seen that as two separate motors are employed, each one can be particularly designed for its own use instead of having a compromise motor not absolutely suited to either use as heretofore has been the custom. The wringer unit also is a separate unit by itself and can be manufactured and set up in its entirety with its motor attached, at an entirely diiferentplace of manufacture from that at which the rest of the machine is made, if desired. Furthermore, if several sizes of washing machines and wringers are made and a customer desires a diflerent combination between them, from the one ordinarily recommended by the manufacturers, that can be provided for without making any changes in the mechanism or connections. The electrical connections are made separate for the two motors so that there is absolutely no danger of starting the wrong machine or starting up a motor when it is connected to the machine that it is not intended to operate at that time.

In the preferred method of operation of the device, hot water is introduced into the tub 10, which may be done by operating the masses valve 26 to draw it from the pipe 28. Soap or other detergent material is added. If it is desired to commence the ordinary washing operation by first making suds the water is allowed to run in until its level is just below the bottom of the nozzle 24. If that is not desired, the water is run up to cover the bottom of this nozzle. In either case the valve 26 is turned to connect the pump 20 with the pipe 23 and electricity is then turned on the motor 91. Now the operation of the pump 20 draws water down through the pipe 14: and forces it up at considerable velocity through the pipe 23. it is forced downwardly through the nozzle 24: in a direction along the side of the tub 10. If the water is not up to the level of the bottom of the nozzle 2% air will be entrained with it and the contents will foam, can sin the formation of suds. If this is desired the device is allowed to run in that way only long enough to develop suliicient suds, when more water is introduced to bring the level up above the bottom of the nozzle. The motor will then continue to circulate the water as it did before, except for the introduction of air. Clothing is put into the water, and the entering stream will force both it and the clothing to take a rotary course in the tub as indicated b the arrows showing the current of water in *ig. 2. This gives the whole washing a rapid overturning and rotation, causing bending and distortion of the fabric, bringing all fibers into intimate contact with the washing fluid and performing an efficient washing operation as stated in my above mentioned patent. in addition, however, I find that a rubbing action is secured and the efficiency of the machine much improved without introducing any mechanism, rotating members, or moving parts into the tub by means of first passing the overflow water through a grid in contact with the clothes as just above described, before it goes to the pump.

The withdrawal of the water at high speed through the perforations in the grid, causes the clothing to be pushed against and rubbed along the perforated surface thereof, thus loosening the dirt. Also, the Spurting of the currents of water directly through the clothing and grid, while it is receiving its rubbing action, further tends to extract dirt therefrom.

The current of water, after passing through the perforations in the grid 12 eddies slowly downwardly into the large space 16 around the outlet tube 13 and under the overhanging edge thereof. It then moves slowly upward over this edge along its entire circumference and then downward through the tube to the pump. This leaves a comparatively quiet area at 16 all around the outside of this tube 13, thus leaving the dirt to settle. After the washing water is withdrawn the grid can be lifted out very readily and the white enamel interior surface thoroughly cleaned from above.

From what has been stated, it can be seen that this machine has all the advantages of the machine set forth in my above mentioned patent, and embodies all the principles thereof; that the clothing is washed without the presence of any moving parts in the tub and therefore without wear upon it, and yet an additional rubbing action is secured. Furthermore, there is no obstacle in the top of the device and therefore the operator can observe the progress of the work as often as desired, and can lift the clothing out at any time to see whether it needs further washing without stopping the process. The pro vision of separate motors for the pump and wringer is a matter of importance for the reasons above stated. However, I am proceeding to manufacture machines of a small size for special purposes without the provision of a power wringer.

Although I have illustrated and described only one embodiment of the invention, I am aware of the fact that modifications can be made therein by any person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the claims; therefore I do not wish to be limited to all the details of construction and combinations of parts herein shown and described, but what I do claim is 2-- 1. In a washing machine, the combination with a tub or receptacle for the water and articles to be washed,having in a wall thereof, adapted to be covered by the water, a perforated surface, of means for introducing water into said receptacle in a direction .to produce an endless current around said receptacle and along said perforated surface, give the contents of the receptacle a whirling motion therein, and draw the arti- --cles to be washed along said perforated surface' and substantially in contact therewith during their whirling course, and means for drawing the overflow out through said perforations during the continuance of the whirling motion to keep the level of water in the receptacle constant.

2. In a washing machine, the combination with a receptacle or'tub having a rounded bottom, a nozzle for introducing water into the same in a tangential direction to cause a whirling motion of the contents of said receptacle, and means for drawing the water out of the receptacle through a plurality of openings in the stationary wall at a point below the top thereof whereby the articles to' be washed will be drawn toward the same and in contact with the surface through which the water passes out.

3. In a washing machine, the combination with a receptacle for the water and articles to be Washed having a curved interior. of

means for introducing water tangentially into the same to produce a whirling motion of the contents of said receptacle, said receptacle having a perforated portion below the top thereof through which the water is discharged therefrom and in contact with which the articles to be washed are passed during their circulation in said receptacle.

4. In a washing machine, the combination with a tub or receptacle for the water and articles to be washed having in a wall thereof adapted to be covered by the water a stationary surface having perforations therethrough, of means for drawing the overflow out through said perforations and for introducing it at a high velocity back into the receptacle in a direction to produce a current therein and to draw the articles to be washed along with said current over said perforated surface, thereby producing a rubbing action.

5. In a washing machine, the combination with a receptacle for the water and articles to be washed having a curved interior and a perforated area below the top thereof, of means for introducing water tangentially into the receptacle to produce a continuous whirling motion of the contents thereof in a current passing over said area, and means beyond said area and below the top of said receptacle for receiving water therefrom and separating dirt from the water.

6. In a washing machine, the combination with a receptacle or tub having a rounded bottom, a nozzle for introducing water into the same in a tangential direction to cause a whirling motion of thecontents of said receptacle, and means for drawing the water out of the receptacle througha plurality of openings at apoint below the top thereof, whereby the articles to be washed will be drawn toward the same and over the surface through which the water passes, of a chant,

ber below the top of said receptacle in position to receive water through the openings and to be kept constantly full, said chamber having a flaring outlet tube projecting above its bottom to partially clarify the water before it is disehar ed therefrom.

7. In a washing mac ine, the combination with a receptacle or tub having a rounded bottom, a nozzle for introducing water into the same in a tangential direction to cause a whirling motion of the contents of said receptacle, and means for drawing the water out of the receptacle, of a chamber in position to receive water having a flaring outlet tube projecting above its bottom and constituting part of the bottom of the receptacle, said bottom having an annular series of perforations but being solid at the center immediately over said flaring outlet.

8. In a washing machine, the combination with a tub or receptacle for the water and articles to be washed having an open unobadapted to be covered by the water, a pen forated surface, of means for introducing water therein in a direction to give the contents of the receptacle a whirling motion therein, means for drawing the overflow out through said perforations to keep the level of water in the receptacle constant and draw the article to be washed along said perforated surface and substantially in contact therewith during its whirling course, a chamber located beyond said perforated surface, and a removable grid containing said perforations in the wall of said receptacle adapted to expose said chamber when re moved for cleaning.

9. ln a washing machine, the combination with an unobstructed open topped receptacle for the water and articles to be washed, of means for introducing water into the same along one wall to produce a whirling motion of the contents of. said receptacle, a grid therein constituting a wall thereof and having a perforated portion below the top of the receptacle through which the water is discharged therefrom and over which the articles to be washed are passed during their circulation in said receptacle, and a chamber beyond said grid having a separating means therein,

10. A washing machine having means for naeaeea circulating the water and clothing along an endless path and having a tub provided with cylindrical upright walls and a hernispherical bottom.

ll. A washing machine having means for circulating the water and clothing along an endless path and having a tub provided with cylindrical upright walls and a hemispherical bottom, the bottom having a grid therein constituting a part thereof and having perforations therethrough.

12. In a washing machine, the combination with a receptacle for the water and articles to be washed and a nozzle for introducing water along the wall thereof to produce a whirling motion of the contents of said receptacle, said receptacle having a perforated area over which the articles to be washed are. passed during their circulation in said receptacle, of a pump for receiving the water through said perforated area and forcing it through said nozzle, and a valve located in the pump connections adapted to be set to allow the circulation of water from said perforations to said nozzle or to be set to permit the water to be discharged from said receptacle or introduced into it.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature.

NATHANIEL LQMBARD.

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