US2231046A - Washing device - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 11, 11. B WOQDSON 2,231,046

/ WASHING DEVICE I Filed March 21, 1938 Hi5 ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 11, 1941 5 UNITED STATES PATENT GREECE 2,231,046 l I, I

WASHING DEVICE Claude B. Woodson, San Francisco, Calif.

Application March 21, 1938, Serial No. 197,226

3 Claims. (01. 68 1-215) I My invention relates to an improved washing device for use in washing fabrics, and more especially to a device for manual manipulation washing small quantities of light apparel.

for

It is among the objects of my invention to provide a washing device for easily and effectively cleansing soiled fabrics.

Another object is to provide a washing device arranged to operate to obtain a combined pumping and rubbing action for rapidly and effectively washing soiled apparel, or other fabric materials.

A further object is to provide a washing device wherein flexible fingers, forming the edges of a suction cup, apply a rubbing action upon fabrics while liquid is being forced through the fabric by the action of the cup.

Another object is to provide a washing device of a light and compact character suitable for dividual home use, and which may be readily carried for use while traveling.

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some of which, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the following description of my invention. It is to be understood that I do not limit myself to this disclosure of species of my invention as I may adopt variant embodiments thereof within the scope of the claims.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a preferred em' bodiment of the washing device of my invention,

parts being broken away.

Figure 2 is a similar view, showing the suction cup collapsed, and the fingers in extended position.

Figures 3 and 4 are sectional views taken upon the lines 3-3 and 4-4 of Figures 1 and 2 respectively.

the materials by action of the suction cup.

In terms of greater detail, my improved washing device comprises a cup-shaped bodyl of material of a deformable elastic character such as molded rubber. the closed end of the cup-shaped body I.

A handle 2 extends axially from Preferably the handle 2 is formed integrally with the body, the handle being made of sufficient weight to afford the required rigidity when in use.

desired, the handle may be formed separately of any suitable rigid material, and may be secured to the body in any convenient manner.

The edge of the body is provided with a plu-v rality of fingers 3 formed by slits 4 in the edge of the body. The slits 4 extend upwardly along the sides of the body from the open end to a point preferably slightly more than one-third of the distance to the axis of the cup at its closed end. The open end of the body I is provided with an outwardly extending flange 6, severed by the slits l, for strengthening the ends of the fingers 3. The inner edge of the open end of the cup is preferably rounded, as at l, to provide a smooth rubbing area. The ends of the flange portions at 15 the sides of the fingers 3 are preferably rounded as at 8, to avoid sharp corners such as might injure delicate fabrics.

The body I tends to normally hold its natural cup-shaped form, with the fingers pressed tightly together along the edges formed by the slits 4, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. When pressure is applied by means of the handle 2, the fingers are spread, and the center of the body is collapsed, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. Upon relieving the pressure, the body and fingers spring back to their normal position.

For washing soiled articles of apparel or other fabric materials, the articles are placed in a liquid medium, such as soapy water, and the washing device is operated with a pumping action thereon. As pressure is applied through the medium of the handle 2, the cup-shaped body I is collapsed, and liquid enclosed within the cup is forced outwardly through and over the fabric. At the same time, the fingers 3 spread and exert a moderate rubbing action against the portions of fabric underlying the fingers. When the pressure is released, the cup springs back to normal shape, thereby creating a suction which draws liquid through and over the fabric in a direction opposite to that in which the liquid was previously expelled. As the fingers 3 return to normal position, they again rub over the underlying materials. The flow of liquid through and over the fabric, coupled with the rubbing action of the fingers, results in a rapid and efficient cleaning compact size which may be easily operated in a wash basin, or other small receptacle. A cupshaped body having a diameter of about four inches is a convenient size for such purposes; and such a size may be readily packed and carried for use by travelers when away from home. The device may of course be made in larger sizes for general household use for washing materials of a more bulky character, or in greater quantities.

I claim:

1. A washing device comprising a suction cup of deformable elastic material, the edge of the cup being severed at a plurality of points for dividing the edge into a plurality of flexible fingers normally conforming to the shape of the cup with adjacent edges of adjacent fingers in proximate relation and each finger having a thickened portion at its-free end.

2. A washing device comprising a suction cup of deformable elastic material, the edge of the cup being severed at a plurality of points for diof the cup to provide a plurality of flexible fingers normally conforming to the shape of the cup with the adjacent edges of adjacent fingers in proximate relation, said fingers being arranged to spread outwardly when subjected to pressure and to return to normal position when said pressure is removed.

CLAUDE B. WOODS ON. 20

Images