US2612767A - Clothes-washing machine - Google Patents

Description

5 Sheets-Sheet l zzvmvron George P Gasfner G. P. CASTNER CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE FIG.

Oct. 7, 1952 Filed Oct. 18, 1949 Oct. 7, 1952 p, CASTNER 2,612,767

CLOTHES-WASHING MACHINE Filed Oct. 18, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 l Q 0 0 6* [O O O Q INVENTOR. H O O O O O O O George P Gas/ner Oct. 7, 1952 G. P. CASTNER CLOTHES-WASHING MACHINE Filed Oct. 18, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 fun" vi Il/l/ l 5 m, u A

INVENTOR. George P Gasfner Patented Oct. 7, 1952 UNITED STATES,

cLornEs-wAsniNG MACHINE George P. Castner, Webster City, Iowa 7 Appiication ()ctober 18, 1949, Serial No. 122,118

12' Claims.

1 The present invention relates to clothes washing machines, and more particularly, to improved clothes washing machines of the character of that disclosed in the copendingapplication of George P. Castner, Serial No. 110,570, 1

filedAugust 16, 1949, and now abandoned. I Fundamentally, the clothes washing machine disclosed in the Castner application mentioned ing mechanism of the squeeze type that is of'ime removal-of the clothes with respect to the tub.

Also, the machine comprises washing mechanism including a substantially disk-like dash'er arranged in an upstanding position in the tub adjacent to a side wall thereof and mounted for operation directly on the side wall. An. electric drive motor is arranged below the tub and is supported directly thereby, and a drive connection is provided between the motor and the dasher. In the machine, the top wall, the tub, the dasher, the motor and the drive connection constitute a subassembly carried and supported entirely by the upper end of the housing. Further, a cover is mounted on the top wall for movements between open and closed positions with respect to the top openings mentioned. Finally, a hand operated wringer isinounted on the underside'of the cover and is movable there with through the registering top openings be tween operative and storage positions, the wringer being disposed above the top wall in its operative position when the cover occupies its open position, and being disposed within the tub in its storage position when the cover occupies its closed position. a While this machine is highly satisfactory in operation and economical to manufacture, the necessary handling of the clothes and the manual operation of the wringer are somewhat inconvenient. v

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a clothes washing machine of the character described that incorporates a. tub provided with a clothes and wash water receiving chamber and an improved power operated water extracting mechanism, whereby,

' clothes of theclothes, and entirely by the power operated washing andwater extracting mechanisms.

Another object of the invention is to "provide in aclothes washing machine of the type'noted, mechanism that is selectively operative initially to adjust the effective volume of the chamber dependent upon the load of the clothes to be washed and that is operative subsequently to enfect extraction of the wash water fromw-the clothes after they have been washed. i-

Another object of the invention is'toprovide fclothes washin'g'machine, a water extracts proved construction and arrangement so thatithe operation thereof to express the water from the is substantially independent of the load of, the clothes contained in the tub."

, A further object of the invention is to provide in a clothes washing machine includingwashing mechanism and Water extracting mechanism, an improved control arrangement for the mech- .en'd'thereof, as a subassembly, the tub and the operating elements of the machine that are, in a turn, carried by the tub Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements of the clothes Washingmachine and of the elementsof the control system therefor, whereby the aboveoutlined and additional operating features there of are attained.

The invention, both as to its organizationand' method of operation, together with furtherobafter a washing operation has been performed upon the clothes in the chamber, a water extracting operationmay be performed upon the clothes in the chamber, all without handling jects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a vertical 'sectional view of a clothes washing machine, taken longitudinally of the tub, and embodying-the, present invention; Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view, partly broken away, of the machine, taken transversely ofthe tub in the direction of the arrows along the line 2-2 in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is. a

fragmentary vertical sectional view of the upper portion of the machine, taken transverselyo'f the tub in the direction of the arrows along the-line TENT 0mmii};

3--3 in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is another fragmentary vertical sectional view of the upper portion of the machine, taken transversely of the tub in the direction of the arrows along the line 4-4 in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the compound screw device-embodied in the water extracting mechanism incorporated in the machine shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is an electric diagram of the circuit control network for the machine shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional View of the upper portion of a modified form of the clothes washing machine embodying the present invention, this viewbeing taken longitudinally of the tub and corresponding to Fig. l and illustrating an alternative construction and arrangement of the tub incorporated in the machine; and Fig. 8 is. a vertical.

' sectional view of the modified form of the machine, taken transversely of the tub in the direction of the arrows along the line 88 in Fig. 7.

rectly receiving the upper end of the housing II is provided with a slight upward taper toward the shoulder 33 so that when the top wall 3| is placed in the upper open end of the housing II, a snug fit is secured, whereby the outer surface of the provided, on the inner ends of the screws 35 ad- Referring nowto Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, of the drawings, there is, illustrated a. clothes. washing machine 0 of the. character of that disclosed in the-previously mentioned Castner application and embodying the features of the present invention. The machine |0 comprises an upstanding tubular. housing H of the wrap-around type formed of' sheet metal and including connected front and rear walls I 2 and I3 and side walls H and |5.. The. edges of the sheet from which the. housing ||.'is, formed are. overlapped and seamed in the rear Wall |3 as indicated at IS, the overlapped. edges: of the seam l6 being suitably secured together by spot welding, or the like. corners joining adjacent ones of the walls 2, t3,:|4' and I5 are rounded in order to lend a finished appearance to. the housing and the lower edge. of each of the walls is flanged inwardly intermediate the two adjacent corner thereof. The. lower end ofthe housing I is supported by an arran ement. including four; feet I!- respectively. disposed at; the four rounded corners of the housing Each foot. l'l comprises two angularly related sections 8 and I9 substantially channel-shaped in cross section and respectively suitably'secured by spot welding, or the like, to the lower surfaces of the adjacent flanges provided'. on the adjacent walls I2, l3, l4 and 5 at the; associated rounded corners of the housing l. Accordingly; the feet, reinforce the housing adjacent to the lower portion thereof and at the rounded corners thereof lending rigidity thereto. I

In each foot l1 the. flanges of the section I8 extend downwardly in spaced relation and receive a. supporting roller 20, the roller 20 being journalled upon, a pin, not shown, extending between and secured to, the. lower extremities of the flanges of section |8. Accordingly, the housing II is directly supported bythe four rollers 20 upon a floor, or the like, in order to facilitate mobility of the machine I0, rendering it portable in an obvious manner.

The machine i0 also comprises a. top wall 3| that. is provided with a downwardly directed marginal flange or skirt 32 that is arranged within the upper open end of the housing Preferably, the. top wall 3| is of die cast metal construction and is generally rectangular inv plan "conforming to the general configuration of the upper open end of the housing H The marginal flange is spaced slightly inwardly from the outer boundary of the top wall 3| in order to provide a surrounding shoulder 33 that directly receives the upper edge of the housing Prefjacent to the lugs 34 in order positively to anchor the upper ends of the side walls l4 and I! to the sides of the marginal flange 32 provided on the topwall 3|.. Also a top opening 31 is formed inthe, top wall 31, the top opening 3.! being generally rectangular in plan. The front. edge. of the top opening 3'! isv disposed somewhat further from the front edge of the top wall 3| thanis the rear edge of the top. opening 31 from the rear edge of the top. wall 3|.. whereby the top. opening 31 is disposed somewhat offset toward the rear of the top wall 3|. On the other hand, the side edges of, the top opening 31 aredisposed substantially equally inwardly from the side edges of the top wall 3|. Also, a counter-recess 38 is provided. in the top wall 3|, in surrounding relation with respect to the top opening 31 so as to provide an inwardly directed ledge 39. immediately surrounding the top opening 31.

A tub 4B is arranged in. the upper portion of the housing ii and comprises connected; front and rear walls. 4| and 42, side walls 43. and 44, and a. bottom wall 45. Preferably, the side walls; 43 and 44 and the, bottom wall. 45 are. of one-piece continuous construction, the bottom wall 45 being. substantially semi-cylindrical and joining the upstanding sidewall 43 and 44*, providing a throat therebetween. The front wall 4| is provided with a forwardlydirected marginal flange 46. arranged within the front ends of the side. walls 43 and 44 and the, bottom wall and suitably secured in place by line welding, or the like. Similarly, the rear. wall 42 is provided with a. rearwardly directed marginal flange 41 arranged within the rear ends of the. side wallsv 43. and 44 and. the bottomv wall 45 and suitably secured in place by line welding, or the like. The upper ends of the front and rear walls 4| and 42 and the side walls 43; and 44 are provided with an outwardly directed marginal flange indicated generally at 48 and disposed below and engaging the lower surface of the ledge 39. provided on the top wall 3|. Thus the tub 40 is provided with a top opening indicated generally at 49 surrounded by the marginal flange 48v and registering with the top opening 31 provided in the top wall 3|. The tub 40 is supported directly by the. top wall 3|v by an arrangement including a plurality of screws, 50- extending through, openings provided inv the ledge 39 and threadedinto aligned openings. provided in. the marginal flange 48. The, component parts of the tub 40, including the front. andrear walls 4| and 42, the side walls. 43 and 44 and the bottom wall 45,, are formed of suitable. corrosion. resistant sheet metal, such, for example, as stainless steel.

Also, the machine l0, comprises, a top cover II that is substantially rectangular in plan, the

3 cover 5! being pressed from sheet metal, or the like. The cover 5| is operatively associated with the top opening 31 provided-in the top wall 3| and is mounted for movements between open and closed positions with respect thereto upon two laterally spaced-apart hinge mechanisms 52 suitably secured mutually to the rear portion of the top Wall 3! and to the rear portion of the cover 5|. Also, the cover 5! is provided with a marginal flange or rim 53 that extends downwardly and is arranged within the recess 38 provided in the top Wall 3| when the cover 5! occupies its closed. position engaging the adjacent ledge 39 surrounding the top opening 3'! provided in the top wall 3!. Further, a depression 54 is provided in the central front portion of the cover 5| and a handle 55 formed of sheet metal, or the like, is rigidly secured within the depression 54 in order to facilitate movements of the cover 5|. Finally, an opening 56 is formed in the depression 54 for the purpose of venting the interior of the tub 40 below the handle 55 to the exterior when the cover 5! occupies its closed position. In view of the foregoing it will be understood that the cover 5! may be readily moved between its closed and open positions with respect to the top openings 3! and 49 respectively formed in the top wall 3! and in the tub M about the hinge mechanisms 52 by utilizing the handle 55, the cover 5! being secured adjacent to the rear thereof to the hinge mechanisms 52, as previously noted. The hinge mechanisms 52 are so constructed and arranged that when the cover 5! occupies its fully open position, it is disposed in a slightly upwardly inclined position with respect to the top Wall 3| and thereabove projecting rearwardly beyond the rear wall I3. On the other hand, when the cover 5! occupies its fully closed position, the upper surface thereof is disposed substantially flush with the top wall 35 lending a finished appearance to the machine It. The ventilation of the interior of the tub M through the opening 56 provided in the depression 5 3 in the cover 5! below the handle 55 to the exterior prevents the accumulation of musty atmosphere in the tub 40 when the cover 5! occupies its closed position. v a

An upstanding water extracting plate 51 is provided within the rear end of the tub 40 adjacent to the upstanding rear wall 42 and spaced slightly forwardly with respect thereto, the configuration of the plate 51 conforming substantially to that of the rear Wall 42. The plate 51 is provided adjacent to the upper end thereof with a rearwardly directed flange 58 engaging both the front surface of the rear wall t; and the undersurface of the ledge 39 adjacent to the rear edge of the top opening 31 formed in the top wall 3!, whereby the front surface of the plate 5'! is disposed substantially in vertical alignment with the rear edge of the top opening 31, the plate 51 being secured in place by a series jacent face of the rear wall 42 and 'the front ends of the stanchions. 6| being suitably secured in aligned openings 62 provided in the plate 51.

' Accordingly, the upstanding rear wall 42 and the of screws 59 extending through openings provided in the rear portion of the ledge 3t and rether, the position of the plate 5'! spaced forwardly with respect to the rear wall 42 is maintained by a series of spaced-apart stanchions 6i disposed therebetween, the rear ends of the stanchions 5i being suitably secured to the adupstanding plate 5! define an upstanding, space 63 therebetween with which a downwardly ex.- tending drain connection 64 formed in the bottom wall 45 of the tub 40 communicates. Further, a substantially cusp-shaped cut-out 65 is formed in the lower portion of the plate 51 and communicating between the principal interior'of the tub 40 and the space 63 adjacent to the drain connection 64.

A forwardly directed substantially annularq emboss 65 is formed in the central portion of the plate 51 in order to provide a substantially circular recess 67 surrounded thereby, the centers of the emboss'sfi and of the recess =6! being substantially coincident with each other and'with the arc of the bottom wall 45 of the tub 4a A substantially disk-like dasher plate 68 is arranged within therecess B1 and mounted upon the front end of a drive shaft 69 that extends through aligned openings respectively formed in the rear wall 42 and in the plate 5?. More'parlongitudinal axis of the tub 40 in bearing structure including complementary sections Wand TH respectively disposed interiorly and exteriorly of the rear wall 42 adjacent to the center of the emboss 65, whereby the sections 'lil and =1 l provide a liquid-tight joint surrouding: the opening provided in the rear wall 42 and preventing the escape from the tub All of wash water along the drive shaft 69. The rear end of the drive shaft 59 carries a pulley 12 rigidly secured thereto, whereby the drive shaft 69 and the dasher plate 58 may be rotated unidirectionally. The rear wall 42 of the tub 4B is spaced forwardly with respect to the rear wall I3 of the' housing- H and the pulley i2 is arranged in this space.

As best shown in Fig. 4, the dasher plate 68 is rotated unidirectionally in the clockwise .direc tion as viewed from the front face thereof, and

carries on its front face three relatively shallow outstanding vanes 13, 74 and '15, i the 'vanefla being disposed on one side of thecenter of rota tion of the dasher plate 68 andthe vanes 74. and

'l 5.being disposed on the other side of the center of rotation of the dasher plate 68 and in radial spaced-apart relation with respect to eachother. The vanes 13, it and 15 are removed-from the center of rotation of the dasher plate 68 and extended in a crosswise to radial direction with respect to the-center of rotation of the dasher plate 58, each of the vanes l3, l4 and l5'being tapered and provided with leading and trailing ends with respect to the direction of rotation of the dasher plate 68 so that the leading end of each vane is closer than the trailing end-thereof to the front face of the dasher plate 68. For example, the leading ends of the vanes 13,14 and 15 marked L may be in the plane of the front face of the dasher plate 68, while, the trailing ends of the vanes marked T may be disposed outwardly therefrom, the taper being continuous between the ends L and T.

Also,--a shallow recess 16 is Provided in the frontface of the dasher plate 68 between the vanes l4-and;-.15, this recess IS assisting in the release of the clothes from the front face of the dasher plate 68 as explained more fully herein'after. The'central portion of the dasher plate '68 is provided. with a forwardly directed boss 1! having ah'ole 18 therein that receives the front end of the operating shaft 89, as previously noted. Also, a substantially annular resilient element 19 formed of rubber, or the like, is suitably secured upon the peripheral edge or the dasher plate 68 in order'to prevent working of the clothes contained in. the tub 40 between the dasher plate 68 and the plate 51 and the consequent breakage of buttons, or the like, carried upon the clothes.

Also, the machine i comprises an upstanding water extracting plunger 80 arranged within the front end of the tub 40 and adjacent to the upstanding front wall 4|, the plunger '80 being movable toward and away from the opposed upstanding plate 51. The plunger 80' is spaced rearwardly of the front wall 4| and has a configuration conforming substantially to that of the front wall 4| as well as to that of the plate 51. Specifically, the plunger 80 comprises a relatively rigid metal backing plate 8| carrying a substantially L-shaped guide foot 82 adjacent to the lower end thereof, which guide foot 82 is provided with a forwardly" extending toe 83 arranged in a longitudinally extending guide channel or groove 84 formed in the lowermost portion of the bottom wall 45 and extending from a position adjacent to the front wall 4| to a position adjacent to the rear wall 42 and merging into the drain connection 64. Further, the plunger 80 comprises a hollow envelope 85 provided with spaced-apart upstanding walls 86 and 81 and a connecting boundary wall 88 and enveloping a layer or block of compressible material 89. Preferably, the block of compressible material 89 consists essentially of porous sponge rubber, or the like, whilethe envelope 85 consists essentially of elastic rubber, or the like, the walls of the envelope 85 being impervious to the wash water contained in the tub 40 and sealing the block 89 against the entrance of wash water thereto. The wall 86 of the envelope 85 is directly secured to the adjacent face of the backing plate 8| employing rubber cement, or the like, whereby the face wall 81 of the envelope 85 is disposed in spaced relation with respect to the plate 51 and cooperates therewith to define a clothes receiving compartment 90 therebetween within the tub 40'. The boundary wall 88 of the envelope 85 is arranged in spaced relation with the side and bottom walls 43, 44 and 45 of the tub 40 so that it does not drag or rub thereon as the plunger 80 is moved toward and away from the plate 51, the movement of the plunger 80 with respect to the plate 51 being guided by the toe 83 of the foot 82' sliding in the guide channel 84 formed in the bottom wall 45 of the tub 40. Accordingly, it will be understood that the effective volume of the compartment 90 within the tub 40 and disposed between the face wall 81 of the plunger 80 and the face of the plate 51 maybe selectively adjusted dependent upon the load of the clothes to be washed by selectively moving the plunger 80 toward or away from the plate 51 as explained more fully below. A substantially centrally disposed opening BI is formed in the front wall 4| and a flexible boot 92 formed of elastic rubber, or the like, is arranged between the front wall 4| and the backing plate 8|, the boot 92 being of' substantially annular accordion construction, one end of the. boot 92 being sealed in liquidti'ght relation to the adjacent surface of the front wall 4| surrounding. the opening 92 by an arrangement' including a ring 93, and the other endof. the boot 92 being. sealed in liquid-tight relation to the adjacent surface of the" backing plate 8| by an arrangement including a ring 94-. Preferably the adjacent one end of the boot 9! is clamped between the front wall 4| and the ring 93, and the adjacent other end of the boot 92 is clamped between the backing late 8| and the ring 94. In any case the boot 92 seals the front wall 4| to the backing plate 8| preventing the escape of wash water from the tub 40 through the opening 9| as the plunger is moved in the tub 40 toward and away from the plate 51.

For the purpose of moving the plunger 80' toward and away from the plate 51, mechanism is provided in the machine 0 that includes a compound screw device 95 arranged substantially along the longitudinal axis of the tub 40 and extending through the opening 9| formed in the front wall 4| and within the boot 92. As best shown in Fig. 5, the compound screw device 95 comprises a central shaft 96 provided with an end portion 91 supporting a surrounding sleeve 98', that, in turn, supports a surrounding sleeve 99, that, in turn, supports a surrounding barrel I00; The rear end 0f the barrel i00 terminates in an outwardly directed flange |0| that is directly'secured by a series of screws I02 to the adjacent central portion of the backing plate 8| of the plunger 80. The exterior surface of the end portion 91 is threaded and engages cooperating threads provided in the interior surface of the surrounding sleeve 98; the exterior surface of the sleeve 98 is threaded and engages cooperating threads provided in the interior surface of' the surrounding sleeve 99; and the exterior surface of the sleeve 99- is threaded and engages cooperating threads provided in the interior surface of the barrel |00. The elements 91, 9'8, 99 and I00 may be of die cast construction. and the cooperating threads provided therein are pitched in the left-hand direction so that when the shaft '96 is rotated in the clockwise direction, as viewed from the front of the machine I0, the elements 91, 98, 99 and Hill are expanded with respect to each other moving the plunger 80 toward the plate 51. In order to insure that the end portion 91 is not threaded toward the right completely through the cooperating sleeve 98', an annular collar I02 is provided adjacent to the left-hand end thereof that cooperates with the adjacent end of the sleeve 98; in order to insure that the sleeve 98 is not threaded toward the right completely through the cooperating sleeve 99, an annular ring I03 is provided adjacent to the left-hand end thereof that cooperates with the adjacent end. of the sleeve 99; and in order to insure that the sleeve 99 is not threaded toward the right completely through. the cooperating barrel I00, an annular ring N54 is provided adjacent to the left-hand end thereof that cooperates with the adjacent end of the barrel |00. In order to insure that the end portion 91 is not threaded toward the left completely through the cooperating sleeve '98, an annular ring I05 is provided on the front end thereof that cooperates with a counterbore I06 formed in the front end of the cooperating sleeve 98 and ultimately engages an annular shoulder |01 disposed between the threaded portion of the sleeve 68 and the counterbore I06; in order to insure that the sleeve 98 is not threaded toward the left completely through the cooperating sleeve 99, an annular ring I98 is provided on the front end thereof that cooperates with a counterbore I09 formed in the front end of the cooperating sleeve 99 and ultimately engages an annular shoulder I I0 disposed between the threaded portion of the sleeve 99 and the counterbore |09; and in order to insure that the sleeve 99 is not threaded toward the left completely through the cooperatin barrel I99, an annular ring III is provided on the front end thereof that cooperates with a counterbore I I2 formed in the front end of the cooperating barrel I99 and ultimately engages an annular shoulder I I3 disposed between the threaded portion of the barrel I99 and the counterbore H2.

In the arrangement of the device 95, the end portion 91, the sleeves 98 and '99 and the barrel I99 may be approximately 6 inches long, and the counterbores I95, I99 and I I2 respectively formed in the sleeves 93 and 99 and in the barrel I99 may be approximately 4 inches long. Thus, the sleeve 98 may move approximately 4 inches with respect to the end portion 91 from its nested position thereon toward the right before the ring I95 engages the shoulder I91; the sleeve '99 may move approximately 4 inches with respect to the sleeve 98 from its nested position thereon toward the right before the ring I98 engages the shoulder H9; and the barrel I99 may move approximately 4 inches with respect to the sleeve 99 from its nested position thereon toward the.

right before the ring III engages the shoulder H3. Accordingly, the device 95, although occupying an over-all distance, when collapsed, of approximately 6 inches, is capable of an expansion of approximately 12 inches, while retaining rigidity between the component elements 91, 98, 99 and I99 from end-to-end thereof. Also, in the arrangement the sleeve 98 may move completely in either direction its full stroke with respect to the end portion 91 before the sleeve 99 begins to move with respect to the sleeve 98; and the sleeve 99 may move completely in either direction itsfull stroke with respect to the sleeve 98 before the barrel I99 begins to move with respect to the sleeve 99; all dependent upon the relative amounts of friction in the cooperating sets Of threads.

The dimensions of the screw device '95 providing the 12 inch stroke thereof, as explained above, are appropriate when the tub 49 has the approximate dimensions set forth below. When the. screw device 95 occupies its fully retracted position as shown in Fig. l, the distance between the face of the plunger 89 and the face of the plate 51 may be 19 inches; th distance between the face of the plate and the rear wall 42 may be l inch; the thickness of the plunger 89 between the face thereof and the backing plate 8| may be 4 inches; and the distancebetween the backing plate BI and the front wall 4i may be 1 inches. Thus the distance between the front wall M and therear wall 42 may be 16% inches; the distance between the front wa11,4I 0f the tub 49 and the front wall I2 of the housing II may be 7 /2 inches; and the distance between the rear wall 42 of the tub 49 and the rear wall I3 of the housing II may be 4 inches. The principal diameter of the bottom wall 45 through the longitudinal center of the operating shaft 99' may be 18 inches; the distance between the mar- 10 tub 49 and the front wall I2 of the housing II.

More particularly, the two straps H4 and H5 cross each other adjacent to the longitudinal center line of the tub 49 and carry at the cross a bearing II 6 that supports the shaft 96 of the screw device 95. The strap H4 comprises two longitudinally extending legs Ill and H8 lying along two diametrically disposed exterior surfaces of the cylindrical bottom wall 45, the leg I I! being disposed adjacent to the side wall .43 and the leg I I9 being disposed well below the side wall 44. Similarly, the strap H5 comprises two longitudinally extending legs H9 and I29 lying along two diametrically disposed exterior surfaces of the cylindrical bottom wall 45, the leg H9 being disposed adjacent to the side wall'44 and the leg I29 being disposed well below the side wall 43. Thus the upper legs Ill and H9 are disposed above the lower legs H8 and I29, an angle of approximately 60 being subtended between the legs H'I, I29 and between the legs H9, H8. The rear ends of the legs H1, H8, H9 and I29 are bent over to provide hooks that overhang and engage the junction between the rear edge of the bottom wall 45 and thefiange 47 provided on the rear wall 42; and, likewise, the front ends of the legs Ill, H8, H9 and I29 carry fixtures constituting hooks that overhang and engage the junction between the front edge of the bottom wall 45 and the flange 49 provided on the front wall 4!. The hooks H'Ia and I29a respectively provided on the rear ends of the legs II! and I29 and the fixtures II'Ib and I291) respectively carried by the front ends of the legs H1 and I29 are illustrated in Fig. 1. Finally, front and rear thrust collars I2I and I22 are respectively carried by the shaft 96 of the device on opposite sides of the bearing I I 6; and a pulley I23 is secured to the extreme front end of the shaft 96. The front wall 4| of the tub 49 is arranged in spaced relation with respect to the front wall I2 of the housing II, and the screw device 95 and the pulley'I23 are arranged in this space, the screw device 95 projecting from this space through the opening 9I formed in the front wall 4| into the tub 49 and into engagement with the backing plate SI of the plunger 89. 'Further, the machine I9 comprises a longitudinally extending supporting plate I24 disposed below the tub 49 and supported thereby by an arrangement including two laterally extending and longitudinally spaced-apart straps I25 and I26, that are, in turn, carried by two laterally spaced-apart and longitudinally extending straps I27 and I28 that are secured directly to the bottom wall 45 of the tub 49. More particularly, the rear ends of the straps I27 and I28 are bent over to provide hooks that overhang and engage the junction between the rear edge of the bottom wall 45 and the flange 4'! provided on the rear wall 42; while the front ends of the straps I21 and I28 are bent over to provide hooks that overhang and engage the junction between the front edge of the bottom wall 45 and the flange 46 provided on the front wall 4|. The hooks I2Ia and I2Ib respectively provided on the rear and front ends of the strap 121 are illustrated in Fig. l. The opposite ends of the straps I25and I26 are suitably secured to the adjacent portions of the straps I21 and I28 by spot welding, or the like; while the supporting plate I24 is suitably secured to the intermediate portions of .the straps I25 and I26 employing a series ofbolts I29 provided with cooperating nuts I39.

An electric drive motor I3I of the'reversible split-phase 110 volts A. C. type is secured to the lower surface of the plate I24 by an arrangement including a series of bolts I32 provided with cooperating nuts I33. The motor I 3I is provided with a rotor carrying an operating shaft I34 that projects longitudinally in opposite directions toward the front wall I2 and toward the rear wall I3. The front end of the operating shaft I34 is operatively connected to the bladed element of a. fluid drive or coupling mechanism I35 having an enclosing casing I36 that is also bladed and contains a suitable quantity of hydraulic medium, such, for example, as oil. Also, the fluid drive mechanism I35 comprises a forwardly extending operating shaft I31 rigidly secured to the casing I36 thereof and supported by a bearing hanger I36 that is also suitably secured to the plate I24. Further, the plate I24 carries a mechanical clutch mechanism I39 of the solenoid-controlled type and including two clutch plates, not shown, one of the clutch plates being rigidly secured to the shaft I31 and the other of the clutch plates being secured to a shaft I40 supported by a bearing hanger I4I carried by the plate I24. Further, a. pulley I42 is rigidly secured to the extreme front end of the shaft I40 in alignment with the pulley I23, the pulleys I23 and I42 being of the V-belt type and interconnected by a V-belt I43. The rear end of the operating shaft I34 is supported by a bearing hanger I44 carried by the plate I24 and has mounted thereupon the rotor, not shown, of a drain pump I45 that is also suitably secured to the plate I24. Further, the plate I24 carries a mechanical clutch mechanism I46 of the solenoid-controlled type and including two clutch plates, not shown, one of the clutch plates being rigidly secured to the operating shaft I34 and the other of the clutch plates being secured to a shaft I41 supported by a bearing hanger I48 carried by the plate I24. Finally, a pulley I49 is rigidly secured to the extreme rear end of the shaft I41 in alignment with the pulley 12, the pulleys 12 and I49 being of the V-belt type and interconnected by a V-belt I50.

The drain pump I45 is provided with a casing having an inlet connection II and an outlet connection I52 and is operative to draw wash water into the casing thereof through the inlet connection I5I and to discharge the wash liquid through the outlet connection I52 regardless of the direction of rotation of the rotor thereof by the operating shaft I34 of the motor I3I. A drain valve I53 of the solenoid-controlled type is operatively connected to the drain connection 64 communicating with the lower rear portion of the tub 40; and the drain valve I53 is operatively connected to the inlet connection I5I of the drain pump I45 by a short section of flexible hose I54 formedpf rubber, or the like. Similarly, the outlet connection I52 'of the drain pump I45 is connected by a section of flexible hose I55 formed of rubber, or the like, to the exterior, the hose I55 projecting through an Opening I56 formed in the rear wall I3 of the housing I I and carrying a fixture, not shown, on the outer end thereof that may be operatively associated with a laundry tray, or other drain plumbing in the laundry room in which the machine I0 is arranged. Finally, a service opening I51 is formed in the front wall I2 of the housing II in order to aifordaccess to the pulley I23 and theassociated belt I 43, the service opening I51 being normally closed by a service cover I58 suitably removably secured in place upon the front wall I2. Similar- Ir, a service opening I59 i formed in the rear 12 wall I3 of the housing II in order to afford ac-' cess to the pulley 12 and the associated belt I50. the service opening I59 being normally closed by a service cover I60 suitably removably secured in place upon the rear wall I3.

For the purpose of controllin the washing mechanism, including the dasher plate 68, an electric control switch I6I of the manually operable two-position type is mounted in an opening I 62 provided in the rear left-hand portion of the top wall 3I adjacent to and to the left of the left-hand hinge mechanism 52, the switch I6I being provided with a manual operating handle I63 that is restrained in either one of its two operating positions when operated thereto. For the purpose of controlling the screw device 95, and consequently the position of the plunger with respect to the plate 51, an electric control switch I64 of the manually operable three-position type is mounted in an opening I65 provided in the rear right-hand portion of the top wall 3| adjacent to and to the right of the right-hand hinge mechanism 52, the switch I64 being provided with a manual operating handle I66 that is restrained in any one of its three operating positions when operated thereto. The electric control network for the machine I0 further comprises two electro-magnetic relays I61 and I68 that may be mounted on the upper surface of the plate I24 adjacent to the front end thereof; also, the circuit network for the machine I0 comprises a limit switch I69 arranged between the rear wall 42 and the plate 51 and secured to the flange 58 and positioned substantially centrally with respect to the side walls 43 and 44, the limit switch I69 being provided with a forwardly projecting plunger I10 extending through one of the holes 60 provided in the plate 51 and employed for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter.

The connection and arrangement of the control network of the various elements of the machine I0 will best be understood by reference to Fig. 6, wherein there is illustrated diagrammatically the elements mentioned. In the circuit network, a commercial 60 cycle 110 volts A. C. source is employed, one conductor thereof being grounded in the machine I0 and indicated by the sign and the other conductor thereof being ungrounded in the machine I0 and indicated by the sign The motor I3I is of the splitphase type, as previously .noted, and includes a main operating winding HI and an auxiliary starting winding I12, as well as a centrifugal speed-responsive circuit controller or switch I13 governed by the speed of operation of the oper ating shaft I34 thereof and operative to interrupt the circuit for energizing the auxiliary winding I12 in response to rotation of the operating shaft I34 at a speed of approximately normal speed or any speed thereabove. The switch I6I comprises six individual springs; and the switch I64 comprises five individual springs. The details of the control network will best be understood in conjunction with the description of the various operations of the machine I0 appearing hereinafter.

Now assuming that the user wishes to wash a given load of clothes, she first seizes the handle 55 and moves the cover 5I into its open position with respect to the top openings 31 and 49 and examines the effective volume of the compartment defined between the plate 51 and the plunger 80. The user may decide that the effective volume of the compartment 90 within the 13, tub 4B is too large in view of the small load of clothes to be washed; whereupon, she operates the switch IE4 from its ofi position into its contract position, the switch IBI being in its "ofi position. When the switch I64 is thus operated from its off position into its contract position, a circuit including the Ia contacts of the switch I SI, the conductor I'M, the contacts XI of the switch I99, the conductor I11, the contacts 201. of the switch IBI and the conductor I is completed for energizing the winding of the relay I61, whereby the latter relay operates to close its contacts. The relay I61 closes at its contacts Ib and 2b circuits for respectively poling the switch conductors I82 and I8I and whereby the auxiliary winding I12 of the motor I3I is energized in a predetermined direction; and the relay I61 closes at its contacts 329 a circuit, including the conductor I99, for energizing the main winding I1I of the motor I3I. At this time, in view of the direction in which the auxiliary winding I12 of the motor I3I is energized, the rotor thereof, and consequently the operating shaft I34, are rotated in the clockwise direction as viewed from the front of the machine I9. As soon as the rotor of the motor I3I gains approximately speed, the speedresponsive switch I13 is operated to interrupt the circuit for energizing the auxiliary winding Il'E thereof, whereby the motor I3I continues to rotate in the same direction, as previously noted, by virtue of the continued energization' of the main winding I1I thereof. Also, when the switch IE2 is operated from its off position into its contract position, there is completed, at the contacts YI thereof, a circuit, including the contacts Id of the switch IBI, the conductor I15, and the contacts XI of the switch I65, for applying positive potential to the conductor I18,-

whereby the solenoid of the drain valve I53 and the solenoid of the clutch mechanism I39 are energized in multiple. The solenoid valve I53 is operated into its open position in order to permit the drain pump M5 to pump from the tube ii] any wash water that might be contained therein. The clutch mechanism I39 is operated into its clutched position, whereby the shafts I31 and I49 are operatively clutched together. At this time the operating shaft I34 of the motor ISI drives the shaft I31 through the fluid coupling mechanism I35, whereby the driven shaft I99 effects rotation of the pulley I42 in the clockwise direction so that the pulley I23 is rotated in the clockwise direction through the V-belt I93. When the pulley I23 is thusrotated in the clockwise direction, the shaft 96 is rotated in the clockwise direction causing the screw device 95 to expand the elements 91, 98, 99 and I99 with respect to each other, whereby there is exerted between the bearing IIS and the backing plate 3| an expansive force urging the plunger 99 away from the front wall II and toward the plate 51, whereby the effective volume of the chamber 99 disposed between the plunger 89 and the plate 51 is reduced.

When the volume of the chamber 99 has been contracted to a size appropriate to the user in view of the load of the clothes to be washed, the

user operates the switch I69 from its contract position back into its oif position, thereby to interrupt the previously traced circuits for energizing the Winding of the relay I61 and for energizing the solenoids of the clutch mechanism I39 and of the drain valve I53. The relay I91 restores to interrupt, at its contacts 3b, the cir-- cuit for energizing the main winding I,1I of .themotor .-I3I; and interrupts at its contacts Ib and 2b the paths for poling the switchxcon- When thesolenoid ofythe.

ductors I82 and ISI. clutch mechanism I39 is thus de-energized, the clutch mechanism I39 declutches the shafts. I31 and I49; and when the solenoid of the drain valve I53 is thus tie-energized, the, drain valve I53 is returned to its closed position. Of course,v

rotation of the motor I3I is arrested closing the speed-responsive switch I13, and the machine I0 is now in its rest position with the volume of the compartment 99 in its adjusted position. suitable to the user. Y

Upon examining the eifective volume ;of the compartment. 99, the user may decide that the. effective volume thereof is too small in view of the large load of clothes to be washed; where-,

upon she operates the switch I54 from its oif position into its"expand position, the switch IEI being in its ofi position. When the switch IE9 is thus operated from its off position into its expand position, a circuit, including the Ib' contacts of the switch I6I, the conductor I14,-

the contacts X2 of the switch I64, and the conductor I19, is completed for energizing the winding ofthe relay IE8, whereby the latter relay operates to close its contacts. The relay I58 closes, at its contacts I0 and 2c, circuits for respectively poling the switch conductors I82 and I81 -I and whereby the auxiliary winding I12 of the motor I3I is energized in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction previously mentioned; and the relay I68 closes, atitsconfront of the machine III. As soon as the rotor ofthe motor I3I gains approximately A; speed, thespeed-responsive switch I13 is operated to interrupt the circuit for energizing the auxiliary" winding I12 thereof, whereby the motor I3I continues to rotate in the same direction, as"pre-- viously noted, by virtue of the continued energization of the main winding I1I thereof.- Also, when the switch I 64 is operated from-its off position into its expand position, there is completed, at the contacts Y2 thereof, a cir-- cuit, including the contacts Id of the switch IBI, the conductor I14, and the contacts X2 of the switch I94, for applying positive potential to the conductor I18, whereby the solenoid of the drain valve I53 and the solenoid of the clutch mechanism I39 are energized in multiple. The solenoid valve I53 is operated into its open position-in order to permit the drain'pump I to pump from the tub 49 any wash water that might be contained therein. The clutch mechanism I39 is operated into its clutch position, whereby the shafts I31 and III!) are operatively clutched to- I42 in the counterclockwise direction" so that the pulley I23 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction by the V-belt I43. When the pulley I23 is thus rotated in the counterclockwise direction,- the shaft 96 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction causing the screw device 95 to contract 7 the elements 91, 98, 99 and I00 with respect to I34, are rotated in the I35, whereby theeach other; whereby there is exerted. between the bearing: H6 and the backing plate til a con tractive: force urging the plunger 80 toward the front wail-14L and away from the late 51 whereby the effective volume of the chamber til disposed between the plunger 80 and the plate: 5T is increased;

Whenthe volume of the chamber 90 has been expanded to a size appropriate to the user in view of the load of the clothesto be washed, the user operates the switch I64 from its expand position back into its oft position, thereby to interrupt the previously traced circuits for energizing the winding of the relay I68- and for energizmg. the solenoids of the clutch mechanism I39 and" of. the drain valve I53. The: relay: I68 restores to interrupt, at its. contacts 3c, the circuit. for energizing: the main winding III of the motor I'3I; and interrupts, at its contacts Ic and 2c,- the paths for poling the switch: conductors I82 and: fill. When: the solenoid. of the clutch mechanism I39 is thus. d'e-energized, the clutch mechanism I39 declutches the shafts I31 and. I40; and: when the solenoid of the drain valve I53 is thus de en'ergized the drain valve I53 is returned to its closed position. Of'course, rotation of the motor I3I is arrested and the machine Iil is now in. its rest position with the volume of the compartment 90- in its adjusted position suitable to the user;

In view of the foregoing, it will be understood that upon operating, the relay I61 poles the: auxiliary winding I'I-2 of the-motor I-3I for rotation inthe clockwise direction; and, upon operating, the relay I68 poles. the: auxiliary winding I12 of th otor. I3I for rotation in the counterclockwise direction. Upon operating, the clutch mechanism. I39 operatively clutches the shafts I31 and I40, whereby the expansion or contraction of the screw device 95 is selectivelycontrolled depending upon the direction of rotation. of the motor' I3I. Also, since the fluid coupling I35 is disposed between the drive shaft I34 and the shaft I31", the amount of power that may be transmitted from the: motor I31 to the screw device 95 islimited. regardless ofthe directionof rotation of the motor I3I. the screw device 95 has been moved into its completely' expanded positionor into its completely collapsed position, the load imposed upon the shafts I40 and I31 is suiiiciently great to obtain in the fluid. coupling: I35 complete slippage between the drive shaft I34 and the; shaft I-3'I,

thereby preventing. injury to the mechanism and the motor I3I.

In any'case after'the user has manipulated the switch I64 inorder to adjust the effective volume of the compartment 90 dependent upon the load of clothes to be washed, she places the clothes within the compartment 90, fills the tub 40 with hot or warm wash water or liquid asrequired by thecharacter of the fabrics to be washed; and then places anappropriate amount of detergent in the wash water. containedin the tub 40; Nor mallyfi the wash water is placed in the tub 40' so that the headthereof rises somewhat above the upper portion of the annular emboss- 66 com-- pletely submerging the dasher plate 68-. At this timethe cover 5I is returnedto its closed post-- tion by the user and the switch IBI is operated from its off position into its wash position.-

When the switch IE1 is thus operated into its wash position, there is completed, at the X3 contacts thereof, alcircuit, including the conduc=- tor Hi ter energizing. the winding ofthe relay" In other words, after I6 I61 in order to cause the latter relay to operate and: bring about rotation of the rotor of the motor MI in the clockwisedirection in the manner previously explained. Also, when the switch-I61 is thus operated into its wash position, there is completed, at the Y3 contacts thereof, a circuit, including the X3 contacts thereof, the limit switch I69, and the conductor I16 for energizing the solenoid of the clutch mechanism I46, whereby the clutch mechanism I48 operates-operatively to clutch together the shafts I34 and. I41. Accordingly, the operating shaft I34 rotating in the clockwise directiomas viewedfrom the front. of.- the machine I0,.rotates the shaft I41 and the pulley I49 in the clockwise direction, whereby the. pulley I2 is rotated in the clockwise direction through the V-belt I 53 causing the operating shaft 69 andv the dasher plate 68 to be rotatedinthe clockwise direction.- When the dasher plate 88' is thus rotated in the clockwise direction, it moves andrearranges the clothes contained in the compartment 90' formed in the tub 40 in a substantially circular upstandingpath. Specifically, the dasher plate 68 lightly grasps the clothes as it is rotated unidirectionally in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4, by an angular shearing contact therewith and then quickly discharges the clothes in order that they are movedand rearranged in the substantially circular upstanding path, as previously noted. This angular shearingv contact with which the clothes are light-- ly grasped is effected largely by the disposition of the shallow tapered vanes 13, I4 and. I5- provided upon the-front face of thedasher plate 88; while this quick discharge of the clothes from the face of the dasher plate 68- is materially facili-' tate'd by the shallow recess I6- disposed in the front-face. of the dasher plate 68- and positioned between the vanes I4- and 1-5.

After the clothes have been washed by the ma-- chine I0, the-user operates the switch IBI from its wash position back into its off position in order to interrupt, at the contacts X3 thereof, the circuit for energizing the winding of therelay IG-I; and to interrupt, at the contacts X3 and Y3=' thereof, the circuit for energizingthe" solenoid of the clutch mechanism I46, The relay I61 restores in order to arrest operation of the motor I3I in the manner previously explained; and the clutch mechanism I48 brings about declutching of the operating: shafts I34 and the shaft I41- when the solenoid thereof isde-enefgiz'ed. Accordingly; rotation of the rotor of the motor I3I' is arrested, and the drive connection between the operating shaft I34 and'the shaft I41 is declutched' in order to" prevent further rota tion of thedasherplate 6i! unidirectionally'in the clockwise direction.

In passing it is noted that whenthe switch I6'I occupies its wash position, there is interrupted at the contacts Ia and Za'thereof, the cross connections between the switch I61 and the switch I64, whereby the switch I64 is rendered ineffec tive to control the contraction and expansion or,

i the effective volume of the compartment 90 in the tub 40 at this time. This interlock arrangement prevents inadvertent operation of the switch I6 4- from exercising any control upon the screw device while the switch- I'BI' occupiesits "wash position.

At this time the clothes contained in the com-- partment 90 formed in the mo 40 have: been washed, and in: order to cause the machine It to extract the" wash wa'ter therefrom; theuse: merely operates the-switch I64-from its oil posi 17 tion into its contract position, after the switch IBI has been returned from its wash position back into its off position. When the switch I64 is thus operated into its contract position at this time, the relay I61 is operated, the solenoid of the clutch mechanism I39 is energized, and

- the solenoid of the drain valve I53 is energized,

whereby the clutch mechanism I39 effectively clutches the shafts I31 and I40 and the solenoid valve I53 is operated to its open position; all in the manner previously explained. When the solenoid valve I53 is thus operated to its open position, the wash water contained in the tub 49 is drained from the drain connection 64 through the drain valve I53 and the hose I54 into the inlet connection I5I of the drain pump I45, whereby the wash water is pumped by the drain pump I through the outlet connection I52 and the hose I55 to the laundry tray or to the drain plumbing in the laundry room in which the machine I0 is located. Also, at this time the rotor of the motor I3I is rotated in the clockwise direction, and the clutch mechanism I39 is operated, whereby the screw device 95 is expanded forcing the plunger 39 toward the plate 51 in the manner previously explained. As movement of the plunger 89 toward the plate 51 continues, the clothes contained in the compartment 99 are compressed between the face of the plunger 89 and the plate 51, whereby the wash water absorbed '1 thereby is expressed therefrom through the holes provided in the plate 51 and falls into the drain connection 64 to be pumped from the tub '40. This water extracting operation is continued, whereby the plunger firmly presses the clothes against the face 'of the plate 51 and holds the pressure thereon, the ultimate pressure exercised by the plunger 89 upon the clothes being limited by the slipping action in the fluid coupling mechanism I35, as previously explained. After the movement of the plunger 80 toward the plate 51 is arrested by the slipping action of the fiuid couplin mechanism I35, the user may hold the clothes in compression between the plunger 89 and the plate 51 merely by restoring the switch I 64 from its contract position back into its off position. When the switch I64 is thus operated back into its off position, the relay I61 restores arresting operation of the motor I3 I, the clutch mechanism I39 effects declutching of the shafts I31 and I46, and the drain valve I53 is returned to its closed position. Even though all of the electric circuits of the machine II) are interrupted at this time, the pressure upon the clothes between the face of the plunger 69 and the face of the plate 51 may be held for any desired time interval in view of the fact that the screw device 95, being entirely mechanical, remains in its expanded position.

At any time after the water extraction operation has been performed in the machine ID, the user may relieve the pressure upon the clothes by operating the switch I64 from its off position into its expand position, whereby the electric circuits are controlled bringing about the retraction of the plunger BI! with respect to the plate 51; all in the manner previously explained. After the plunger so has been moved away from the plate 51 in order to relieve the pressure upon the clothes, the switch IE4 is again returned from its expand position back into its off position in order again to arrest the operation of the machine II) and to interrupt all of the electric circuits incorporated therein. At this time the user may open the cover 5| and then remove the 18 clothes from the compartment so thatthey may be placed in a drier to prepare them for ironing.

In passing its is noted that when a water extracting operation is being performed in the ma- I chine III, the plunger 80 moves toward the plate 51, whereby the clothes are compressed between the plunger 69 and the plate 51 in order to express the wash water therefrom as explained above, the face of the plunger 80 conforming to the clothes and the dasher plate 68 due to the resiliency of the compressible block 89, whereby the plunger I19 of the limit switch I69 is operated actuating the limit switch I69 into its open circuit position. When the limit switch I69 is operated into its open circuit position, a point in the circuit for energizing the solenoid of the clutch mechanism I 46 is interrupted, thereby preventing rotation of the dasher plate 68 when the clothes in the machine ID are under compression between the plunger 89 and the plate 51. This interlock arrangement is very advantageous in view of the fact that the switch I 6| might be inadvertently operated from its off position into its wash position while the clothes are retained under compression between the plunger 80 and the plate 51, whereby rotation of the dasher plate 68 at this time might damage the clothes. When the switch I6I occupies its off position, the switch I64 may be operated from'its off position into its expand position in order to'relieve the compression upon the clothes between the plunger 80 and the plate 51 as explained above, whereby the plunger I19 of the limit switch I69 is released permitting the limit switch I69 to return to its closed circuit position in order to restore washing control again to the switch IISI.

In view of the foregoing, it will be understood that in the machine I0, the top wall 3|, the tub 40, and all of the washing and water extracting apparatus comprises a subassembly supported and carried directly by the upper portion of the housing II. Specifically, the top wall 3| supports directly the tub 49, and the tub 46 supports the remainder of the washing and water extracting mechanisms. I

A modified form of the machine 2H1 embodying the features of the present invention isillustrated, in part, in Figs. '1 and 8. The modified form of the machine 2H! is fundamentally of the same construction as the machine I9 and com prises the upstanding tubular housing 2 I I formed of sheet metal and supporting the'top wall '23I in the upper open end thereof, the top wall 23I having the top opening 231 formed therein. The tub 249 is arranged in the upper-portion of the housing 2H and comprises a tubular body 24I providing top, bottom and side walls 242, 243, and 244, 245, the top wall 242 having a top opening 246 formed therein and registering with the top opening 231 formed in the top wall 23 I. Also, the tub 245 comprises a rear wall 241 that is provided with a rearwardly directed marginal flange 248 arranged within the rear end of the tubular body MI and suitably secured in place by line welding, or the like. The front end of the tubular body 24I is provided with a surrounding outwardly directed marginal flange 249. The water extracting plate 251 is arranged within the tub 24B adjacent to the rear wall 241 and defining the space 263 therebetween that communicates with the drain connection 264 provided in the bottom wall 243 of the tub 249. The plate 251 isof the construction previously described, and is retained 19 in place by an arrangement including the stanchions 29L Also, the plate 25'? has the substantially annular emboss 286 formed therein providing the substantially annular depression 26? receiving the dasher plate 208 of the construction previously described that is mounted upon the operating shaft 269. The operating shaft 259 is journalled in the bearing arrangement including the complementary sections 210 and 21!. The upstanding plunger 280 is arranged in the front end of the tub 240 and cooperates with the upstanding plate 251 to define the clothes receiving compartment 200 therebetween within the tub 240.

The front end of the tub 240 is closed and rendered liquid-tight by an arrangement including a substantially torus-shaped flexible diaphragm 40I formed of flexible rubber, or the like, the marginal edge of the diaphragm 40! being secured to the marginal flange 249 provided on the tub 240 by an arrangement including a surrounding ring 402 and a series of screws 403. The marginal edge of the diaphragm MI is arranged directly between the marginal flange 249 and the ring 402 and is securely clamped in position therebetween by the screws 403, the screws 403 being received directly in threaded openings formed in the ring 402. The diaphragm MI is of continuous one-piece construction and extends over the face of the plunger providing an enlarged opening 493 disposed substantially centrally of the longitudinal axis of the tub 240. The plunger 280 further comprises the layer or block of compressible material 289 formed of sponge rubber, or the like, as well as the backing plate 28l to which the screw mechanism 295 is secured, the screw mechanism 295 extending through the central opening 403 provided in the diaphragm 40l. In this construction the backing plate 28l and the block of compressible material 289 are disposed forwardly and entirely exteriorly of the front face of the diaphragm 40! comprising the front face of the plunger 280. Also, in this construction the plunger 280 carries adjacent to the lower central portion thereof the guide foot 292 that cooperates with the longitudinally extending guide channel or groove 284 formed in the bottom wall 243 of the tub 240 for the purpose of guiding the movement of the plunger 289 toward and away from the plate 251. Further, in this construction the guide foot 232 may be formed of rubber, or the like, and vulcanized, or otherwise secured, to the front face of the plunger 280.

The screw mechanism 295 is provided with the operating shaft 296 that is supported in the hearing 3|B and carries the pulley 323. In this arrangement thestraps 314 and 315 that support the bearing 3I6 are provided with rather short legs that extend toward the rear only behind the marginal flange 249 disposed about the front end of the tub 240. Specifically, the ends of the legs of the straps 3M and 3|5 are bent inwardly to provide hooks that directly engage the rear face of the marginal flange 249 and are anchored in place by a series of screws 404 extending through openings therein and threaded into openings provided in the ring 402, the hook 3l5a provided on the end of the leg of the strap 3l5 being illustrated in Fig. '7.

In this construction the tub 240 carries the supporting plate 324 therebelow upon which there is mounted the electric motor and other elements of the washing and water extracting mechanisms. In this case the plate 324 is supported by the transversely extending brackets 20 325 and 326, that are, in turn, supported by the longitudinally extending straps 321 and 328 that are secured to the bottom wall 243 of the tub 240. In this arrangement the front ends of the straps 321 and 328 are flanged inwardly to provide hooks that are directly retained in place by cooperating screws 405 threaded into openings provided in the ring 402, the hook 3211) provided on the front end of the strap 32'! being illustrated in Fig. 7. Further, the top wall 242 of the tub 240 is secured directly to the under-surface of the top wall 23! by an arrangement including a substantially rectangular throat element 403 disposed therebetween, the throat element 403 being secured directly .to the upper portion of the marginal flange 249 by a series of screws 40'! threaded into openings formed in the ring 402, and secured directly to the top wall 242 by a series of screws 408 threaded into openings formed in the top wall 242 and in the flanges 248 and 258 respectively provided on the rear wall 24'! and on the plate 251. Finally, the throat element 406 is directly secured to the ledge 239 carried by the top wall 23! and surrounding the top opening 231 by an arrangement including a series of screws 409. The remainder of the construction of the machine H0 is the same as that of the machine [0 previously described, whereby the tub 240 and all of the washing and water extracting mechanisms carried thereby comprise a subassembly, together with the top wall 23!, that is supported in the upper open end of the housing 2H.

The operation of the machine 2E0 is substantially identical to that of the machine 10 previ ously described; however, in this case, the screw device 295 is expanded and contracted through the central opening 403 provided in the diaphragrn 30i effecting movement of the plunger 280 toward and away from the plate 257 for the purpose previously described.

In view of the foregoing it is apparent that there has been provided a portable clothes washing machine that is especially suitable for use in apartments, or the like; which machine is of rugged and economical construction and arrangement and that embodies both washing and water extracting facilities and is efiicient in operation and is of attractive appearance and design.

While there has been described What is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A clothes washing machine comprising a tub including wall structure and a pair of opposed walls, the space in said tub disposed between said walls constituting a chamber adapted to contain clothes and wash liquid, a dasher arranged in said chamber in a submerged position with respect to the wash liquid contained therein and adjacent to one of said walls and mounted thereon for rotation to effect a Washing action upon the clothes contained in said chamber, means for mounting the other of said walls for movements with respect to said wall structure toward and away from said one wall, said other wall cooperating with said wall structure to confine the clothes in said chamber during operation of said dasher, movements of said other wall toward and away from said one wall accommodating adjustment of the volume of said cham- 21 her depending upon the load of the clothes to be washed, means for controlling the draining of the wash liquid from said chamber during movement of said other wall toward said one wall into close proximity with respect thereto to effect a squeezing action therebetween upon the clothes contained in said chamber in order to express the wash liquid therefrom, mechanism for selectively moving said other wall toward and away from said one wall, and means for limitin the force exerted by said mechanism upon said other wall in its movement toward said one wall in order to limit the squeezing action between said walls upon the clothes contained in said chamber.

2. A clothes washing machine comprising a tub including wall structure and a pair of opposed walls, the space in said tub disposed between said walls constituting a chamber adapted to contain clothes and Wash liquid, a dasher arranged in said chamber in a submerged position with respect to the wash liquid contained therein and adjacent to one of said walls and mounted thereon for rotation, normally operative means for rotating said dasher to effect awashing action upon the clothes contained in said chamber, means for mounting the other of said walls for movements with respect to said wall structure toward and away from said one wall, said other wall cooperating with said wall structure to confine the clothes in said chamber during rotation of said dasher, movement of said other well toward and away from said one wall accommodating adjustment of the volume of said chamber depending upon the load of the clothes to be washed,

means for controlling-the draining of the wash liquid from said chamber during movement of said other wall toward said one wall into close proximity with respect thereto to eiTect a squeezing action therebetween upon the clothes contained in said chamber in order to express the wash liquid therefrom, mechanism for selectively movin said other wall toward and away from walls constituting a chamber adapted to contain clothes and wash liquid, a relatively fiat disk-like dasher arranged in said chamber in a submerged position with respect to the wash liquid contained therein and adjacent to one of said walls and mounted thereon for rotation to effect a washing action upon the clothes contained in said chamber, said one wall being rigid and the other of said walls being flexible, a rigid backing plate arranged behind said other wall in spaced relation with respect thereto, a layer of compres sible material arranged between said other wall and said backing plate, means for mounting said backing plate and said layer of material and said other wall for movements as a unit with respect to said wall structure toward and away from said one wall, said other wall cooperating with said wall structure to confine the clothes in said chamber during rotation of said dasher, movements of said other wall toward and away from said one wall accommodatin adjustment of the volume of said chamber depending upon the load of the clothes to be Washed, means for controlling the draining of the wash liquid from said chamher during movement of said other wall toward said one wall into close proximity with respect thereto'to efiect a squeezing action therebetween upon the clothes contained in said chamber in order'to express the wash liquid therefrom, said layer of compressible material accommodating deformation of said flexible other wall to conform substantially to the clothes contained in said chamber and to the outer face of said dasher when said other wall is moved toward said one wall into close proximity with respect thereto,

and mechanism operatively connected to saidbacking plate for selectively moving said backing plate and said layer of material and said other wall as a unit toward and away from said one wall.

'4. The clothes washing machine set forth in claim 3, wherein said otherwall is formed essentially of a sheet of wash liquid impervious rubber and said layer of compressible material is formed essentially of a block of sponge rubber, and wherein the outer'surfaces of said layer of compressible material are sealed against the entry thereinto' of the wash liquid contained in said chamber.

5. A clothes washing machine comprising a tub including wall structure and a pair of opposed walls, the space in said tub disposed between said walls constituting a chamber adapted to contain clothes and wash liquid, a relativelyv fiat disk-like dasher arranged insaid chamber in a.

submerged position with respect to the wash liquid containedtherein and adjacent to one of said walls and mounted thereon for rotation to effect a washing action upon the clothes contained in said chamber, means for mounting the other of said walls for movements with respect to said wall structure toward and away from said one wall, said other wall cooperating with said wall structure to confine the clothes in said chamber during'rotation of said dasher, means 'for controlling the draining of the wash liquid from said chamber during movement of said other wall toward said one wall into close proximity with respect thereto to efiect a squeezing action therebetween upon the clothes contained in said chamber in order to express the wash liquid therefrom, a bracket carried by said tub, mechanism arranged between said other wall and said bracket for exertingselective pushing and pulling forces therebetween in order se-' lectively to move said other wall toward and away from said one wall, and means for limiting the forces exerted by said mechanism between said other wall and said bracket.

6. A clothes washing machine comprising a tub including wall structure and a pair of opposed Walls, the space in said tub disposed between said walls constitutin a chamber adapted to contain clothes and wash liquid, a relatively flat disklike dasher arranged in said chamber in a submerged position with respect to the wash liquid contained therein and adjacent to one of said walls and mounted thereon for rotation to effect a washing action upon the clothes contained in said chamber, means for mounting the other of said walls for movements with respect to said wall structure toward and away from said one wall, said other wall cooperating with said wall structure to confine the clothes in said chamber during rotationrof said dasher, movements of said other wall toward and away from said one wall accommodating adjustment of the volume of said chamber depending upon the load of the clothes to be washed, means for controlling the draining of the wash liquid from said chamber during movement of said other wall toward said one wall into close proximity with respect there to to effect a squeezin action therebetween upon the clothes contained in said chamber inorder to express the wash liquid therefrom, mechanism selectively operative to move said other wall toward and away from said one wall, an electric motor carried by said tub, electric circuit means for selectively operating said motor, and clutch means for selectively operating said mechanism from said motor.

7. A clothes washing machine comprising a tub including an upstanding end wall and connecting wall structure provided with a top opening, an upstanding perforated wall arranged within said tub adjacent to said end wall and in spaced relation with respect thereto, a drain conduit communicating with the interior of said tub between said end wall and said perforated wall, an upstanding movable wall arranged within said tub in opposed relation with said perforated Wall and cooperating therewith to define a chamber therebetween within said tub accessible through said top opening and adapted to contain clothes and wash liquid, an upstanding relatively flat disk-like dasher arranged in said chamber in a submerged position with respect to the wash liquid contained therein and adjacent to said perforated wall and mounted upon said end wall for rotation to effect a washing action upon the clothes contained in said chamber, said movable wall cooperating with said wall structure to confine the clothes in said chamber during rotation of said dasher, the position of said movable wall with respect to said perforated wall accommodating adjustment of the volume of said chamber depending upon the load of the clothes to be washed, movement of said movable wall into close proximity to said perforated wall effecting a squeezing action therebetween upon the clothes contained in said chamber in order to express the wash liquid therefrom, and mechanism for selectively moving said movable wall with respect to said wall structure toward and away from said perforated wall.

8. The clothes washing machine set forth in claim '7, wherein said wall structure and said movable wall carry cooperating guide elements arranged in sliding relation with each other in order to guide the movements of said movable wall with respect to said wall structure toward and away from said perforated wall.

9. A clothes washing machine comprising a tube including an upstanding end wall and connected wall structure provided with a top opening, an upstanding perforated wall arranged within said tub adjacent to said end wall and in spaced relation with respect thereto, a drain conduit communicating with the interior of said tub between said end wall and said perforatedwall, an upstanding flexible wall arranged within said tub in opposed relation with respect to said perforated wall and sealed to said wall structure, said flexible wall cooperating with said end wall to define a chamber therebetween within said tub accessible through said top opening and adapted to contain clothes and wash liquid, an upstanding relatively fiat disk-like dasher arranged in said chamber in a submerged position with respect to the wash liquid contained therein and adjacent to said perforated wall and mounted upon said end wall for rotation to effect a washing action upon the clothes contained in said chamber, said flexible wall being movable with respect to said wall structure toward and away fromsaid perforated wall and said dasher, said flexible wall cooperating with said wall structure to confine the clothes in said chamber during rotation of said dasher, movement of said flexible wall into close proximity to said perforated Wall and said dasher effecting a squeezing action therebetween upon the clothes contained in said chamber in order to express the wash liquid therefrom, and means for exerting a force between said tub and said flexible wall in order to move said flexible wall toward said perforated wall and said dasher and into close proz-rimity with respect thereto.

10. A clothes washing maching comprising a tub including an upstandin end wall and connected wall structure provided with a top opening, the end of said wall structure opposite said end wall being open, a perforated wall arranged within said tub adjacent to said end wall and in spaced relation with respect thereto, a drain conduit communicating with the interior of said tub between said end Wall and said perforated wall, a movable wall arranged within said tub in opposed relation with respect to said perforated wall and adjacent to the open end of said wall structure, a hollow flexible substantially torus-shaped diaphragm having a center opening and extending between the open end of said wall structure and said movable wall and sealed thereto in order to close the open end of said wall structure, said perforated wall and said movable wall defining a chamber therebetween within said tub accessible through said top openliquid, at dasher arranged in said chamber adjacent to said perforated wall and mounted upon said end wall for operation, means for operating said dasher to effect a Washing action upon the clothes contained in said chamber, movement of said movable wall into close proximity to said perforated wall effecting a squeezing action therebetween upon the clothes contained in said chamber in order to express the wash liquid therefrom, and mechanism extending from the exterior into the center opening provided in said substantially torus-shaped diaphragm for selectively moving said movable wall toward and away from said perforated wall, said diaphragm preventing the escape of the wash liquid from said tub through the open end of said side wall regardless of the position of said movable well in said tub.

11. A clothes washing machine comprising a tub including an upstanding end wall and connected wall structure provided with a top opening, the end of said wall structure opposite said end wall being open and terminating in an outwardly directed marginal flange, a perforated wall arranged within said tub adjacent to said end wall and in spaced relation with respect thereto, a drain conduit communicating with the interior of said tub between said end wall and said perforated wall, a flexible movable wall arranged within said tub in opposed relation with respect to said perforated wall and adjacent to the open end of said wall structure, a hollow flexible substantially torus-shaped diaphragm having a center opening and extending between said marginal flange and said movable wall and sealed thereto in order to close the open end of said wall structure, a rigid backing plate arranged within the center openin provided in said substantially torus-shaped diaphragm and behind said movable wall and in spaced relation with respect thereto, a layer of compressible material arranged between said movable wall and said backing plate, said movable wall and said layer of material and said backing plate being movable as a unit toward and away from said perforated wall, said perforated wall and said movable wall defining a chamber therebetween within said tub accessible through said top opening and adapted to contain clothes and wash liquid, a relatively flat disk-like dasher arranged in said chamber adjacent to said perforated wall and mounted upon said end wall for operation, means for operating said dasher to effect a washing action upon the clothes contained in said chamber, movement of said movable wall into close proximity to said perforated wall effecting a squeezing action therebetween upon the clothes contained in said chamber in order to express the wash liquid therefrom, and mechanism extending from the exterior into the center opening provided in said substantially torus-shaped diaphragm and into engagement with said backin plate for selectively moving said movable wall and said layer of material and said backing plate as a unit toward and away from said perforated wall, said diaphragm preventing the escape of the wash liquid from said tub through the open end of said side wall regardless of the position of said movable wall in said tub.

12. A clothes washing machine comprising an expansible-ccntractible tub adjustable in volume dependent upon the load of the clothes to be washed, mechanism selectively operative to ex- REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 447,520 Thorp Mar. 3, 1891 1,312,393 Franc Aug. 5, 1919 1,547,266 Robe July 28, 1925 1,627,438 Hutchinson May 3, 1927 2,050,484 Burry Aug. 11,1936 2,147,303 Lang Feb. 14, 1939 2,187,770 Chamberlin et a1. Jan. 23, 1940 2,417,998 Wales ..-Mar. 25, 1947 2,434,352 Edwards Jan. 13, 1948 2,455,043 Calhoun Nov. 30, 1948

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