US2676477A

US2676477A - Cabinet for washing machines and the like

Info

Publication number: US2676477A
Application number: US196294A
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas R Smith
Original assignee: Maytag Corp
Current assignee: Maytag Corp
Priority date: 1948-12-20
Filing date: 1950-11-17
Publication date: 1954-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 1971-04-27

Description

April 27, 1954 r T. R. SMITH CABINET FOR WASHING MACHINE AND THE LIKE Original Filed Dec. 20, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet l A ril 27, 1954 T. R. SMITH 2,676,477

CABINET FOR WASHING MACHINE AND THE LIKE Original Filed Dec. 20. 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 @Q E ms RN ssh AME Mm mg N3 Qmw mg E 7720526265. .fmZ/z, BY

Patented Apr. 27, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIE CABINET FOR WASHING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Thomas R. Smith, Newton, Iowa, assignor to The Maytag Company, Newton, Iowa, a corporation of Delaware Original application December 20, 1948, Serial No. 66,230. Divided and this application November 1'7, 1950, Serial No. 196,294

i This invention relates to cabinets for washing machines and the likeand contemplates a novel lid construction including a chamber for housing and supporting control mechanism.

This application is a division of the parent application Serial No. 66,230, filed December 20, 1948, now Patent No. 2,645,108, issued July 14, 1953.

The invention, although not limited to, is illustrated in connection with a washing machine in which the washing cycle, including the washing of the material, the rinsing thereof, and the extraction of liquid therefrom is automatically controlled. 1

One object of the invention is to provide a novel cabinet construction and particularly the lid portion thereof in which mechanism including control members are mounted and are made readily accessible for inspection.

Another object is to provide a simple, durable and elficient cabinet lid construction in which control mechanism may be mounted in a manner to cooperate with other operative parts and to facilitate assembly and inspection to contribute to successful operation.

These and other objects of this invention are accomplished by means of apparatus and constructions disclosed in the accompanying drawings which show but one embodiment.

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a wash- ,w

ing machine including the cabinet and lid construction made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded view in perspective of the base and cabinet for the washing machine shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary View in vertical section of the upper part of the washing machine assembly, disclosing more in particular the float control and associatedcontrol switchesmounted in the lid of the washing machine.

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the switch control mechanism mounted in the 11d as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary View in cross-section similar to Figure 3 but more particularly disclosing the float and switch control assembly in another operative position.

Figure 6 is a schematic view showing the float switch in a control circuit.

Referring now morein detail to the drawings, a combined washing and drying machine with its cabinet made in accordance with the present invention is shown as generally comprising ,an

9 Claims. (01. 68-196) outer cabinet 2, a base structure 4 for supporting an outer tub 6 completely enclosed by the cabinet 2. Mounted within the outer tub 6 is a rotatable tub 8 provided with an agitator or washing device Ill therein, the tub 8 and its agitator or washing device it) being operated by suitable mechanism l2 which, together with the inner tub and agitator assembly, are suitably supported on the base structure As a further characteristic of the washing machine, a control mechanism, generally referred to as M, is provided for automatically controlling certain operations in the washing cycle.

The cabinet 2, more particularly disclosed in Figure 2 of the drawings, has its main body formed from sheet metal to provide the opposite side panels [8 and 2B and the back and

front panels

22 and 24 which may be formed separately and welded at the corners to provide a substantially rectangular unitary structure, or one or more of these panels may be formed from a single piece suitably bent, and welded, or otherwise secured to the remaining panels to provide the said unitary structure. The panels are formed with inturned flanges 25 at the upper edges thereof which are adapted to mate with and be secured to similar flanges 28 of the cover or top panel 30 for the cabinet. This cover or top panel 30 is formed with an opening 32 whereby access may be had to the interior of the rotatable tub 8.

The opening 32 isnormally closed by a lid 34 formed with a base section 36 and a cover section 38 to provide a chamber or compartment for a plurality of switch assemblies for the control mechanism I4, as will be hereinafter more fully described. Each of the

sections

36 and 38 is formed with interfitting flanges, such as 40, at the marginal edges thereof which are adapted to be disposed to form a unitary lid structure. As shown more particularly in Figures 2 and 3, the .base section 3 5 is provided with a hinge bracket disposed adjacent the rear edge thereof which comprises the upstanding and oppositely disposed lugs 42 interconnected adjacent the top and rear edge thereof by the transversely disposed bar 44 having a lower wedge surface 45 adjacent the oppositely disposed lugs 4.2. The rear portion of the top or cover section 38 is formed adjacent its rear edge with spaced lugs 48 extending inwardly from the flange it which are adapted to be brought into wedging relation to the wedge surfaces 46 for holding the

wall sections

36 and 38 of the lid together at this point when moved angularly with respect to one another into assembled relation. The top wall section 38 is formed adjacent the front thereof with a recess 50 adapted to receive a handle 52 which can be gripped by the operator for swinging the lid about its pivot point into and out of its closed position. The two

wall sections

36 and 38 are held in assembled relation by means of a pair of screws 54, or the like, which extend through aligned openings provided in the

wall sections

36 and 38 and threadedly engage the handle 52 for securing the same within the recess 56. It is apparent that the screws 54 may be readily removed and the

wall sections

36 and 38 moved apart for readily gaining access to the interior compartment formed by these wall sections for inspecting and repairing or replacing any of the switch control assemblies, or any part thereof, mounted therein. The base of lower wall section 36 is provided with apertures 56 and 5B for a purpose to be more fully described hereinafter.

The lid 34 is pivotally mounted with respect to the cover or top wall 39 of the cabinet by means of a hinge element 66 secured to said top Wall or cover 36 in any desired manner, the said hinge element having an outer substantially U-shaped end portion terminating in a rolled marginal edge portion 62 suitably threaded at both ends to receive screws 63, or the like, which extend through and are mounted in apertures 64 of the lugs 42, about which the lid pivots when raised and lowered. The outer end portion of the hinge element extends through opening 65 provided in the base 36 which permits moisture to drain from the lid when the same is raised. 7

The front panel 24 of the cabinet is curved transversely to pleasing lines, the same being provided adjacent the upper marginal edge thereof with an opening 66 in which is mounted a panel I58 of translucent material such as Lucite in or on which a trade-name or the like may be impressed or otherwise embodied therein. The trade-name or the like is made more readily readable by means of a pilot light I6 mounted in the cabinet 2 to the rear of the panel and incorporated in the control circuit. The front panel 24 terminates short of the side panels of the cabinet to provide a toe space I2. The inner wall defining the toe space '82 is formed or defined by the finishing strip I4 which has its outer face transversely curved on the order of the curvature of the front panel 24, and is removably secured to the base structure 4 by means of the ball studs E5. The rear panel 22 may have louvers I8 formed therein which facilitate the circulation of air within the cabinet for dissipating heat in the environment of the motor and other operating mechanisms. The unitary cabinet structure may be removably secured in any desired manner to the'base structure 4, but preferably by means of screws or the like extending throughone or more of the wall panels, thus providing a suitable connection whereby the cabinet may be readily and easily removed to gain access-t0 the interior assembly of the washing machine for repair, adjustment or replacement of any part thereof.

Ihe cover or top wall 36 is further provided with the openings, 84 and 66 through which the shafts of control devices are adapted to extend.

The base structure 4 is of rectangular formation and comprises the horizontally disposed L-shaped angle iron sections or portions I I2, I14, I I6 and I I8, each of which has a horizontally and inwardly disposed leg or web I26 and a vertically and upwardly extending web or leg I22. These sections are secured together by any desired means, such as welding or the like. The base structure is further provided with corner posts or pedestals I24, I26, I28 and I30 formed from angle irons of the desired length which are rigidly secured in position, as by welding or the like, to the horizontally disposed L-shaped angle irons at the corners of the base structure, and each of which is provided with an inturned supporting flange, such as I32, adapted to provide a support for the outer tub 6. Extending between and secured to the horizontal legs 12% of the angle irons H2 and H6 is a channel shaped frame member H of arched formation provided with an opening H9 in its central web for supporting the inner tub 3 and its associated mechanisms.

Adjacent each corner of the base structure there is provided a short foot or adjustable leg portion I36 comprising a. threaded nut secured to the base structure and an adjustable threaded shank having an enlarged head with a center point thereon facing toward and being adapted to penetrate the floor or foundation. These adjustable legs are provided to maintain all four supporting points of the machine in contact with the fioor and at the same time to maintain the machine level. This tends to prevent any vibrations which may be set up in the machine from moving or displacing the machine from its operating position. Any suitable locking means may be provided to lock the same in any adjusted position after the washing machine has been leveled.

The outer tub 6 is formed with a side wall having its lower portion I38 cylindrical in horizontal cross-section and its upper portion M6 frustoconical in shape which terminates in an inwardly extending flange I42 provided with an annular curved recess or groove adapted to receive a toroidal shaped sealing element I44 of resilient and compressible material, such as rubber or the like, which fits within the recess orgroove and is compressed against the inner surface of the topwall or cover 30- in spaced relation to the opening 32 thereof to provide a fluid-tight joint therebetween and to prevent water within the tub 6 from leaking into the chamber or compartment formed between the outer tub 6 and the cabinet 2 and into the lower part of the cabinet disposed below the said outer tub 6. The outer tub 6 is further formed with a bottom wall I46 sloping inwardly and downwardly from the side wall portion 38 for the purpose of draining liquid falling into the bottom of the outer tub to the conical shaped drain outlet I48 depending from the bottom wall. This bottom wall is further formed with a centrally disposed crowned portion I59 having an opening I52 therein defined by an annular upstanding fiange I54 which terminates in an outwardly extending peripheral portion I56 providing a shoulder for a purpose to be hereinafter more fully disclosed. The said tub 6 is also provided with an onset portion I58 which extends upwardly into the tub to provide clearance for the motor I66 which operates the washing machine.

The inner tub 8 disposed within the outer tub .6 is formed in two sections or parts, the outer part having an imperforate side wall I62 and an imperforate bottom wall I64 formed with a central hub I66 in which a shaft I68 is journaled. This shaft extends above the hub portion I69 and is splined, as at I"), to the agitator it which is mounted thereon. A sealing device, generally referred to as I12, embraces the upper end of the shaft tend-the hub I66 and provides a fluid- 5 tight joint between the shaft and the interior of the tub 8.

The inner part or section of the tub 8 is in the form of a perforate basket I14, the lower portion of which is disposed in substantially parallel relation to the side and bottom walls I62 and I64 of the outer imperforate part of the tub 8. The inner basket is rigidly secured to the side wall I62 by means of a plurality of screws I16 and is held in spaced relation to the outer imperforate tub by means of the spacing washers I18 to provide a channel which allows heavy dirt and the like to settle out below the basket so that when the tub 8 is rotated such heavy dirt and the like will be carried by the water passing through the perforations and flowing between the basket and the outer imperforate tub over the top of thewall I62 without passing through the clothes con: tained within the inner tub 8. The upper portion I80 of the basket I14 is imperforate and extends upwardly and inwardly and terminates in the rolled edge I82 defining an opening I84 disposed in association with the opening 32 whereby the operator is able to gain access to the interior of the rotatable tub 8 when the lid 34 is lifted. The upper portion !88 of the tub 8, by virtue of its inward inclination, serves to restrict the upward movement of clothes or other material contained within the tub 8 when the same is rotated during a drying operation. It should be observed in passing that the upper edge of the outer imperforate part of the tub 8 does not define the liquid level in the tub. Such level is controlled by mechanism which will be later more fully described.

The upper imperforate portion I80 of the basket has mounted thereon a hollow toroidal shaped tubular member I88 having a body of mobile material I88 of relatively high specific gravity, which assembly serves as a balancing ring. Steel wool or the like may be used 'to dampen the movement of a fluid when used in the balancing ring. This balancing ring I86 is'secured to the upper wall portion I80 by means of a plurality of clips or brackets I98 secured to said wall portion I88 by means of bolts I82 or the like. As will be apparent, the outside diameter of thebalancing ring I88 is, less than the diameter of the inner tub 8 in order to position thebalancing ring so as not to be engaged by wall I40 of the outer tub 6 in the event of excessive wobbling or gymtory movement of the inner tub which might otherwise cause damage thereto.

Formed as a part ofthe bottom wall" I64 of the inner receptacle is a gear housing I84 having a cover or closure I96 provided with a downwardly extending hub or hollow supporting member E98 which embraces and is rigidly secured to the upper end of a hollowshaft 208 which forms part of the driving mechanism. Leakage between the outer hollow shaft 208 and the outer tub .6 is prevented by means of'a seal or boot 226 of resilient and flexible material, such as rubber .or the like, which has an enlarged lower marginal edge 228 adapted to snap over-and engage the annular shoulder formed by the outwardly ex.- tending marginal portion I56 of flange I54 formed as a part of the bottom wall I64 of the tub 8. The upper end of the seal 226 is provided with an inwardly extending flange portion 238 having a friction face which bears against the lower end of the supporting hub I88, the said flange being provided with a facingof nylon fabric or the like which is impregnated with graphite or other similar material to reduce friction and wear from the center post.

6. therebetween. This construction is provided for the reason that the seal 226 remains stationary while the supporting hub I98 rotates together with the tub 8 during a spinning operation. Adequate pressureis' applied to maintain this sealing relation between the seal 226 and the supporting hub I98 by means of a coil spring 232 having its upper end abutting the inwardly extending flange 230 and its lower end abutting a damper assembly 234.

Disposed within the hollow shaft 208 is an inner drive shaft 236 journaled in the outer shaft through an upper bearing 238. splined to the upper end of the inner shaft 236 is a drive pinion 242 which is fixed thereon by means of the spring retaining ring 244, the said pinion242 being supported upon the washer 246 which is mounted upon' the bearing 238 and the outer shaft 288, whereby the drive shaft 236 is mounted in operative association with and is supported by the outer shaft 200. The pinion 242 is operatively connected to the shaft I68 so that when the drive shaft 236 is rotated, the shaft I68 and the agitator I0 connected thereto will be oscillated in a to-and-fro direction within the tub B through the driving mechanism disposed within the housing I94 as fully described in the parent application.

The agitator I 8, as hereinbefore described, has its central hub 218 splined to the upper end of the shaft I68. The agitator is further formed with a center post 212 and a base or body portion 214 extending downwardly and outwardly One or more blades 216 which extend upwardly and outwardly from the base portion 214 may be provided which, when the agitator is oscillated, effect a washing operation within the inner tub 8. The central post or pedestal 212 extends upwardly from the base 214 and is formed with an inner chamber or compartment 218 which communicates with the interior of the tub 8 through one or more openings 280. As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the invention in Figure 1 of the drawings, a float 282 is slidably mounted within the chamber 218 and is adapted to be moved in accordance with the liquid level within the inner tub 8 for operating certain control mechanisms as will be hereinafter more fully described. The float 282 is provided with a lower open end and has its upper end closed by the end wall 284, although other modifications are contemplated by the present invention. l

The drive shaft 236 is rotated for oscillating the agitator I8 and for rotating the inner tub 8, as will be presently described, by means of the motor I68. The motor I68 is provided with a pulley 294 having a V-shaped groove for driving the belt 286 which passes around and is received within the V-shaped groove 288 of the drive pulley 308. The back side of the belt 286 engages and drives the pulley 382 of a centrifugal pump 384. The drive pulley 388 is operatively connected to the lower end of shaft 236 for driving the inner tub 8 in a manner described. in the parent application.

As previously indicated, the float 282 is operated in accordance with the liquid level within the inner tub 8 for operating control mechanism, generally referred to as I4, which has certain control elements mounted within the lid 84 of the washing device. While the specific illustration of the invention contemplates the mounting of this float within the recess provided in the center post for the agitator, nevertheless, the invention comprehends the mounting of such a float 7 within a center post or supporting structure irrespective of whether or not the same is in any way associated with the agitator or other washing means disposed within the tub- 8:. The float 282, according to the disclosure in Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 5, inclusive, is adapted, upon the washing liquid attaining apredetermined height in the receptacle 8, of moving a control button 488 which extends through opening 56 in the base section 38 of the lid into the path of movement of the float 282. This control button. is secured adjacent one end of a lever arm 488 which is pivoted at its other end, as at 41-0, in a bracket 488 secured, as. at 482, to the base section 36. A bracket 475 is pivotally mounted, as at 418 and 4.18 on the bracket 488 and provides a support for two control switches 412 and 414 of the mercury type, the said bracket 415 :being moved about its pivot points 416 and 418 by the lever 488 which is adapted to engage the same when moved by the float 282. The mercury switches 412 and 414 are mounted in the bracket 415 with their longitudinal axes angularly disposed with respect to one another for a purpose to be hereinafter more fully described, and have their

contacts

484 and 488 oppositely disposed, as more clearly shown in Figure 6 of the drawings. Asshown in Figure 3 of the drawings, the button 486 is in its lowermost position, indicating that the inner tub 8 is empty or that the liquid level in the tub is ineffective to raise the button 486.. Under such circumstances the contacts 484 of switch 412 are bridged by the mercury contained in the switch, whereas the contacts 488 are not bridged by the mercury in switch 414, which is at that time disposed at the lower end of the switch. However, upon introduction of a washing liquid into the inner tub 8 to a predetermined level the button 465 is engaged by the float 282 and is raised into engagement with the switch bracket 4T5, causing the said bracket to pivot aboutv the pivot points 416 and 4-l'8 into the position as shown in Figure of the drawings, whereby one switch 412 is rendered inoperative and the other switch 4'14 has its contacts 488 bridged by the mercury contained therein. The results accom plished by angularly disposing the switches 472 and 414 with respect to each other and the operation of the switches in the control circuit, as shown in Figure 6, will be more fully described hereinafter.

Mounted for pivotal movement about the pin 410 and extending downwardly through theopening 53 in the base section for th lid andin opposite relation to the center post 212 is a safety shut-off lever 489 having a latch 489 provided with an inturned upper end portion 490. Mounted for pivotal movement, as at 492 and 494 on the bracket 488, is a bracket 496 on which is mounted a safety shut-off switch 498 of the mercury type held in operative position by means of the inturned end 498. of the latch 489 which angages the shoulder 588 of the bracket 495/. The switch 498 is included in the main line circuit and when moved to inoperative position, renders the entire electric circuit inoperative to stop the washing machine. The inter-engagement of the inturned end 490 and shoulder 588 is normally maintained by a coil spring 582 connected at one end to the latch 489 and at its other end tothe post 584 extending upwardly from the base section of the lid.

The lever 488 extends downwardly below the base section as for the lid in opposite and spaced relation to the center post 212 for the agitator 8 so that. when the. center post assembly, during the spinning or rotation of the inner tub 8, wobbles orgyrates to move the tub 8 an excessive distance laterally from its normal vertical position due to an unbalanced load condition within the container 8- the center post 212 engages the lever 488 to move the latch 489 against th action of spring 582 which releases the bracket 498 for downward movement by gravity about the pivot points 492 and 494 which renders the switch inoperative, thus breaking the main electric circuit and stopping the entire machine. The switch 498 also has its contacts disposed adjacent the pivot points 492 and 494 so that the switch is inoperative when th lid is raised, thus deenergizing the. entire circuit and making it impossible for the operator to operate the washing machine until the lid is again closed. This arrangement provides a safety device which eliminates any possibilities of injuring the operator during the washing cycle, particularly when the inner tub 8 is rotated at a high rate of speed. The switch 498 is pivoted in such a manner that when the lid is raised, the bracket 496 will automatically swing back into a reset position whereby the inturned end 49!) engages shoulder 590 of the bracket so that when the lid is closed the mercury for the switch 498 bridges the contacts thereof and the switch is again in position to act as a safety unbalance shut-off switch should gyratory movements of the inner tub become excessive due to unbalanced loadings. In the event that the latch 489 is tripped due to such unbalanced loading, all the operator has to do is to open the lid to reset the safety switch and to again close the lid, after which the machine continues to operate in its normal cycle of operation.

With particular reference to the float control hereinabove described, it may be pointed out that in the past, in automatic washing machine constructions of the vertical axis type provided with an inner tub for washing and centrifuging and an outer tub for receiving the washing liquid, certain types of controls have been used for determining. the wash water level in the inner tub, one of which comprises the use of a constant flow orifice and, using a timer device to control the length of time the water flows in order to meter a certain amount of water into the tub. Another procedure is to provide a float control in the outer tub which necessitates the use of a recirculation pump, the water level in the inner tub being determined by said float control in the washing cycle. According to the first method, there are many disadvantages in that difierences in water pressure lead to inaccurate measurement of the amount of water introduced into the washing tub and, under certain conditions, it is possible for the washing cycle to proceed without any liquid whatsoever in the tub. The second method likewise has similar disadvantage Such an assembly requires recirculating pump valves and connections which must be serviced and maintained in operative condition. Furthermore, the float is inaccessibly located in the outer tub which cannot be easily and readily serviced to remove lint and dirt which necessarily collects thereon.

The present invention is particularly adapted to the vertical axis type of automatic washing machine which has the inner tub supported for rotation substantially about its vertical axis. In accordance with the present invention, it is not necessary that-a. vertically disposed agitator he used in the washing machine as long as it is possible to have a center supporting structure which can carry the float either on the inside of the structure or on the outside of the structure and so that the float can be used for operating a control mechanism which is conveniently located in the center of the lid. The control mechanism in the lid may be mechanical or electrical for regulating the flow of liquid into the tub and/or controlling one or more operations in the automatic washing cycle.

As will be apparent, the provision of a float carried by a center post structure has the advantage that the same can be readily removed for cleaning. Where the float is placed within the center post the same is not disturbed by circulation or movement of the clothes or washing liquid within the tub although, as will be apparent, it is always essential that the center post be properly vented to the interior of the tub so that the float will actually register the water level within the said tub.

It will also be apparent that the wobbling or gyratory movement of the rotating tub or the reciprocation of the agitator will not interfere with the proper operation of the float. When the tub is being rotated, the water will be rapidly thrown out over the upper edge of the side wall I62 of the inner tub 8 and out of the float chamber 218 whereby the float will become inactive. Under such circumstances the float does not contact the actuator disposed in the center of the lid so that the oscillation and a high speed of spin normally will not cause any rubbing or friction of said actuator.

By means of the cabinet construction including the lid wherein control elements are mounted in a manner to cooperate with other operative parts, there is provided a simple, novel and efiicient assembly arrangement which facilitates inspection and repair and is adapted to meet the requirements for successful operation.

There may be many modifications of the arrangement herein specifically shown and described and it is my intention to cover all such modifications coming within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A lid for a washing machine or the like, comprising oppositely disposed base and cover sections providing an interior chamber, hinge means for said lid disposed adjacent complementary marginal edge portions of said sections, said hinge means comprising a hinge lug carried by one of said sections, a hinge lug carried by the other of said sections adapted to interlock with said first-named hinge lug when said sections are angularly moved into assembled relation, means adjacent the opposite marginal edges of said sections for removably securing the same together, and means providing a support for control means for said washing machine disposed within said chamber.

2. In a cabinet for a washing machine or the like, the combination of a top wall provided with an opening therein, a hinge element secured to said top wall and extending into said opening, a lid for said opening, said lid comprising oppositely disposed base and cover sections providing an interior chamber, one of said sections having an aperture and an adjacently disposed hinge bracket, said hinge element extending through said aperture and being pivotally connected to said hinge bracket whereby said lid can be raised and lowered about its pivotal connection to said top wall. said sections having hinge lugs adjacent 10 said bracket adapted to be interlocked when said sections are angularly moved into assembled relation, and means adjacent the marginal edges of said sections opposite said interlocking lugs for removably securing said sections together.

3. In a cabinet for a washing machine or the like, the combination of a top wall provided with an opening therein, a hinge element secured to said top wall and extending into said opening, a lid for said opening, said lip comprising oppositely disposed base and cover sections providing an interior chamber, one of said sections having an aperture and an adjacently disposed hinge bracket, said hinge element extending through said aperture and being pivotally connected to said hinge bracket whereby said lid can be raised and lowered about its pivotal connection to said top wall, said sections having hinge lugs adjacent said bracket adapted to be interlocked when said sections are angularly moved into assembled relation, a handle adjacent the marginal edges of said sections opposite said interlocking lugs, and means for removably securing said sections and handle in assembled relation.

4. A lid for a washing machine or the like, comprising oppositely disposed sections providing an interior chamber therebetween, hinge means for said lid comprising cooperating hinge lugs carried by said sections for interlocking said sections when moved into assembled relation, additional means for removably securing said sections together, and means for providing a support for control means for said washing machine disposed within said chamber.

5. In a cabinet for a washing machine or the like, the combination of a top wall provided with an opening therein, a hinge element secured to said top wall and extending into said opening, a lid for said opening comprising spaced sections providing an interior chamber therebetween, one of said sections having an aperture and an adjacently disposed hinge bracket, said hinge element extending through said aperture and being pivotally connected to said hinge bracket whereby said lid can be moved about its pivotal connection to said top wall, said sections having portions adapted to be interlocked when said sections are moved into assembled relation, and additional means for removably securing said sections together.

6. A lid for a cabinet of a Washing machine or the like, comprising oppositely disposed base and cover sections providing an interior chamber, hinge means for said lid disposed adjacent complementary marginal edge portions of said sections, said hinge means comprising a hinge lug carried by one of said sections, a hinge lug carried by the other of said sections adapted to interlock with said first-named hinge lug when said sections are angularly moved into assembled relation, said hinge lugs together forming one of two complementary hinge elements, the second of which is carried upon contiguous parts of the cabinet of a washing machine, which cooperate to secure the lid in pivotal relation as a closure for said cabinet, and means adjacent the op posite marginal edges of said sections for removably securing the same together.

7. A lid for a cabinet of a washing machine or the like, comprising oppositely disposed sections provided with an interior chamber therebetween, hinge means for said lid comprising cooperating hinge lugs carried by said sections for interlocking said sections when moved into assembled relation, said hinge lugs together forming one 1 1' of two complementary hinge elements, the second of which is carried upon contiguous parts of the cabinet of a washing machine, which 00- operate to secure the lid in pivotal relation as a closure for said cabinet, and additional means for removably securing said sections together.

8. A lid for a washing machine or the like, comprising spaced sections providing an interior chamber therebetween, means for removably securing said sections together, a support mounted on one of said sections, and control means for said washing machine pivotally mounted on said support responsive to an actuator in said washing machine for controlling the operations of the latter when said lid is in closed position.

9. A lid for a washing machine or the like, comprising spaced sections providing an-interior chamber therebetween, means for removably securing said sections together, one of said sections having an opening, a support secured to said lastnamed section, a switch carried by said support and releasably held in operative position, and a safety shut-off lever extending through said opening and operatively connected to said switch,

12 said lever extending within said washing machine proximate to revoluble washing instrumentalities therein when said lid is in closed position, and adapted to be tripped by the latter incident to eccentric motion of said instrumentalities under conditions of unbalanced load.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 154,817 Wright Sept. 8, 1874 621,032 Chalmers Mar. 14, 1899 876,427 Benson Jan. 14, 1908 1,535,922 Larsen Apr. 28, 1925 1,643,905 Rossner Sept. 27, 1927 1,786,429 Kahn Dec. 30, 1930 1,846,521 King Feb. 23, 1932 2,114,981 Jackson Apr. 19, 1938 2,450,670 Loeb Oct. 5, 1948 2,543,214 Wildberg Feb. 27, 1951 2,544,867 Wallis et al Mar. 13, 1951 2,553,581 Hatfield May 22, 1951 2,574,798 Rasmussen Nov. 13, 1951