US3896642A

US3896642A - Commercial laundry machine

Info

Publication number: US3896642A
Application number: US426952A
Authority: US
Inventors: Alex Toth
Original assignee: Ellis Corp
Current assignee: Ellis Corp
Priority date: 1973-12-13
Filing date: 1973-12-13
Publication date: 1975-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 1992-07-29

Abstract

A commercial laundry machine comprising a support base, a casing supported from said base for holding laundry materials to be washed, first detachable connector means on one side of said casing for pivotally supporting the casing on said base, second detachable connector means on an opposite side of said casing for supporting the casing on said base, means pivotally interconnecting said base and said casing on an axis spaced from said first and second connector means for pivoting said casing to a laundry loading position in one direction about said first connector means when said second connector means is released, and for pivoting said casing to laundry unloading position in an opposite direction about said second connector means when said first connector means is released.

Description

United States Patent Toth 1 July 29, 1975 1 COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY MACHINE [57] ABSTRACT [75] Inventor: Alex Toth, Lincolnwood, 111. A commercial laundry machine comprising a support v base, a casing supported from said base for holding [73] Asslgnee' Ems Corporation" Chlcdgo laundry materials to be washed, first detachable con- [22] Filed: Dec. 13, 1973 ne'ctor means on one side of said casing for pivotally Appl. No.: 426,952

Primary Examiner-Harvey C. Hornsby Assistant Examiner-Philip R. Coe

Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Mason, Kolehmainen, Rathburn & Wyss supporting the casing on said base, second detachable connector means on an opposite side of said casing for supporting the casing on said base, means pivotally interconnecting said base and said casing on an axis spaced from said first and second connector means for pivoting said casing to a laundry loading position in one direction about said first connector means when said second connector means is released, and for pivoting said casing to laundry unloading position in an opposite direction about said second connector means when said first connector means is released.

12 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEI] JUL 2 91875 Run .Uilill COMMERCIAL LAUNDRY MACHINE The present invention relates to a new and improved laundry machine and more particularly to a washing machine of the commercial laundry type used in institutions and the like for washing large batches of clothes, linens, etc. The commercial laundry machine of the present invention is an improvement over the machines shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. Re. 21065 and U.S. Pat. No. 175L947 which patents are assigned to the same assignee as the present application.

In large commercial laundry machines of the type used in hospitals. hotels and other institutions for laundering clothes, linens and the like. an outer casing or drum is provided for containing a batch of laundry goods during the washing cycle and a concentric inner perforated cage or casing is mounted to rotate inside the outer drum. The casings each include an opening and a door or closure member and when the openings in the casings are aligned the doors are opened for loading and unloading laundry. 7

In the prior art washing machine shown in the aforementioned reissue patent an outer casing or receptacle is pivotally supported on a base structure for movement between a normal operating position and an upward eccentric unloading position wherein the clothes contained within the inner casing may be discharged via gravity into an awaiting laundry truck or the like. During a washing cycle the drum is securely supported on the base structure. The normal running position of the washer is not convenient for loading a fresh batch of laundry into the casing because it is unhandy and somewhat laborious to manually lift a load of heavy laundry and move the load in a horizontal or lateral direction through the openings of the casing.

Accordingly. it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved commercial laundry machine which is more easily loaded and unloaded.

It is an object of the invention to provide a commercial laundry machine adapted to be loaded from an overhead laundry chute or the like and adapted to discharge laundered material downwardly by gravity from an unloading position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved commercial laundry machine of the character described which is provided with an outer casing and a concentric inner perforated casing. which casings are movable from a lower operating position centered on a base to a first upper unloading position eccentric of said base for unloading by gravity and to a second upper position eccentric of said base in an opposite direction for loading from an overhead chute or the like.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved commercial laundry machine of the character described having novel releasable support and connector means for interconnecting the outer casing with a support base and releasable on alternate sides of the casing permitting pivotal movement in alternate directions toward eccentric loading and unloading positions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved commercial laundry machine of the character described including means for tilting or pivoting of the casings in one direction about a first pivot axis relative to, the support base and in an opposite direction about a second axis spaced parallel of said first axis.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved detachable pivotal support and connecting mechanism for supportingly interconnecting a casing with a base structure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved commercial laundry machine of the character described having a novel control system for releasing and locking selected ones of detachable connnectors for supportively interconnecting a casing and its supporting base structure.

Briefly, the Foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present invention are accomplished in an illustrated embodiment thereof comprising a commercial laundry machine having a support base. a horizontally extending cylindrical outer casing and a concentric inner casing rotatable therein supported from the base and having openings therein for the loading and unloading of laundry material. First detachable connector means is provided on one side of the outer casing for releasably supporting the casing from the base and permitting pivotal movement of the casing relative to the base about a first pivot axis in one direction. Second detachable connector means is provided on an opposite side of the outer casing for releasably supporting the casing from the base and permitting pivotal movement of the casing relative to the base about a second pivot axis parallel to said first axis in an opposite direction. Means is provided interconnecting the base and the outer casing at connecting points spaced from said first and second axes for pivoting the casing in said one direction to an elevated eccentric unloading position when said second connector means is detached from the base and for pivoting the casing in said opposite direction to an elevated eccentric loading position when said first connector means is detached from the base.

After a wash cycle has been completed with the easings in a lower position centered on the base. said second connector means are unlocked and the outer casing is pivoted upwardly to an eccentric unloading position. In the unloading position. the openings in the inner and outer casings are aligned and the laundered material is discharged downwardly by gravity into an awaiting truck or basket. After unloading. the casings are pivoted back to the centered position on the base and in this position said second detachable means is locked and said first detachable connector means is unlocked. The outer casing is pivoted upwardly in an opposite direction to an eccentric loading position for receiving a load of laundry from an overhead chute or the like. After the laundry is received. the outer casing is pivoted back to the centered position on the base. the casing openings are closed and a washing cycle is commenced.

For a better understanding of the present invention reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a commercial laundry machine constructed in accordance with the features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the laundry machine with portions shown in section and illustrating the outer casing in a lower operation position centerd on the base for a washing cycle;

FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the laundry machine illustrating the outer casing in a first upper. eccentric position for unloading;

FIG. 4 is an end elevation view illustrating the laundry machine with the outer casing in a second upper eccentric position for loading;

FIG. 5 isv an enlarged. detailed vertical sectional view taken through one of the detachable connector assemblies for supportively interconnecting the casing on the base structure; g

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pneumatic-hydraulic system for actuating the detachable connector assemblies of the laundry machine in accordance with the present invention;

.and

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of an electrical'circuit for controlling the pneumatichydraulic actuation system of FIG. 7. v v

Referring now more. particularly to the drawings, in FIG. 1 therein is illustratd a new and improved commercial laundry machine comprising a preferred form or embodiment of the invention and referred to generally by the reference numeral 10. The laundry machine 10 is primarily designed for use in laundering or washing large batches of laundry and like articles and is particularly well adapted for use in institutions such as hotels. hospitals. dormitories and the like. The washing machine includes a cylindrical, horizontally extending outer casing or drum l2 and a slightly smaller diameter perforated inner casing or cage 14 supported for coaxial rotation within the outer casing. The outer casing is provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced openings 16 separated by an arcuate guide 17 for loading and unloading batches of laundry into and out of the casings. Each of the openings 16 is provided with a manually operated door slidable along the arcuate guide 17 and arcuate end tracks or guides 19 at opposite ends of the outer casing. Each ,door is manually operated by an external handle structure 20. 1

As shown in FIG. I, the right hand outer door I8 is inthe open position and the left hand door is in a closed position. As best shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 the outer doors l8are of arcuate transverse cross section and cover approximately 90 or about one-fourth of the whole circumference of the outer casing. This wide degree of opening provides for little if any constriction in the loading and unloading of large batches of laundry into and out of the casing 12.

The perforated inner casing or cage 14 similarly includesa pair of longitudinally spaced openings 22, each bounded longitudinally on upper and lower edges by parallel rib members 24 of substantially thick trapezoidal cross section. A pair of arcuate. perforated inner cage doors 26 are provided to cover the openings and the doors are guided by areuate tracks or guide means 2] and 28 during movement between open positions (FIGS. 3 anad 4) and a closed position (FIG. 2). In the closed position. longitudinal inturned flanges 26h on the upper and lower edges of doors 26 are seated against facing surfaces on the members 24 on the upper and lower edges of the inner casing openings 22. The inner casing I4 and the inner doors 26 are provided with circumferentially spaced apart. longitudinally extending. and integrally formed lifting

flights

14a and 26a. respectively. for lifting and moving the laundry as the inner casing rotates within the outer casing 12 during a washing cycle.

The perforated. inner casing 14 is supported within the outer casing- 12 for coaxial rotation relative thereto, by pairs of bearing structures (not shown) interconnecting the circular end walls 12a of the outer casing with end walls of the inner casing. The bearing structures maybe similar to those shown in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. Re. 23.065. The end walls 12a of the outer casing are provided with cup-like. outwardly projecting centrally positioned housing sections 32. The housing sections are formed with enlarged arcuate shaped openings 34 on -the lower portion thereof in order to accommodate the upper end portion of cylinder'rods 36 of hydraulic lifting cylinders 38. The upper ends of the rods are pivotally attached to short axles or pins 30 which extend between the casing end walls I2a and the-sections 32.

In order to drive the inner casing 14 to rotate within the outer casing 12 and effect the washing action. the commercial laundry machine 10 includes a pair of reversible. electrically powered gear motor assemblies 40 mounted on the end walls 12a. Details ofthe driving interconnection between the gear motors 40 and the inner casing I4 are similar to the arrangement shown in theaforementioned reissue U.S. Pat. No. Re. 23.065. During a typical washing cycle the innner casing I4 is driven for a selected time period in one direction and then the gear motors 40 are reversed to drive the inner casing in an opposite direction. A cycle of forward and reverse direction is then repeated during a timed laundry cycle. Reversing action helps prevent large laundry items from rolling or winding up tightly in an elongated bundle. The outer casing 12 is provided with a pair of dump valves 42 similar in structure and function to the dump valve shown in the washing machine ofthe aforementioned reissue patent.

In accordance with the present invention the laundry machine I0 is operated during a normal washing cycle with the casings I2 and I4 resting in a lower or normal operating position centered on a supporting base structure 44. The base includes front and rear upright corner posts 46 formed of hollow steel tubing (square or rectangular in cross section) and the posts are interconnected adjacent their lower ends by longitudinal horizontal base members 48 (FIG. I At each end the corner posts are interconnected by a pair of parallel horizontal cross members 50 and an upright member 52 is secured to these horizontal cross members. The lower end of the hydraulic cylinders 38 are pivotally connected to the lower end portion of the members 52 by support pins or axles 54. The hydraulic cylinders 38 pivotally interconnect and link together the casings I2 and 14 with the base structure 44 so that the casings can be moved from the lower centered position of FIG. 2 to an eccentric upper loading" or receiving position illustrated in FIG. 4 wherein loads or batches of laundry tobe washed are introduced from an overhead chute 56 into the awaiting aligned openings I6 and 22 in the respective outer and inner casings. The casings are also movable to an opposite. upper eccentric position as shown in FIG. 3 for the unloadin g" or discharge" of laundry materials by gravity action. When the casings are in the unloading position. the materials fall out the open doors by gravity and require little if any extra handling to empty the casings of laundry. The

inner casing 14 is provided with a flatted section 14b to facilitate discharge as shown in FIG.3.

Each of the supporting corner posts 46 of the base structure 44 is provided with an upper cap 58'(FIGS. S and 6) and an adjustable bearing plate 60 is mounted on each cap and secured thereto by cap screws62. In order that the four bearing plates 60 may be aligned in precision level with one another on a common horizontal plane, a selected number of annular shims 64 may be used between the caps 58 and the under surface of the bearing plates. The caps 58 and bearing plates 60 are formed with concentric central openings therein for receiving tubular sockets 66 which are secured to the bearing plates by means of snap rings 68 (FIGS. 5 and 6). Each tubular socket is formed with a cross bore 70 adjacent its lower end portion (FIG. 5) and-the bore is adapted to receive a tapered connector pin also having a cross bore 74 adaptd to align with the cross bore 70 of the socket when the connector pin is fully inserted into the socket as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The upper end of each connector pin 72 is secured by across pin 78 within a socket or bore formed in a depending foot or base portion of a bearing member 76. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each foot member 76 includes a lower end surface which is adapted to bear and rest against the upper surface of a bearing plate 60. The foot members are journalled for rotation onhorizontal stub axles 80, which axles extend outwardly from supporting brackets 82 secured to the front and rear of end walls 12a of the outer casing 12 at about mid level thereon when the casing is in the lower centered position of FIGv 2. Each bracket 82 includes'an enlarged cylindrical housing portion 84 for supporting the inner end of an axle 80 annd bearings 86 (FIG. 5) are provided along with lubricating passages 88 and grease fittings 90 on the end of the axle. The connector pins 72 tend to hang vertically as the casings l2 and 14 are-moved out of the lower centered position of FIG. 2 into the unloading" position of FIG. 3 or loading position-of FIG. 4. I

In order to aid in guidance and insertion of the rear connector pins 72 into the awaiting socket 66 on the rear corner posts 46 as the casings l2 and 14 are pivoted from the eccentric unloading position of FIG; 3 back to the lower centered position of FIG. 2, the rear foot 76 is provided with outwardly extending stop pins 92 engagable with stop lugs 94 on the end walls 12a of the outer casing 12. When the casings are in the unloading position as shown in FIG. 3 engagement between the stop pins and the lugs prevents the rear pins 72 from hanging downwardly in a vertical position. Subsequently as the casings are pivoted back toward the lower centered position of FIG. 2, engagement between the stop pins and the lugs'helps in guiding the rear pins 72 into the awaiting sockets 66 on the rear posts 46 of the base support structure.

In order to firmly secure and lock the connector pins 72 withing their respective sockets 66 on the corner posts 46, each of the four corner posts 46 is provided with a pneumatic locking cylinder. The front corner ward end attached to the outer side wall of the corner post by, means of cap screw 102. The outer side walls of corner posts are formed with aligned openings 46a therein, which openings are concentric with the cross bore openings of the sockets 66. Each of the locking cylinders 96 and 98- includes a locking pin 104 on the outer end of its cylinder rod and the locking pins are adapted to seat within the cross bores 74 of the connector pins 72 to hold and lock the pins in place within their respective sockets 66.

During a washing cycle with the casings in the position-of FIG. 2, all four of the connector pins 72 are fully seated in their respective sockets 66 and at least one set ofpins (forward or rear) are positively locked in place by the

cylinders

96 or 98 and the respective locking pins 104 thereof which project into the cross bores 74 of the'connnector pins 72 and the bores 70 of the sockets 66.

' After a washing cycle has been completed and it is desired to discharge or empty the laundered goods from the casings, the outer casing door 18 is-opened and the gear motors 40 are energized briefly by a manually controlled switch until the openings 22 of the inside casing 14 are aligned with the openings 16 in the outer casing 12. The inner doors 26 are then opened manually and the rear post lock cylinders 98 are activated to withdraw the locking pins I04 from the rear set of connectorpins 72 and sockets 66. At the same time, the front lock cylinders 96 are activated to move theirrespective locking pins 104 into locking engagement in the cross bores of the front set of connector pins and sockets; Thehydraulic cylinders 38 are then activated to extend the cylinder rods 36 and the casings l2 and 14 are pivoted about a front horizontal pivot axis extending through the forward or front set of axles on-the outer casing in a counterclockwise direction toward the upper eccentric unloading position as shown in FIG.'3. In this elevated position the laundered materials within the inner casing 14 are discharged downwardly by the action of gravity into an awaiting basket or truck. Once the laundry has been discharged, the hydraulic cylinders 38 are activated to retract the rods 36 and the casings are pivoted in a clockwise direction about the front pivot axis back to the lower operating'position centered on the base 44. When the easingsare in the centered position of FIG. 2, the rear set of connector pins 72 are again fully seated in the set of sockets 66 on the rear posts. The front set of locking pins 104 are then retracted by the front lock cylinders 96 and the rear cylinders 98 are activated to extend and positively lock the rear connector'pins 72 in the sockets on the rear posts. With the front set of pins l04.un-

locked. the casings l2 and 14 can then be pivoted about a rear. horizontal pivot axis extending through therear axles 80 on the outer casing in a clockwise direction from the position of FIG. 2 to the upper eccentric or loading" position of FIG. 4. In this position the post cylinders are referred to by the reference numerals 96 and the rear corner post locking cylinders .are covered by the reference numerals 98 as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 7 and in'theelevational views of the laundry machine.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 each of the ders if provided with a support plate on the for;

aligned

openings

16 and 22 of the concentric casings are ready to receive a new charge or load of laundry from the overhead chute 56. After loading, the casings are moved back to the position of FIG. 2 by activating the hydraulicfcylinders 38 to retract the rods 36. With the casings back in the centered position as shown in FIG. 2, the inner and

outer doors

26 and 18 are closed v andla washing cycle is commenced. The gear motors 40 locking cylin driyethe' inner casing 14 in opposite directions for sel lected time intervals on a selected washing cycle until the desired cleaning action has been completed. After the washing cycle has been completed the unloading and loading process as previously described is repeated.

Referring to FIG. 7, the outer ends of the front lock cylinders 96 are supplied with compressed air via a line P1 which also supplies air to the rod end of the rear lock cylinders 98. Thus, when the air line P1 is prssurized by opening of a solenoid controlled, three way, normally closed. air valve 106 the front post lock pins 104 are extended to lock the front pins 72 in their sockets 66 and the rear post lock pins 104 are retracted from the rear connector pins 72 so that the casings may be pivoted about the front pivot axis on the front axles 80 toward and away from the unloading position.

The outer end of the rear lock cylinders 98 and the rod end of the front lock cylinders 96 are supplied with compressed air from the line P2 which is pressurized by a solenoid controlled, three-way, normally closed air valve 108. When the line P2 is pressurized the front lock pins 104 are retracted and the rear lock pins are extended so that in this condition the casings are pivotable out of the position of FIG. 2 toward and away from the loading position of FIG. 4 about the rear pivot axis on the rear axles 80.

The pneumatic system also includes another pair of

valves

110 and 112 similar to the valves I06 and 108 for controlling the hydraulic cylinders 38. All four of the air valves are supplied with compressed air from a common manifold or line 114 from a suitable source of compressed air (not shown) and this air is filtered through a filter 116 and passes through a solenoid controlled air supply valve 118.

The valve 112 controls the flow of compressed air to an upside line 120 connected to the upside air port of an air controlled, hydraulic valve 122 for controlling the hydraulic lift cylinders 38. The valve 110 controls the flow of compressed air to a downside line 124 which is connected to the downside air port of the hydraulic valve 122. Thus when the valve 122 is energized the hydraulic cylinders 38 are activated to extend the rods 36 and when the valve 110 is actuated the hydraulic cylinders are actuated to retract the rods.

An electrical control panel 125 for the pneumatichydraulic system is shown in FIG. 8 and when the laundry machine is de-energized and ready for the un loading or loading operation, control power is removed from

lines

126 and 128 to de-energize the winding 118-] of the air supply valve 118. This action opens the valve to supply air to the normally closed

air valves

106, 108, 110 and 112. Control power is now supplied to the panel 125 from a second pair of lines 130 and 132 for selectively energizing the solenoid coils 106-1, 108-1, l l()-] and 112-1 of the respective air valves.

Operation of the hydraulic cylinders 38 to extend the rods 36 (UP) or retract the rods (DOWN) is accomplished with a three position selector switch 134 which is shown in a neutral position wherein neither of the coils 110-l or 112-1 is energized. In order to extend the cylinder rods, the switch 134 is moved to the UP position and this energizes the coil 112-1 to open the valve 112 and supply air to the Up sideline 120 leading to the, I

released and returned to the neutral position de energizing the coil 112-I. Trapped hydraulic fluid in the cylinders maintain the casings in the elevated position and after loading or unloading of the laundry, the switch 134 is activated to the down position energizing the coil -l. When this coil is energized the DOWN line 124 is pressurized by the opening of the air valve 110 and they hydraulic valve 122 is actuated by the air flow to reverse the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the cylinders 38thereby returning the casings to the lower centered position of FIG. 2.

As a safety feature, a cam operated limit switch 136 is wired in series with the coil 112-1 to prevent an operator from inadvertently extending the cylinder rods too far during movement of the shell toward the Ioadingposition of FIG. 4. The limit switch is mounted on one of the uprights 52 of the base 44 and is engaged by a cam 138 clamped to one ofthe cylinders 38 with an adjustable clamping ring. As the casings l2 and 14 are pivoted upwardly during movement toward the loading position of FIG. 4, the cylinders 38 tilt toward the pivot axis of the rear axles 80 and dependent on the selected position of attachment of the cam 138 on the cylinder 38, the limit switch 136 is opened to deenergize the coil 112-1 and prevent further upward extension. A similar limit switch 140 is provided on the opposite end of the base 44 for engagement by a cylinder cam 142. When the limit switch 142 is opened, the hydraulic system pump is shut down to prevent further extension of the'cylinders. The limit switches 136 and 140 and the respective cams 138 annd 142 provide for a back-up in case the hydraulic valve 122 should malfunction or an inattentive operator should move the casings too far past the proper loading" position. Adjusting the rotational position of the clamping rings holding the

cams

138 and 142 on the cylinder 38 permits the precise point of switch actuation to be selectively adjusted and controlled.

In order to control the locking and unlocking of the locking pins 104 of the front and

rear locking cylinders

96 and 98 respectively and thus control the direction of pivotal movement toward the loading position of FIG. 3 or toward the unloading position of FIG. 4, the electrical control system includes a manually operated SPDT load-unload switch 144 which is utilized to selectively energize either the coil '106-1 or the coil 108-1. As shown in FIG. 8, the coil 106-1 is connected in series with the unload side of the switch 144. A pair of limit switches 146 and 148 mounted on one of the end crossmembers 50 of the support base 44 are connected in series with the opposite side of the coil 106-1 and similarly to one side of the coil 108-1. When the casings I2 annd 14 are in the lower centered position of FIG. 2, both of the switches 146 and 148 are closed so that power is available to the coil 106-1 if the switch 144 is moved to or in the unload" position. In this condition, the valve 106 is opened and the front lock pins are extended and the rear lock pins are retracted so that when the cylinders 38 are actuated the casings l2 and 14 are pivoted about the front axles 80 toward the"unload" position of FIG. 3. After the casings begin to move upward out of the lower position of FIG. 2 toward the unload" position, the limit switches 146 and 148 are permitted to open and this de-energizes the coil 1064 thereby closing the valve 106 so that the front ,the loadposition. This condition obtains because with either of the switches 146 or 148 open, the coil 108-1 cannot be energized. When the cylinders 38 are subsequently activated to retract their rods 36 and return the casing to the lower centered position of FIG. 2, the limit switches 146 and 148 will again be closed and if the switch 144 is moved to or in the load position, the coil 108-1 will be energized to open the valve 108. Opening of the valve 108 causes the front lock pins 104 to be retracted and the rear lock pins 104 to be extended so that the subsequent actuation of the cylinders 38 to extend the rods 36 will pivotally move the casings l2 and 14 in an opposite direction toward the loading" position of FIG. 4.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to a single illustrative embodiment thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodimennts can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A commercial laundry machine comprising a support base, a cylindrical casing supported from said base with its longitudinal axis extended horizontally, said casing having a wall with an opening therein for loading and unloading of laundry material into and out of said casing, first detachable connector means on one side of said longitudinal axis for releasably supporting said casing and permitting pivotal movement about a first horizontal pivot axis on said base in one direction relative to said base, second detachable connector means on an opposite side of said longitudinal axis for releasably supporting said casing and permitting pivotal movement about a second parallel pivot axis on said base in an opposite direction, and means interconnecting said base and said casing at at least one point spaced from said first and second axes for pivoting said casing in said one direction to an elevated eccentric unloading position relative to said base when said second connector means is detached wherein said opening is spaced outwardly of said first pivot axis and for pivoting said casing in said opposite direction to an elevated eccentric loading position relative to said base when said first connector means is detached wherein said opening is between said pivot axes.

2. The laundry machine of claim 1 wherein said base includes first and second spaced apart upright supports spaced on opposite sides of said casing when said casing is centered on said base, said first detachable connector means detachably interconnecting said first support and said one side of said casing, said second detachable connector means detachably interconnecting said second support and said opposite side of said cas- The laundry machine of claim 2 wherein said means interconnecting said base and said casing comprises a pair of extensible lift members at opposite ends of said casing, said lift members having lower ends pivotally interconnected to said base intermediate said first and second supports and upper ends pivotally interconnected to said casing intermediate said first annd second connector means.

4. The laundry machine of claim 1 wherein each of said first and second connector means includes a pair of pin and socket members and a transverse locking pin movable between an extended and a retracted position for locking and releasing said pin and socket.

5. The laundry machine of claim 4 wherein said base includes first and second spaced apart upright supports on opposite sides of said casing and a pair of said pin and socket members for interconnecting each of said supports and said casing on opposite sides thereof.

6. The laundry machine of claim 5 including control means for activating said transverse locking pins to move between said extended and retracted position.

7. The laundry machine of claim 6 wherein said control means includes means for extending said transverse locking pins on one side of said casing while retracting said transverse locking pins on the opposite side of said casing and vice versa.

8. The laundry machine of claim 7 wherein said means interconnecting said base and said casing comprises at least one extensible member pivotally interconnected at opposite ends to said base and easing inntermediate said spaced upright supports, said extensible member movable between an extended and a retracted position, and means preventing said control means from activating said transverse locking pins when said extensible member is in an extended condition.

9. A laundry machine comprising a support base, a casing normally supported on opposite sides in a centered position on said base said casing having an access opening in a wall portion thereof for receiving and discharging laundry, said base including a pair of spaced apart uprights on opposite sides of said casing in a centered position, first detachable connector means for pivotally interconnecting one side of said casing and a first of said uprights about a first pivot axis, second detachable connector means for pivotally interconnecting an opposite side of said casing and a second'of said uprights about a second pivot axis, and lift means pivotally interconnecting said base and said casing intermediate said first and second uprights for moving said casing upwardly of said centered position on said base in one direction about said first pivot axis when said second connector means is detached to a discharge position wherein said access opening is spaced outwardly of said first pivot axis and in an opposite direction about said second pivot axis when said first connector means is detached wherein said opening is between said pivot axes.

10. The laundry machine of claim 9 wherein said lift means comprises at least one extensible member operable to expand and contract in length and pivotally interconnected at opposite ends with said casing and said base, control means for activating said first connector means for activating said first connector means to lockingly interconnect said casing and said first upright while releasing said second connector means, and lockingly interconnects said second connector means while releasing said first connnector means, and means preventing activation of said control means when said extensible member is expanded.

11. The laundry machine of claim 10 including adjustable means for limiting expansion of said extensible member. desired the 38 thereby 12. The laundry machine of claim 10 wherein said control means includes transverse lock pins for said first and second connector means operable to extend and retract for locking and releasing said connector means between said base and easing.

Claims

2. The laundry machine of claim 1 wherein said base includes first and second spaced apart upright supports spaced on opposite sides of said casing when said casing is centered on said base, said first detachable connector means detachaBly interconnecting said first support and said one side of said casing, said second detachable connector means detachably interconnecting said second support and said opposite side of said casing.

3. The laundry machine of claim 2 wherein said means interconnecting said base and said casing comprises a pair of extensible lift members at opposite ends of said casing, said lift members having lower ends pivotally interconnected to said base intermediate said first and second supports and upper ends pivotally interconnected to said casing intermediate said first annd second connector means.

8. The laundry machine of claim 7 wherein said means interconnecting said base and said casing comprises at least one extensible member pivotally interconnected at opposite ends to said base and casing inntermediate said spaced upright supports, said extensible member movable between an extended and a retracted position, and means preventing said control means from activating said transverse locking pins when said extensible member is in an extended condition.

9. A laundry machine comprising a support base, a casing normally supported on opposite sides in a centered position on said base said casing having an access opening in a wall portion thereof for receiving and discharging laundry, said base including a pair of spaced apart uprights on opposite sides of said casing in a centered position, first detachable connector means for pivotally interconnecting one side of said casing and a first of said uprights about a first pivot axis, second detachable connector means for pivotally interconnecting an opposite side of said casing and a second of said uprights about a second pivot axis, and lift means pivotally interconnecting said base and said casing intermediate said first and second uprights for moving said casing upwardly of said centered position on said base in one direction about said first pivot axis when said second connector means is detached to a discharge position wherein said access opening is spaced outwardly of said first pivot axis and in an opposite direction about said second pivot axis when said first connector means is detached wherein said opening is between said pivot axes.

11. The laundry machine of claim 10 including adjustable means for limiting expansion of said extensible member. desired the 38 thereby

12. The laundry machine of claim 10 wherein said control means includes transverse lock pins for said first and second Connector means operable to extend and retract for locking and releasing said connector means between said base and casing.