WO2016144757A1

WO2016144757A1 - Combination washer/dryer apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2016144757A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/020901
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ralph F. HAKE; Thomas E. GILL
Original assignee: Hg LAUNDRY SYSTEMS, LLC
Priority date: 2015-03-06
Filing date: 2016-03-04
Publication date: 2016-09-15
Also published as: WO2016144794A2; US20190194850A1; WO2016144794A3; US20160258107A1; WO2016144759A1; US20160258101A1; US20160258100A1; WO2016144758A1; WO2016144882A1; US20160258098A1; US20160258097A1

Abstract

A combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus for receiving, washing, and drying clothes or other washable items includes a housing for resting atop a generally horizontal surface (like the floor), with the housing being generally box-like and having a bottom portion. A first drum is pivotally mounted within the housing, and the first drum is pivotable about a pivot axis that is oriented generally between about 10 degrees and 50 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing and a movable door is mounted at an angle of between about 40 degrees and 80 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing. So constructed, a compact washer/dryer combination is provided that minimizes the risk of water leaking through the door and that is easy to load and unload.

Description

COMBINATION WASHER/DRYER APPARATUS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/129, 137 filed March 6, 2015, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Laundry generally has been cleaned with the application of three forms of cleaning action: chemical action, such as with detergents and other cleaning chemicals; mechanical action, such as by agitation, tumbling, rubbing the clothes by hand; and heat, typically applied by heated water. Typically drying is accomplished by circulating heated air around tumbling clothes in a drum.

[0003] Some global home laundry markets are "laundry pair" markets where much of the sales are of a matched washer and dryer set (the United States is such a "laundry pair" market). In Europe and in Asia, the separate sale of dryers is a fraction of the number of washers. This is because of the limited space in the home, limited drain and vent infrastructure, higher energy costs, and the inefficiency of small drum or condensing dryers which take hours to dry clothes. Combination washer/dryers are sold worldwide in small volumes because drying efficiency is poor resulting in limited capacity and long drying times.

[0004] Most washer machines sold are either top loader machines or front loader machines. A top loader washer machine design is shown in U.S. Patent Number 5,829,277 of Wunderlich. The basic modern day top loading automatic washer consists of an outer drum, an inner basket with agitator, a drive motor, a suspension system, controls, a hot and a cold water fill, a drain pump and a lid. Many consumers consider the top loader to be more convenient than the front loader for loading and unloading. Typically, the outer and inner tubs (drums) are set on a vertical axis. Moreover, a type of combination top loader combination washer/dryer machine is shown in U.S. Patent Number 5,457,969 of Roaf.

[0005] In a modern front load (horizontal) washer, the same sorts of elements are found as in the top load washer, but typically turned sideways on a horizontal axis. A type of front loader washer machine is shown in U.S. Patent Number 4,819,459 of Keith.

[0006] Most washer/dryer combination machines sold are front loading and consist of an outer drum, an inner basket, drive motor, a suspension system, controls, a hot and cold water fill, a drain pump a heater and a blower and a door. Typically the outer and the inner tubs (drums) are set on a horizontal axis. Not necessarily, but frequently, these include a condenser to collect and expel condensate to assist in moisture removal from the clothes. A type of combined washer dryer machine is shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication Number US 2006/0086001 to Jeonq et al.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In a first example form, the present invention relates to a combination washer/dryer apparatus in which the washer and the dryer occupy (and share) a single housing. This saves space, material, and cost.

[0008] Preferably, the combination apparatus comprises a combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus for receiving, washing, rinsing, and drying clothes or other washable items. Preferably, the apparatus includes a housing for resting atop a generally horizontal surface (like the floor), with the housing being generally box-like and having a bottom portion. A first drum is pivotally mounted within the housing, and the first drum is pivotable about a pivot axis that is oriented generally between about 10 degrees and 50 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing.

[0009] Preferably, the pivot axis is generally between about 10 degrees and 40 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing. More preferably, the pivot axis is generally between about 10 degrees and 35 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing. Most preferably, the pivot axis is generally between about 15 degrees and 20 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing. [0010] Optionally, the apparatus is configured and constructed such that the pivot axis is held at a fixed orientation within the housing. Alternatively, the apparatus is configured and constructed such that the first drum is movably mounted within the housing in such a way that the orientation of the pivot axis relative to the housing can be changed.

[0011] Preferably, the housing has a movable door for permitting a user to add or remove items to be washed and/or dried, and the movable door is oriented at an angle of between about 40 degrees and 80 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing.

[0012] Preferably, the first drum comprises an inner drum and an outer drum is provided for rotatably encasing the inner drum. Optionally, only a single drum can be provided.

[0013] Optionally, the first drum is mounted for oscillation in both the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions and/or the first drum is mounted for rotation.

[0014] Optionally, the combination washer/dryer utilizes a shared single drum which is tilted at an angle relative to the horizontal, preferably of between about 10 and 35 degrees and most preferably between about 15 and 20 degrees. This tilt of the drum aids in both the washing cycle and the drying cycle by providing a tumbling agitation action. It can also wash and rinse using less water and avoid having the level of water in the drum during the wash cycles overlie the bottom of the front door to the washer/dryer apparatus, thereby minimizing the likelihood of leakage through the front door.

[0015] Preferably, the machine is low-speed (low-RPM) and thus minimizes the centrifugal or centripetal force and is relatively vibration free. This facilitates utilization of "uni-body" construction. Elements of the machine may be incorporated into a low-cost molded component. For example, the chassis, ducting, blower mounts, etc., typically found in a washer or dryer can be a part of the molded components. This substantially reduces material, labor and assembly costs and time. This "uni-body" construction generally cannot be utilized by known front and top load machines because of the extensive use of suspension systems and counter-balancing components needed to accommodate the high spin rates required by those machines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a combination washer/dryer apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention, and showing a door attached to an opening thereof and being in the closed position.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a combination washer/dryer apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a combination washer/dryer apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an inner drum according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a combination washer/dryer apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a combination washer/dryer apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of the combination washer/dryer apparatus of Figure 6, shown with the drum moved to a new orientation.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a combination washer/dryer according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, Figs. 1-8 show particular aspects of a combination washer/dryer according to example embodiments of the present invention. In a first example form, the present invention relates to a combination washer/dryer apparatus 10 in which the washer and the dryer occupy (and share) a single housing (typically, a metal cabinet) 12. This saves space, material, and money. Preferably, the housing 12 is box-like, with front and rear sides, left and right sides, and a top and bottom 14. The bottom 14 is adapted for supporting the apparatus upon a support surface, such as a floor, a cabinet, or other generally flat, horizontal surface. Typically, the sides and top and bottom are flat panels.

[0025] In the particular illustrative example shown in Fig. 1 , the front and rear panels are folded into two facets. For example, the upper facet 13a of the rear panel is substantially vertical (perpendicular to the bottom), while the lower rear facet 13b is obliquely canted. Similarly, the lower facet 13c of the front panel is substantially vertical (perpendicular to the bottom), while the upper front facet or door 22 is obliquely canted. Other housing shapes can be employed, as desired, for example, with one or more curved surfaces or other surface features, or for example, comprise one or more legs extending therefrom for providing support to the first drum. Moreover, as is common in this field, the bottom 14 of the housing 12 can be provided with leveling feet 17 (see Fig. 2). According to one example form, about two or more feet 17 can be mounted to the bottom portion 14 of the housing 12 to account for an unlevel support surface. According to one example form, about four or more feet are mounted to the bottom portion 14 of the housing 12. As shown in Fig. 2, the lower rear facet 13b of the rear panel can be substantially vertically aligned with the upper rear facet 13a to form a generally flat panel.

[0026] Preferably, the combination apparatus comprises a combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus 10 for receiving, washing, and drying clothes or other washable items. Preferably, the housing 12 is well suited for resting atop a generally horizontal surface (like the floor). A drum 20 is pivotally mounted within the housing, and the drum is pivotable about a pivot axis 21 that is oriented at an angle a relative to the bottom portion 14. The angle a is generally between about 10 degrees and 50 degrees as measured up from the bottom portion 14 of the housing to the pivot axis 21. A motor 32 is mounted within the housing 12 and a belt wraps around the drum 20 and mounts to a shaft of the motor 32. Rotation of the motor shaft causes rotation of the drum 20 about the pivot axis 21. [0027] According to example forms, the drum 20 is generally pivotally mounted to a rear plate 24, for example, wherein a universal joint is provided such that the drum 20 is capable of rotation relative to the rear plate 24 about the pivot axis 21 . The joint generally provides for a water-tight seal such that water within the drum is incapable of leaking between the plate 24 and the drum 20. According to some example forms, a drum support member 36 can be provided for supporting the open end of the drum. In example forms, the drum support member 36 comprises a rotatable member 37, which provides a continuously smooth support as the drum rotates about the pivot axis 21.

[0028] In example forms, the drum is generally pivotally mounted to the plate 24, and the plate 24 is generally mounted to a support 30 which is generally fixedly mounted to portions of the housing 12. Optionally, the plate 24 may be mounted to portions of the housing or other portions of the apparatus 10 as desired. In example forms, controls can be incorporated with the machine to provide for controlling the rotational movement of the drum, or for example, the input of water and/or air therein to take the article(s) being cleaned therein through the entirety of the cycle(s). In example forms, the drum can rotate in either direction (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise) at different intervals depending on the cycle (i.e. wash, rinse or dry). According to one example form, during the wash and rinse cycles, the drum will rotate about 3 times in one direction and then about 3 times in the reverse direction for a predetermined number of sequences, for example, about 8 or more, for example about 10 according to one example embodiment. According to one example form, during the drying cycle, the drum will rotate for a greater number of times before reversing, for example about 12 or more revolutions, for example about 15 revolutions according to one example form. This will continue until the clothes are dry, typically determined by a moisture sensing device common in the industry.

[0029] The rear plate 24 generally comprises at least one opening extending therethrough for inputting or outputting air and/or water to or from the drum 20. For example, according to one example form, the rear plate 24 comprises a water input valve 44 (and conduit 45 extending therefrom) for providing the input of hot/cold water into the drum. An upper portion of the plate 24 comprises a heating element 40 and conduit 42 extending therebetween for providing warm/hot air within the drum 20. In example forms, an air blower is generally configured for moving air across the heating element 40 such that the air is warmed prior to entering the drum. For example, air is move across the heating element 40 whereby warm/hot air moves through the conduit 42, through the plate 24 and within the drum 20. A drain 46 (and conduit 50 extending therefrom) is provided near a lower portion of the plate 24 for receiving water to be drained out of the drum. According to some example forms, a vacuum may be employed to facilitate removal of the water from the drum 20. Generally, the drain 46 is positioned on the plate such that at least a majority of the water within the drum freely enters the drain 46. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, a lower drain port 232 formed through the stationary rear plate 230 is generally positioned such that substantially all of the water W within the drum can freely drain out through the lower drain port. Optionally, other ports 234, 236 may be provided at the rear plate 230 for inputting/outputting water/air to or from the drum 220.

[0030] An exhaust conduit 52 is provided near an open end of the drum 20, for example, which is generally coupled to a ring member 54 of the drum 20. According to example forms, a ring or collar 54 is generally mounted to an upper portion of the drum 20 and provides an opening extending within the drum such that the conduit 52 couples to the opening for receiving air exhausted from the drum. In some example forms, the drum 20 is capable of rotation while the collar 54 generally remains stationary. Optionally, a lint filter or other filter may be provided.

[0031] Preferably, the pivot axis angle a is generally between about 10 degrees and 40 degrees. More preferably, the pivot axis angle a is generally between about 10 degrees and 35 degrees. Most preferably, the pivot axis angle a is generally between about 15 degrees and 20 degrees. This tilt of the drum aids in both the washing cycle and the drying cycle by providing a tumbling agitation action. It can also reduce the water requirements in wash and rinse cycle and avoid having the level of water in the drum during the wash cycles overlie the bottom of the front door to the washer/dryer apparatus, thereby minimizing the likelihood of leakage through the front door. Moreover, the tilt or angle of the pivot axis can be chosen to be lower for greater tumbling effect or can be chosen to be higher for greater protection against water leakage. Taking such considerations to a logical extreme, if the pivot axis angle were increased all the way to 90 degrees (so that the pivot axis is vertical), maximum protection against water leakage through the door is achieved, but at the expense of eliminating tumbling action (which works with gravity). At the other extreme, if the pivot axis angle were decreased to zero (a horizontal pivot axis), tumbling action is maximized, but protection against leakage through the door is at a minimum.

[0032] Optionally, the apparatus 10 is configured and constructed such that the pivot axis 21 is held at a fixed orientation within the housing. Thus, in such an embodiment, the drum is stationary (other than rotation/pivoting motion). For example, as depicted in Figs. 1-3 and 5, the pivot axis 21 is generally held at a fixed orientation within the housing. Alternatively, the apparatus 10 can be configured and constructed such that the drum 20 is movably mounted within the housing 12 in such a way that the orientation of the pivot axis 21 relative to the housing 12 can be changed. This can be accomplished in a number of ways. For example, an upper end of the drums can be supported by a pivot bearing and the lower end can be raised and lowered with a jack screw to vary the pivot axis angle (orientation). Also, the lower ends of the drums can be pivotally mounted and the upper ends raised and lowered to change the angle, such as with a cable, a rack and pinion gear arrangement, a jack screw, etc. As shown in Figs. 6-7, a center axial drum 320 is mounted to a drum carrier 330 (e.g., with bearings, seals, etc.), which in turn is mounted to a pivot arm 332. The pivot arm 332 pivots about a pivot 334. The orientation of the pivot arm 332 relative to the housing can be varied, thereby varying the pivot axis orientation, for example between a first angle crt and a second angle a2. According to one example form, a retractable jack 350 is provided for supporting the end portion of the drum 320 while also causing pivotal movement of the drum 320 about pivot 334 by employing a motor and belt similar to the embodiment of Fig. 1. If substantial angular adjustment is to be provided, it may be necessary to include a flexible or sliding joint between the housing and the upper ends of the drums, for as the pivot axis angle is varied, the ends of the drums will go through an arcuate movement within the housing, and the flexible or sliding joint can accommodate for the such.

[0033] According to some example embodiments, the pivot axis of the drum is generally oriented at the first angle crt when the apparatus 300 is washing and rinsing the clothes, and the drum 320 is generally oriented at the second angle a2 when the apparatus 300 is drying the clothes. According to one example form, the first angle crt is generally oriented between about 35 and 60 degrees when washing and/or rinsing the clothes, and the second angle a2 is generally oriented between about 10 and 30 degrees when drying the clothes. Thus, rotation of the drum 320 at a first angle crt when washing prevents any water near the lid and reduces the overall water consumption, and rotation of the drum 320 at the second angle a2 provides for maximizing the tumbling action when drying. According to some example forms, the angle a relative to the bottom portion 14 or horizontal surface is can be adjusted while the drum 320 remains in rotation. For example, when the clothes or garments therein are ready to be dried, the angle a can be varied between an angle generally less than crt to an angle that is generally greater or equal to crt . In example forms, varying the angle of the pivot axis of the drum 320 relative to horizontal while the drum is in rotation is generally preferred. Optionally, the drum may cease all rotation so that the retractable jack can be provided for changing the angle a, and then maintain an angle throughout the entirety of the wash or dry cycle. Accordingly, according to some example forms of the invention, the angle of the pivot axis of the drum relative to the bottom can be varied while there is at least some rotation of the drum.

[0034] Preferably, the housing has a movable door 22, 122, 222 for permitting a user to add or remove items to be washed and/or dried, and the movable door 22, 122, 222 is oriented at an angle β of between about 40 degrees and 80 degrees as measured up from the bottom portion of the housing 12 (see Figs. 1 -3 and 5). According to example forms, the movable door 22, 122, 222 can generally be configured for movement in a plurality of different directions relative to the housing or drum. For example, as shown in Figs. 1 -3, the door 22, 122 is generally configured for traversing up and down between a closed position and an open position. Optionally, the door 22, 122 may be configured for horizontal movement in a side-to-side motion, or for example, be hinged or otherwise movably connected to the housing and/or drum. Optionally, the door is mounted to a portion of the drum. The door can be movably fixed to the drum, and may be mounted thereto such that the door generally remains stationary while the drum is capable of rotation relative to the door. In example forms, the door can be slightly lifted or slid upward, thereby providing access within the drum. This allows for a minimum intrusion into the space where the machine is located. According to some example forms, the door includes a vacuum bag that deploys into the inner drum, as will be described below.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows a washing/drying apparatus comprising an outer drum 120 and an inner drum 121 , for example, wherein the outer drum 120 rotatably encases the inner drum 121 . In example forms, the inner drum 121 rotatably mounts about a pivot axis 21 that is oriented at an angle a, which is generally between about 10 and 40 degrees relative to a generally horizontal axis, or for example, relative to a bottom portion 1 14 of the housing 1 12. Generally, the outer drum 120 substantially encases the inner drum 121 but preferably allows for rotation thereof relative thereto in both the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. As shown in Fig. 4, the lower portion of the inner drum can be perforated. The perforations allow air and water to flow in and out of the inner drum. The actual amount of perforations are dictated by performance results from further testing.

[0036] In example forms, the inner drum 121 is connected to a conduit shaft (pipe shaft) that allows warm air to enter the inner drum 121 . The shaft is connected to a drive belt, gear, pulley or other suitable drive mechanism connected to a drive motor that will turn the inner drum. The conduit shaft is ultimately in communication with a heating conduit 142. The heating conduit preferably comprises a heating element 140 positioned therein or at least along a portion thereof such that a blower 136 provides an airflow across the heating element 140 and and supplies heated air through the conduits to within the inner drum 121 . According to some example forms, the drive motor 132 preferably provides input to the blower 136, for example so that the drive of the motor also drives the blower. Optionally, the drive motor 132 is generally separate from the drive of the blower 136. Preferably, according to some example embodiments, the outer drum 120 comprises a water and detergent input 160, a drain coupling 146 (and conduit extending therefrom), and an air exhaust conduit 152.

[0037] After the drum has been loaded with clothes or other objects to be washed, and an appropriate amount of water and detergent is in the drum, the drum will oscillate, for example, in a similar manner as the inner drum of current front load machines. While the drum is oscillating/rotating, air is being blown through the pipe shaft creating a jacuzzi-like turbulence, hastening the wash cycle. When the wash cycle is complete, water is drained or evacuated by activating a drain pump or vacuum pump (via the drain 146), simultaneously closing the blast gate (or other suitable valve) and a bag or bladder or bellow will deploy from the top of the tank or door, using fluid (air/water) or other mechanical means pressing against the clothes and squeezing the water from the clothes. The vacuum or drain pump will pull the washing wastewater into the drain 146, and ultimately into a receiving tank until the water is further drained from the machine 100. According to some example forms, when the liquid has exited the drum, the drain pump will be activated and the water is exited to the drain in the home.

[0038] Upon draining the liquid, the bag is recalled into the top/lid and the machine is ready for the rinse cycle. The drum rotates/oscillates for a shorter time together with the blower action, for example, as the same as the wash cycle, to rinse the clothes. Again, the bag deploys, pressing against the clothes, thereby allowing the water being removed therefrom. Optionally, the rinsing and water removal process may be repeated again to ensure most (if not all) of the cleaning agent is removed from the clothes.

[0039] When the rinse cycle(s) are completed and the bag has deployed for the last time pressing against the clothes to remove as much water as possible, the bag is recalled and the blower 136 and heating element 140 are activated, and the drum rotates/oscillates, causing the clothes to tumble within the inner drum.

[0040] According to one example form, the machine is low-speed (low-RPM), and thus relatively vibration free. This facilitates utilization of "uni-body" construction. Elements of the machine may be incorporated into a low-cost molded component. For example, the chassis, ducting, blower mounts, etc. typically found in a washer or dryer can be a part of the molded components. This substantially reduces material, labor and assembly costs and time. This "uni-body" construction generally cannot be utilized by the front and top load machines because of the extensive use of suspension systems and counter balancing components needed to accommodate the high spin rates required by those machines.

[0041] According to another example form, the present invention comprises a combination washer-and-dryer apparatus comprising a unibody housing having at least one drum for receiving, washing, and drying clothes or other washable items, wherein the at least one drum is generally rotatably mounted about an axis that is generally offset at an angle relative to a generally vertical axis, wherein the axis of the at least one rotatable drum is generally offset between about 65-80 degrees relative to the vertical axis. Optionally, a door is provided for opening and closing access to the at least one drum, and for proper retention of contents therein substantially within the at least one drum, which may be relieved by one or more conduits or pipes for the addition and/or removal of air and/or water and/or vapor to/from the drum, and which is generally provided for washing and drying patterned textiles, clothes, or other garments or at least washable items.

[0042] Fig. 8 shows a washer/dryer apparatus 400 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the washer/dryer apparatus 400 generally comprises the elements as described above, for example, a drum rotatably mounted to a rear, fixedly-mounted plate, a drive motor and belt for providing rotation to the drum relative to the plate, and a housing or frame 412. According to some example forms, the apparatus 400 generally comprises a substantially horizontally oriented washer/dryer apparatus 400 (typically perceived as a front loading machine), and wherein a portion of the frame 412 thereof is generally pivotally mounted to a support or base member 416 that is generally provided for placement against a floor or support surface. Thus, according to example forms, the apparatus 400 is generally pivotable relative to the base member 416 such that the drum can generally be positioned at an angle a relative to a horizontal portion of the base member. For example, the angle a can preferably be oriented between about 0 degrees for orienting the drum in a generally horizontal manner to about 90 degrees for orienting the drum in a generally vertical manner. In example forms, the base member 416 generally comprises one or more stability feed for resting atop a support surface. Optionally, one or more wheels can be incorporated therein for accommodating movement of the base member 416 atop the support surface.

[0043] It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only. Thus, the terminology is intended to be broadly construed and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. For example, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "one" include the plural, the term "or" means "and/or," and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, any methods described herein are not intended to be limited to the sequence of steps described but can be carried out in other sequences, unless expressly stated otherwise herein.

[0044] While the invention has been shown and described in exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus for receiving, washing, and drying clothes or other washable items, the apparatus comprising: a housing for resting atop a generally horizontal surface, the housing being generally box-like and having a bottom portion; and a first drum pivotally mounted within the housing, wherein the first drum is pivotable about a pivot axis that is oriented generally between about 10 degrees and 50 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing.

2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the pivot axis is generally between about 10 degrees and 40 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing.

3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the pivot axis is generally between about 10 degrees and 35 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing.

4. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the pivot axis is generally between about 15 degrees and 20 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing.

5. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the pivot axis is at a fixed orientation.

6. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the first drum is movably mounted within the housing such that the orientation of the pivot axis relative to the housing can be changed.

7. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the first drum is movably mounted within the housing with a movable mount and the movable mount can be operated such that the orientation of the pivot axis relative to the housing can be changed.

8. A combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the housing has a movable door for permitting a user to add or remove items to be washed and/or dried, and the movable door is oriented at an angle of between about 40 degrees and 80 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing.

9. A combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the housing has a movable door for permitting a user to add or remove items to be washed and/or dried, and the movable door is oriented at an angle of between about 50 degrees and 80 degrees up from the bottom portion of the housing.

10. A combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the first drum comprises an inner drum and further comprising an outer drum rotatably encasing the inner drum.

1 1 . A combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the first drum is mounted for oscillation in both the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.

12. A combination clothes washer/dryer apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the first drum is mounted for rotation.