US2872801A - Single rotary tub construction for washing machines - Google Patents

Description

T. R. SMITH Feb. 10, 1959 SINGLE ROTARY TUB CONSTRUCTION FOR WASHING MACHINES 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 5, 1953 T. R. SMITH Feb. 10, 1959 SINGLE ROTARY TUB CONSTRUCTION FOR WASHING MACHINES Filed Oct. 5, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 cflgenr T. R. SMITH Feb. 10, 1959 SINGLE ROTARY TUB CONSTRUCTION FOR WASHING MACHINES 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 5, 1953 ,flmsml'or Thomai 42.5mm

United States Patent SINGLE ROTARY TUB CONSTRUCTION FOR WASHING MACHINES Thomas R. Smith, Newton, Iowa, assignor to The Maytag Company, Newton, Iowa, a corporation of Delaware Application October 5, 1953, Serial No. 383,955

26 Claims. (Cl. 6823) The invention relates to washing machines and more particularly to washing machines having a tub rotatable about its vertical axis.

It is one of the objects of the invention to provide a clothes washing machine having a single tub construction rotatable about its vertical axis with an annular chamber adjacent its lower end which is divided into upper and lower sections for retaining a portion of the washing liquid during the extraction operation.

Heretofore, washing machines in general use employing oscillata'ble agitators and incorporating tubs rotatable about their vertical axes have been either one of two types. In the first, a stationary tub surrounds the rotatable tub in spaced relation and provides a catch basin for the liquid discharged from the same during the extraction operation. In this arrangement the rotatable tub is usually free to both rotate and gyrate relative to the stationary tub. In the other, the stationary tub is disposed close to the rotary tub and while relative rotation takes place between the two, they are so supported as to prevent relative gyration therebetween. In both types the outer stationary tub is necessary in order to catch and deflect the water to drain during the extraction operation, and in the latter case to hold the water during the washing operation.

In accordance with the present invention the outer stationary tub, essential in both of the above arrangements, is eliminated. In the improved arrangement, a single rotatable tub construction is provided which includes a clothes receiving basket or receptacle having a lower perforate portion and an oscillatible agitator therein actuated by oscillating mechanism carried at the bottom of the tub. The basket is secured to an outer surrounding imperforate container or member spaced outwardly and downwardly from the lower portion of the sidewall and bottom of the basket and cooperates therewith to define an annular rotatable liquid receiving space or chamber, generally L- shaped in vertical section. This space communicates with the interior of the basket through the perforations and further includes drain or outlet means in the form of radial conduits extending from the annular space about the oscillating mechanism to a lower central hollow housing or manifold mounted concentric to the vertical rotatable supporting shaft for the tub. This housing includes an upper portion or element rotatable with the tub and shaft and a lower relatively stationary portion or element having its outlet connected to a conduit having a suitable pump and drain valve means therein which in turn leads to a standard drain connection.

During the washing operation, the drain valve is closed and the liquid in the basket is maintained at a level suitable for the washing operation and the sedimentary material removed from the clothing passes through the perforate basket into the annular space formed by the container out of contact with the clothes. At the end of the washing operation'the drain valve in the conduit is opened and the washing liquid in the tub flowsthrough the outlet openings in the container radially inwardly to ice the manifold from which it is discharged to drain. After all of the excess liquid has been discharged from the tub, it is rotated about its vertical axis to centrifugally extract a major portion of the liquid from the fabrics which flows through the perforate sidewall of the basket into the annular chamber, whereat centrifugal force will hold the extracted liquid against the vertical sidewall of the container defining the upper section of the chamber. The capacity of this space or chamber is prefereably such to hold the normal extractable amount of Water retained in the fabrics at the end of the washing operation. At the end of the extraction operation the tub is stopped and the extracted liquid falls or moves by gravity to the bottom of the container to the lower section of the chamber whereat it flows through the outlet to drain. In still another arrangement the container is bafiled adjacent the lower end of the basket to provide an air locked upper section in the chamber to reduce the quantity of liquid retained in the annular chamber during the washing operation.

It is, therefore, another object of the invention to provide a washing machine of the vertical axis type having a single rotatable tub with an integral annular liquid receiving compartment disposed adjacent its lower portion for retaining the liquid removed from the fabrics during the extraction operation and which communicates through an external radial passage with a distribution manifold concentric to the axis of the tub for conducting liquid therethrough to drain when the tub is stationary.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a washing machine including a tub rotatable about its vertical axis and having an integral annular liquid receiving compartment adjacent its lower end with a downwardly directed skirt to provide an air seal in the compartment which limits the quantity of liquid stored in the same during the washing operation but permits the compartment to receive and retain the liquid removed from the fabrics during the extraction operation, and retains, because of the air lock, any excessive liquid, when the tub is stopped at the end ofthe extraction period, which might otherwise flow back on the liquid extracted fabrics.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a washing machine including a tub rotatable about its vertical axis and having an integral annular liquid receiving compartment adjacent its lower end with a centrally located split distribution manifold concentric to the tub axis which has relatively rotatable portions with the one portion being placed in communication with the annular compartment through an external radially directed passage and the other being in communication with a drain.

It is another object of the invention to provide a washing machine having a single laterally movable tub mounted for rotation about its vertical axis with an integral outer liquid receiving compartment which tempo rarily retains the liquid removed from the fabrics during the extraction operation to provide the balancing means for the tub during such operation.

Other objects, features, capabilities, and advantages are comprehended by the invention as will later appear and as are inherently possessed thereby.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure l is a diagrammatic vertical longitudinal partial sectional view showing the improved single tub washing machine associated with apparatus to operate the same in a washing cycle;

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the rotatable tubtaken generally on the line 22, Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partial vertical longitudinal sectional view of a modified tub construction incorporating baffling means in the annular liquid receiving space;

Figure 4 is a detail horizontal sectional view taken generally along the line 4-4 of Figure 3; and

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view of still another modified single rotatable tub construction.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings for one embodiment of a combined washing and drying machine of the vertical axis type including the improved tub construction, there is shown a base construction or member which provides, through suitable shaft means 11, a support for a tub 12 mounted for rotation about its vertical axis and having an oscillatable agitator or washing device 13 disposed therein, as well as a support for suitable mechanism generally referred to as 14 for operating the agitator 13 for the washing operation and for rotating the tub 12 in a washing cycle as will be hereinafter more fully described. Enclosing the above mechanism and secured to the base 10 is a cabinet 15 which includes a top cover 16 formed with an opening 17 to permit access to the rotatable tub and it is normally closed by a lid 18 hinged to the cover in any suitable manner.

The shaft means 11 is in the form of a rotatable inner shaft 20 and a rotatable outer tubular shaft 21 whose lower end is mounted in a combined radial and thrust bearing 22 carried by the base 10 and whose upper end supports the tub 12 for lateral movement.

The rotatable tub 12 includes an open ended basket or receptacle 23 having a sidewall 24 with an imperforate upper portion which terminates to define an opening 25 disposed in alignment with the opening 17 in the cover 16, and a lower perforate portion 26 including a bottom wall 27 having an opening adapted to fit within a shoulder 28 formed in a hub 29 disposed below the lower outer edge of the agitator 13. Surrounding and spaced from the lower perforate portion 26 of the sidewall 24 and the bottom wall 27 of the receptacle is an imperforate member or container 31 which has an inner flange 32 bolted to the hub 29 to provide a fluid tight connection and an inwardly directed upper end 33 terminating intermediate the ends of the basket. An annular resilient sealing member 34 encompasses the upper end of the container, and the receptacle, sealing member and container are clamped together at this point by means of a suitable strap clamp or the like 35 to provide a fiuid tight seal and a rigid support for the receptacle.

The side and bottom walls of the container 31 are spaced from the respective walls of the basket to provide an annular liquid receiving compartment 36 generally L- shaped in vertical section which includes an outer or upper generally vertical annular space 37 and a lower generally horizontal annular space 38. The outer space 37 is preferably of such dimensions as to provide a cubical content or space to receive and hold the normal quantity of extractable water retained by the fabrics after a normal draining operation. The lower space 38 likewise has approximately the same cubical content as the outer space 37 and is provided with one or more recessed portions 39 for reasons to be hereinafter explained.

rojecting upwardly through the tub 29 is a vertically disposed oscillatable shaft 40 splined to a mating hub 41 formed within the agitator 13 for actuating or oscillating the same about a vertical axis to agitate the fabrics and water therein. Means for oscillating the agitator are provided by suitable mechanism (not shown), which in this construction is carried within a gear housing 42 secured to the bottom of the rotatable tub 12 to increase the mass thereof. The oscillating mechanism is preferably directly operated by the inner vertically disposed rotatable shaft 20 which has a driven pully 4-3 secured thereto, the same being continuously rotated in one direction by a motor 44 by means of a belt 45. The gear housing is further provided with a downwardly projecting hub portion 46 concentric with the shaft means and is rigidly secured to the upper end of the outer tubular shaft 21.

Since the combined radial and thrust bearing 22 provides the sole support for the rotatable tub 12 which is free to tilt thereabout, centering means in the form of a plurality of oppositely disposed springs 47 are provided to maintain the tub in a substantially vertical position. In addition, these centering springs are disposed at an angle to provide a component of force axially of the shaft means and each has one of their ends connected to an upper stationary support and friction plate 48 having a crowned central portion 49, and the opposite ends are connected to a damper housing 51 journalled on and concentric to the outer shaft 21 below the plate. The damper housing includes friction material 52 adapted to engage the crowned portion 49 of the plate to reduce the amplitude of movement of the rotary tub during the extraction operation.

A brake mechanism 53 also carried by the damper housing 51 is secured in part to the base 10 (not shown) and the outer shaft 21 to hold the tub stationary during the washing operation and permit its rotation by the shaft means during the extraction operation. The operation of both the brake 53 and a clutch 54 for the shaft means is under the control of a suitable solenoid (not shown) which, when deenergized, applies the brake and renders the clutch inactive and when energized releases the brake and engages the clutch to connect the inner and outer shafts 2t) and 21, respectively, together to drive the same in unison.

A clutch, centering means, brake and damper mechanisms suitable for effecting the above operation are more clearly described and claimed in my Patent No. 2,645,108, issued July 14, 1953, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. It is to be understood, however, that said application discloses but one form of such mechanisms suitable for operating the washing machine as herein disclosed and that other suitable types may be utilized with the improved tub construction.

The agitator 13 disposed within the tub is formed with a flaring base or body portion 55 extending downwardly and outwardly over the hub to underlie the fabrics and has a plurality of radially upwardly and outwardly extending blades 56 adapted to agitate the liquid within the tub upon oscillation of the agitator for effecting the washing operation.

In a rotatable tub of the type disclosed wherein no outer stationary tub or catch basin is provided to hold or trap the liquid discharged from the tub before or during the extraction operation, means must be provided to permit the removal or draining of the excess liquid from the tub prior to its rotation and to retain the liquid extracted from the fabrics during the extraction operation. In the construction shown, the recessed portions 39 in the bottom wall of the container 31 are each provided with an outlet opening 57 communicating with a centrally located hollow distribution housing or manifold 58 by means of suitable conduits or conductors 59 extending downwardly and radially inwardly from the outlet openings. The manifold 58 is mounted concentric to the shaft means 11 between the lower edge of the hub 46 on the gear housing 42 and the stationary friction plate 48 and it is biased upwardly into engagement against the hub 46 through a gasket to provide a fluid tight seal thereat by means of a compression spring 61, also concentric to the shaft means and mounted between the lower end of the manifold 58 and the upper end of the damper housing 51.

The manifold 58 comprises an upper portion or part 62 adapted to rotate with the tub and a lower portion or part 63 which remains relatively stationary during both the washing and extraction operations. The upper part 62 is relatively fixed with respect to the hub 46 and outer shaft 22 and includes a pair of oppositely directed horizontal ferrules 64 to which the lower inner ends of the conduits 59 are attached. The lower relatively stationary part 63 includes a horizontally directed ferrule 65 to which a hose or conduit 66 is attached for con ducting liquid to a suitable drain valve 67. The opposite side of the drain valve 67 is connected to the inlet of a centrifugal pump 68 which is driven by a motor or the like 69-so that, when the valve is opened, the pump removes the liquid from the tub through the outlets 57 and discharges the same to drain through a conduit on conductor 70.

In the disclosed construction, in order to permit relative rotary movement between the upper and lower parts of the manifold 58 and prevent leakage therebetween, the lower surface of the upper part 62 is recessed to receive an annular carbon ring or the like 72 which is adapted to engage the upper mating surface on the lower part 63. During the extraction operation relative rotary movement takes place between the lower part 63 of the manifold and the outer shaft 21; thus, suitable sealing means in the form of a standard type O-ring sealing element 73 embracing the outer shaft at the lower end of the manifold is provided. Both sealing means are pressed axially upwardly into proper engagement by means of the compression spring 61 reacting against the damper housing 51.

It is to be understood that in the above arrangement any suitable sealing means may be provided between the relatively moving parts to provide a fluid tight joint, and that under certain conditions or installations the pump 68 may be eliminated and the liquid discharged direct to drain when the drain valve 67 is moved to its open position.

Hot and cold water is preferably mixed in a suitable mixing valve (not shown) and is discharged into the tub through nozzle 74 disposed above the upper end 25 of the basket. Since the details of the valve and other control apparatus form no part of the present invention a detailed showing and description thereof is not deemed necessary. A washing machine of the type above described is applicable to automatic, semi-automatic or manual operation, as desired.

In operation, the operator elevates the lid 18 and places the fabrics to be washed through the upper open end 25 of the basket 23 along with the proper quantity of detergent, after which the lid is closed. Next, the desired water temperature is selected and mechanism manipulated to adjust the control which acts to supply liquid at the proper temperature to the tub 12 through the nozzle 74. During this initial portion of the washing cycle the drain valve 67 in the drain conduit 66 is closed with the result that the water entering the tub flows downwardly to the valve and the level raises from there to completely fill the conduit, manifold 58 and annular compartment 36 with water. As the liquid level within the tub approaches its desired level A either under the control of a timed period or liquid level responsive or float control means, one form of which is disclosed in Thomas R. Smith and Dudley P. Combs Patent No. 2,612,766, issued October 7, 1952, the supply of water to the tub is terminated and the washing operation is initiated.

During the washing operation the agitator 13 is oscillated about its vertical axis by means of the oscillating mechanism carried at the bottom of the tub and the fabrics are agitated to remove the dirt therefrom. A portion of the heavier dirt removed from the fabrics passes through the perforate lower wall portions of the basket and enters the annular space 36 defined by the container 31 whereat it settles out of contact from the clothes. In this manner the danger of resoiling the clothes is appreciably reduced.

At the end of the washing operation the drain valve 67 in the drain conduit 66 is opened and the pump 68 is rotated by the motor 69 in any suitable manner. The pump withdraws the washing liquid from the tub through the outlets 57 in the recessed portions 39 of the annular space 36, conduits 59 and liquid distributing manifold 58. At this time a percentage of the sedementary material in the annular space is entrained by the liquid and delivered therewith to the drain.

After all of the liquid is removed from the tub through the outlets except that which is normally retained in the fabrics under stationary tub conditions, the brake 53 is released and the clutch 54 is actuated to connect the inner and outer shafts 20 and 21, respectively, together which in turn initiate the rotation of the tub. As the tub is accelerated and approaches its rated speed, the extractable liquid retained in the fabrics is removed therefrom by centrifugal force. This liquid passes through the perforate portion 26 of the sidewall of the basket 23 and enters the annular chamber 36 whereat it flows by centrifugal force into the upper section 37 of the chamber against the generally vertical wall of the container 31. As mentioned previously, this section is preferably of such capacity as to hold the entire amount of extractable liquid normally retained in a normal load of fabrics. Since the clothing may not be uniformly distributed within the basket 24 during the extraction operation, the tub will automatically tend to shift laterally by pivoting on its lower bearing 22 to rotate about its center of mass. However, the extracted liquid in the vertical annular section 37 will automatically shift to the light side of the tub opposite the point of unbalance and tend to shift the center of mass back into the vertical axis of the tub. Thus, the extracted liquid is utilized to aid in restoring the proper balance in the tub. In order to reduce surging of the liquid within the annular upper section 37 which may result in unstable operation of the tub during this interval a plurality of vertical inwardly directed liquid obstructing baffles 75 are secured to the inner periphery of the vertical wall of the container 31. In addition to the liquid in the annular chamber 36, the centering springs and friction damper also act to continuously reduce the amplitude of lateral movement of the rotating tub under unbalanced load conditions.

At the end of the extraction operation the clutch 54 is actuated to release the driving connection between the shafts and the brake 53 is re-applied to stop and hold the tub stationary. As the tub stops the liquid held against the vertical wall of the container 31 falls by gravity into the bottom or lower section 38 of the container, whereat it flows to the recessed portions 39 having the outlet openings 57 and passes therethrough to the manifold 53 and is discharged to drain by the pump 67. Since the lower section 38 has approximately the same cubical content as the vertical section 37 the liquid falling into this space will not pass up through the perforations in the bottom wall 27 and saturate the fabrics.

After a predetermined length of time the pump 68 is stopped and the drain valve 67 is closed and clear Water is admitted to the tub in an identical manner for the agitate rinse operation, after which the rinse water is removed as mentioned above. At the end of the rinsing operation the tub is again stopped and the washing cycle is completed. The operator need but elevate the lid and remove the fabrics which have been both washed and rinsed.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4 there is shown a modified single tub construction which is operated in an identical manner, and since like parts are given like reference characters, a further detailed description of the various elements is not deemed necessary. Surrounding the lower portion of the basket 23 is the imperforate container 31 having its generally horizontal lower wall and substantially vertical sidewall spaced from the basket to provide the annular liquid receiving space 36 which is generally L-shaped in vertical section. An annular sealing ring 77 carried at the upper end 33 of the container is adapted to seal the container and basket at this point upon application of a clamping ring 78 which also holds the two members together to provide a unitary structure.

Disposed between the vertical walls of the basket and container and relatively closely spaced to the former is an imperforate substantially cylindrical baffle or skirt 79.

This skirt is securely clamped and sealed in position at its upper end 81 by the combination clamping and sealing means 78 and 77, respectively, at the upper portion of the container, while its lower open circumferential edge 82 is disposed adjacent the bottom wall of the container. The skirt 79 divides the vertical upper annular section to provide an inner annular vertical fluid conducting space 83 between the same and the lower perforate portion 26 of the sidewall of the basket and an outer annular vertical liquid storage space 84 between the skirt and the vertical wall of the container. The capacity of the storage space 84 is preferably such as to hold substantially the entire quantity of liquid normally removed from the fabrics during the extraction operation. The horizontal annular space 38 between the lower wall of the basket and container is also dimensioned to hold approximately the same quantity of liquid and the liquid outlets 57 in the bottom wall of the container communicate with the centrally located water manifold or distributor 58, valve 67 and pump 68 as previously described.

In this arrangement, when liquid is admitted to the tub 12 and the increasing liquid level passes the lower edge 82 of the skirt 79 air is trapped in the outer vertical annular space 84 which prevents the entrance of additional liquid thereto, except for that caused by the compression of the air due to the total head of liquid within the tube. When the proper liquid level A has been reached the agitator is operated in the usual manner to perform the washing operation; however, in this instance the total quantity of water required to attain this liquid 'level will be less and the savings will be equal to the cubical content of the vertical storage space 84 above the level of liquid therein.

At the end of the washing operation the water is drained from the tub through the outlet openings 57 and then the tub is rotated to centrifugally extract the major portion of the remaining liquid in the fabrics. Upon rotation of the tub the extracted liquid passes through the lower perforate sidewall 26 of the basket and is discharged against the inner peripheral surface of the skirt 79. The skirt directs the liquid downwardly and as the liquid passes the lower edge 82 it is thrown radially outwardly against the vertical wall of the container 31 whereat it fills and is retained in the vertical storage space 84 by centrifugal force during the remaining portion of the extraction operation. This liquid is used to aid in compensating for any unbalanced fabric load conditions within the basket as previously described.

At the end of the extraction operation, rotation of the tub is terminated and the liquid in the vertical space 84 flows by gravity to the lower horizontal space 38 whereat it flows to the outlet openings 57 for discharge to drain. However, any excessive liquid which might flow back up in the perforated basket onto the fabrics is prevented from doing so and is restrained in vertical space 84 because of the air lock and will stay in this vertical space, held there by atmospheric pressure until liquid is drained from the lower horizontal space 38.

In Figure there is shown a still further modified single tub construction similar to that above described. The basket is secured to the upper end 33 of the outer wall of the container 31 by means of a clamping ring 86 acting through an annular rubber or elastic gasket 87. Depending downwardly from the annular gasket is an imperforate elastic skirt or baffie member 88 which fits about the outer periphery of the perforate portion 26 of the basket with its lower open end 89 disposed adjacent the bottom of the container. This elastic skirt cooperates with the vertical wall of the container 31 to provide an upper section or compartment 90 and when the tub is stationary, it performs the same function as described in the previous embodiment to reduce the overall quantity of liquid required during the washing and agitate rinse operations. However, after the water is drained from the tub and upon rotation thereof, the elastic skirt 88 is expanded against the outer vertical Wall of the container, as indicated in dot and dash lines, by the centrifugal force acting thereon plus the force applied by the extracted liquid. In this instance the extracted liquid does not enter in back of the skirt 88 either during the washing or extraction operations. At the end of the extraction operation the tub is stopped and the extracted liquid falls to the bottom of the container by gravity and is discharged to drain as previously described. When the tubs rotation decreases to a predetermined low value the expanded flexible skirt 88 returns to its original position adjacent the perforate portion 26 of the basket.

In each of the above arrangements only a single laterally movable rotatable tub has been provided and the liquid removed from the fabrics during the extraction operation is temporarily retained in a chamber or space formed as part of the tub which at the same time aids in the balancing of the rotating tub.

From the above it can be seen that an improved washing machine construction eliminating the stationary tub has been provided which not only reduces the overall cost of the apparatus considerably but at the same time provides a means for disposing sedimentary material out of contact with the clothes. In addition, a tub construction has been provided with a baffling means for the liquid receiving chamber which acts to reduce the total quantity of liquid required during the washing and rinsing operations and permits the entrance of liquid thereto during the extraction operation.

While I have herein described and upon the drawings shown illustrative embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may comprehend other constructions, arrangements of parts, details and features without departing from the spirit of the invention.

It is claimed:

1. In a washing machine, the combination of a rotatable tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, shaft means for supporting said tub for rotation about a vertical axis, said tub comprising a basket having a perforate portion and a container surrounding the perforate portion of said basket to provide an annular liquid receiving chamber between said basket and said container, means for securing said container and basket together to provide a unitary structure, a liquid outlet in the lower section of said container, a liquid distributing manifold having upper and lower relatively rotatable parts disposed below said tub concentric to said shaft means and connected to said outlet, said upper part encompassing said shaft means and being rotatable with said tub, and a drain port in the lower part of said manifold.

2. In a washing machine, the combination of a rotatable tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, shaft means for supporting and rotating said tub about its vertical axis, said tub including a perforate portion and an outer imperforate portion connected and sealed to and spaced from said perforate portion to provide an annular liquid receiving chamber having upper and lower sections, said upper section being adapted to receive and retain the liquid extracted from the fabrics when said tub is rotated and said lower section being adapted to receive the liquid from said upper section at the end of the extraction operation, a liquid outlet in said lower section, a liquid distributing manifold mounted around and concentric to said supporting shaft, means for connecting said liquid outlet to said manifold, and a drain port in said manifold.

33. In a washing machine, the combination of a rotatable tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, shaft means for supporting and rotating said tub about its vertical axis, said tub including a perforate portion and an outer imperforate portion spaced from said perforate portion to provide an annular liquid receiving chamber having upper and lower sections, an imperforate baffie member disposed about the inner perforate wall in said upper section a d ha i g a cwer open and disposed adjacent the bottom of said lower section, said baffie cooperating with said outer imperforate portion to provide an air lock for limiting the entrance of liquid to said upper section during the washing operation, a liquid outlet in said lower section, a liquid distribution manifold mounted concentric to said supporting shaft, means for connecting the outlet in said tub to said manifold, and a drain port in said manifold, said upper section of said chamber being adapted to receive and retain liquid extracted from the fabrics during rotation of said tub and said lower section being adapted to receive liquid from said upper section at the end of the extraction operation for conducting liquid through said outlet and said drain port.

4. In a washing machine, the combination of a rotatable tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, shaft means for supporting and rotating said tub about its vertical axis, said tub including a perforate portion and an outer imperforate portion spaced from said perforate portion to provide an annular liquid receiving chamber having upper and lower sections, an imperforate elastic bafiie member disposed about the inner perforate wall in said upper section and having a lower open end disposed adjacent the bottom wall of said lower section, said baffle cooperating with said outer imperforate portion to provide an air lock for limiting the entrance of liquid to the upper section of said chamber during the washing operation, a liquid outlet in said lower section, a liquid distribution manifold mounted concentric to said shaft means, means for connecting the outlet in said tub to said manifold, and a drain port in said manifold, said elastic baffle in the upper section of said chamber being expansible outwardly against the imperforate outer wall under centrifugal force and the pressure of the liquid extracted from the fabrics when said tub is rotated to per mit the retention of liquid in said upper section, and being contract-able upon a decrease in speed of rotation of said tub to its original position when the liquid moves by gravity to the lower section.

5. Ina washing machine, the combination of a rotatable tube adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, an agitator in said tub, actuating means carried at the bottom of said tub for operating said agitator, shaft means for supporting and rotating said tub about its vertical axis and for operating said actuating means, said tub including a perforate portion and an outer imperforate portion connected and sealed together, said imperforate portion being spaced from said perforate portion to provide an annular liquid receiving chamber having upper and lower sections, said upper section being adapted to receive and retain the liquid extracted from the fabrics when said tub is rotated and said lower section being adapted to receive liquid from said upper section at the end of the extraction operation, a liquid outlet in said lower sections, a hollow liquid receiving manifold mounted around and concentric to said shaft means below said tub, an external conduit connected to said outlet and manifold for bypassing said actuating means, and a drain port in said manifold.

6. In a washing machine, the combination of a rotatable tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, an agitator in said tub, actuating means carried at the bottom of said tub for operating said agitator, shaft means for supporting and rotating said tub about its vertical axis and for operating said actuating means, said tub including a perforate portion and an outer imperforate portion spaced from said perforate portion to provide an annular liquid receiving chamber having upper and lower sections, said upper section being adapted to receive and centrifugally retain the liquid extracted from the fabrics when said tub is rotated and said lower section being adapted to receive liquid from said upper section at the end of the extraction operation, a liquid outlet in said lower section, a hollow liquid conducting manifold having upper and lower relatively rotatable portions mounted around and concentric to said shaft means below said tub, an external conduit connecting said outlet and manifold for bypassing said actuating means, said upper portion being connected to said conduit and rotatable with said tub-and said lower portion being held stationary, sealing means disposed between said perforate and imperforate portions, and a drain port in said lower portion of said manifold.

7. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, shaft means for supporting and rotating said tub about its vertical axis, said tub having an inner perforate portion and an outer imperforate portion connected and sealed together, said imperforate portion being spaced from said perforate portion to provide an annular liquid receiving chamber having upper and lower sections, a liquid outlet for said chamber at said lower section, a liquid distributor in circling and mounted concentric to said shaft means disposed below said tub, an external liquid conducting passage connected to said outlet and liquid distributor, a conduit connected to said distributor for conducting liquid therefrom, valve means in said conduit for opening and closing the same, said valve being closed during the washing operation to retain the liquid in the tub and opened at the end of the washing operation to drain the liquid therefrom, and means for rotating said tub through said shaft means to extract liquid from the fabrics after the draining operation, the extracted liquid being discharged into said annular chamber and retained in said upper section by centrifugal force and being shifta'ble therein to compensate for unbalanced load conditions during the extraction operation, said liquid being movable by gravity to said lower section at the end of the extraction operation for discharge to drain through said concentric distributor.

8. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed and to be rotated to centrifugally extract liquid from the fabrics, said tub including a perforate bottom Wall and a sidewall having an imperforate upper portion and a perforate lower portion, a container having a bottom wall and a sidewall spaced from said perforate lower portion and said bottom wall to provide a liquid receiving chamber having upper and lower sections, means for sealing the upper end of said container to said sidewall to prevent the escape of liquid, a liquid conducting manifold disposed below said tub, an outlet in the bottom wall of said container through which liquid is discharged at the end of the washing and extraction operations, means providing an external connection from said outlet to said manifold, a vertical shaft revolvably mounted within said liquid conducting manifold for supporting and rotating said tub about its axis after the liquid has been drained from said tub to centrifugally extract liquid from the fabrics, the extracted liquid being discharged into said chamber during operation of said tub to temporarily hold said extracted liquid, said chamber being proportioned to retain a major portion of the extracted liquid in its upper section during rotation of said tub and a drain port in said manifold for draining liquid from said chamber at the end of the extraction period.

9. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed and to be rotated to centrifugally extract liquid from the fabrics, said tub including a basket having a substantially vertical perforate sidewall and a container having a sidewall spaced from said basket to provide an annular liquid holding chamber therebetween having an upper and a lower section, means for sealing the upper end of said container to the sidewall of said basket to provide a fluid tight joint, and an imperforate cylindrical baflie disposed in said upper section between the perforate portion of the sidewall of said basket and container, said baflle having its lower end disposed adjacent the bottom wall of said container and its upper end sealed to said '11 sidewall to provide a fluid tight joint, said bafile providing an air lock for said upper section to prevent the entrance of liquid into said upper section during the washing operation but permitting the entrance of the extracted liquid into said upper section by centrifugal force during rotation of said tub.

10. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed and to be rotated about a vertical axis to centrifugally extract liquid from the fabrics, said tub including a basket having a substantially vertical perforate sidewall portion and a container having a sidewall spaced from said basket to provide an annular liquid holding chamber therebetween having an upper and a lower section, a liquid outlet in said lower section, means for sealing the upper end of said container to the sidewall of said basket to provide a fluid tight joint, and an elastic cylindrical skirt member disposed in said upper section about said perforate sidewall portion and having its upper end sealed to said basket above its perforate portion and its lower open end terminating adjacent the bottom wall of said container, said skirt cooperating with the sidewall of said container to provide an air lock for said upper section to prevent the entrance of liquid into said upper section during the washing operation for reducing the quantity of washing liquid required in said tu'b, but expansible outwardly against the sidewall of the container by the centrifugally extracted liquid when said tub reaches a predetermined high speed during the extraction operation to provide for the retention of the extracted liquid in said upper section, said skirt being contractable at the end of the extraction operation to its original position adjacent the perforate sidewall portion of said basket when the liquid moves by gravity to the lower section of said chamber for discharge to said outlet.

11. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed and to be rotated to centrifugally extract liquid from the fabrics, said tub comprising an imperforate tub having an upper open end, a sidewall and a bottom wall, said bottom Wall and a lower portion of said sidewall being enlarged to provide an annular chamber having upper and lower sections, a perforate portion disposed inwardly of and connected to the enlarged portion of said walls to permit the flow of liquid into said annular chamber and to limit the outward movement of the fabrics, said tub having a liquid outlet in its bottom wall, shaft means connected to said tub for rotating said tub, a centrally located water conducting manifold encompassing said shaft means and disposed around the axis of rotation of said tub for receiving the liquid discharged from said tub through said outlet, an external liquid conducting means for connecting said manifold to said outlet, means for rotating said tub after draining excess liquid from the fabrics to extract the major portion of the remaining liquid from the fabrics, the liquid being discharged through said perforate portion into the upper section of said annular chamber and temporarily retained therein by centrifugal force to aid in compensating for unbalanced load conditions, and being movable by gravity at the end of said extraction operation to the lower section of said chamber for delivery through said outlet to said centrally located manifold, and a drain port in said manifold.

12. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed and to be rotated about its vertical axis to extract liquid from the fabrics, an agitator carried in said tub for agitating the fabrics, actuating mechanism carried at the bottom of said tub and rotatable therewith for actuating said agitator, shaft means for supporting and rotating said tub and for operating said actuating mechanism, said tub including a basket having a perforate sidewall and a bottom wall, a container connected to and surrounding the perforate sidewall of said basket and spaced therefrom to provide an annular l quid receivi g cha ber having an pp outer section and a lower inner section, means for sealing the upper end of said container to said basket, a liquid distributing manifold mounted concentric to and en circling said shaft means below said actuating mechanism, said manifold having upper and lower relatively rotatable parts with said upper part being rotatable with said tub and said lower part being held stationary, an external liquid conducting conduit extending around said actuating mechanism for connecting the bottom of said chamber to the upper part of said manifold, a drain conduit in said lower part of said manifold, valve means disposed in said conduit to control the flow of water therethrough, said valve being closed during the washing operation to maintain the proper liquid level in said tub and opened at the end of the washing operation to drain the liquid therefrom through said manifold, and means for rotating said tub through said shaft means to centrifugally extract the liquid from the fabrics and retain the extracted liquid in the upper section of said chamber, the liquid being movable by gravity to the lower section of said chamber for discharge to drain through said manifold when the tub is stopped at the end of the extraction operation.

13. In a washing machine, the combination of a tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed and to be rotated about its vertical axis to extract liquid from the fabrics, an agitator carried in said tub for agitating the fabrics, actuating means carried at the bottom of said tub and rotatable therewith for actuating said agitator, shaft means for supporting and rotating said tub and for operating said actuating means, said tub including a basket having a perforate sidewall and a bottom wall, a container having side and bottom walls surrounding the perforate sidewall of said basket and spaced therefrom to provide an annular liquid receiving chamber having an upper outer section and lower inner section, means for sealing the upper end of said container to said basket, a cylindrical skirt disposed in said upper section between said perforate sidewall and side wall of said container and having its upper end secured in sealing relation with said container and basket and its lower end disposed adjacent the bottom wall of said container, said skirt providing an air lock to limit the entrance of liquid to the upper outer section of said chamber during the washing operation, a liquid distributing manifold mounted concentric to and on said shaft means below said actuatingmeans, said manifold having upper and lower relatively rotatable parts with said upper part being rotatable with said tub and the lower part being held stationary, an external liquid conducting conduit extending around said actuating means for connecting the bottom of said chamber to the upper part of said manifold, a drain conduit connected to said manifold, valve means disposed in said conduit to control the flow of water therethrough, said valve being closed during the washing operation to maintain the proper liquid level in said tub and opened at the end of said operation to drain the liquid therefrom through said manifold, and means for rotating said tub through said shaft means to centrifugally extract the liquid from the fabrics and retain the extracted liquid in the upper section of said chamber, the liquid being movable by gravity to the lower section of said chamber for discharge to drain through said manifold when the tub is stopped at the end of the extraction operation.

14. The combination as claimed in claim 13, wherein said skirt is formed from elastic material and is expandable against the side wall of said container during the extraction operation by centrifugal force and the extracted liquid and contractable against said perforate sidewall at the end of the extraction operation.

15. In a washing machine, the combination of a rotatable tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, shaft means for supporting and rotating said tub about its vetrical axis, said tub including a perforate portion and an out imp rforate p r on p ced frQm said 13 perforate portion to provide an annular liquid receiving chamber having upper and lower sections, an imperforate baffle member disposed about the inner perforate portion in said upper section andhaving a lower open end disposed adjacent the bottom of said lower section, said baffie cooperating with said outer imperforate portion to provide an air lock for limiting the entrance of liquid to said upper section during thewashing operation, and a liquid outlet in said lower section.

16. In a washing machine, thecombination of a rotatable tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, shaft means for supporting and rotating said tub about its vertical axis, said tub including a perforate portion and an outer imperforate portion spaced from said perforate portion to provide an annular liquid receiving chamber having upper and lower sections, an imperforate baffle member disposed about the inner perforate portion in said upper section and having a lower open end disposed adjacent the bottom ,of said lower section, said baffle cooperating with said outer imperforate portion to provide an air lock for limiting the entrance of liquid to said upper section during the washing operation, a liquid outlet in saidlower section, said upper section of said chamber being adapted to receive and retain liquid extracted from the fabrics during the rotation of said tub and said lower section being adapted to receive liquid from said upper section at the end of the extraction operation for conducting the same to drain through said outlet.

17. A unitary tub assembly adapted to receiveliquid and fabrics to be washed, comprising, an upstanding sidewall including a perforate portion, a bottom wall connected to said sidewall, a substantially imperforate wall member spaced outwardly from said perforate portion and sealed to said sidewall and bottom wall to define therewith a liquid receiving chamber for liquid extracted through said perforate portion during rotation of said tub assembly, a bafile member within said chamber providing an air lock for limiting the entrance of liquid into that portion of said chamber between said baffle member and said imperforate wall member, revoluble shaft means connected to said bottom wall for rotating said tub assembly about a vertical axis to centrifugally extract liquid through said perforate portion and into said chamber, and a liquid outlet in said imperforate wall member for discharge of liquid from said tub assembly.

18. A unitary tub assembly adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, comprising, an upstanding sidewall including a perforate portion, a bottom wall connected to said sidewall, a substantially imperforate Wall member spaced outwardly from said perforate portion and sealed to said sidewall and said bottom wall to define therewith a liquid receiving chamber for liquid extracted through said perforate portion during rotation of said tub assembly, an imperforate baffie member positioned within said chamber providing an air lock for limiting entrance of liquid into that portion of said chamber between said bafile member and said imperforate wall member, revoluble shaft means connected to said bottom wall for rotating said tub assembly about a vertical axis to centrifugally extract liquid through said perforate portion and into said chamber, a liquid outlet in said imperforate wall member for discharge of liquid from said tub assembly, a liquid distribution manifold mounted concentrically of said shaft means and communicating with said liquid outlet, and an opening in said manifold for discharge of liquid supplied to said manifold from said tub assembly.

19. A unitary tub assembly adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, comprising, an upstanding sidewall including a perforate portion, a bottom wall connected to said sidewall, a substantially imperforate wall member spaced outwardly from said perforate portion and sealed to said sidewall and said bottom wall to define therewith a liquid receiving chamber for liquid extracted through said perforate portion during rotation of said tub assembly, an imperforate baffie member positioned within said chamber providing an air lock for limiting entrance of liquid into that portion of said chamber between said baffle member and said imperforate wall member, revoluble shaft means connected to said bottom wall for rotating said tub assembly about a vertical axis to centrifugally extract liquid through said perforate portion and into said chamber, a liquid outlet in said imperforate wall member for discharge of liquid from said tub assembly, a first liquid manifold member communicating with said liquid outlet, said first manifold member being mounted concentrically of said shaft means for rotation therewith, a second non-revoluble liquid manifold member mounted concentrically of and communicating with said first manifold member, and an opening in said second manifold member for discharge of liquid supplied to said first and second manifold members from said tub assembly.

20. A unitary tub assembly adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, comprising, an upstanding sidewall including a perforate portion, a bottom wall connected to said sidewall, a substantially imperforate wall member spaced outwardly from said perforate portion and sealed to said sidewall and said bottom wall to define therewith a liquid receiving chamber for liquid extracted through said perforate portion during rotation of said tub assembly, an imperforate baffie member positioned within said chamber providing an air lock for limiting entrance of liquid into that portion of said chamber between said bafile member and said imperforate wall member, revoluble shaft means connected to said bottom wall for rotating said tub assembly about a vertical axis to centrifugally extract liquid through said perforate portion and into said chamber, a liquid outlet in said imperforate wall member for discharge of liquid from said tub assembly, a first revoluble liquid manifold member communicating with said liquid outlet, said manifold member being positioned exteriorly of said shaft means and mounted concentrically thereto, a second non-revoluble liquid manifold member mounted concentrically of and communicating with said first manifold member, and an opening in said second manifold member for discharge of liquid supplied to said first and second manifold members from said tub assembly.

21. In a washing machine the combination of a rotatable tub adapted to receive liquid and fabrics to be washed, shaft means for supporting said tub for rotation about a vertical axis, said tub comprising a basket having a perforate sidewall and a container surrounding the perforate portion of said basket, said container having side and bottom walls spaced from the respective walls of the basket to provide an outer vertical annular space and a lower horizontal space, means for sealing the upper end of said container to the side wall of said basket to provide a fluid tight joint, a liquid outlet in said bottom wall of the container, a liquid manifold provided with a drain port and having a portion encircling said shaft means and communicating with said outlet for drainage of liquid from said container, and means for rotating said tub about said vertical axis for extracting liquid from the fabrics, whereby during the extracting operation the extracted liquid flows through the perforate sidewall of the basket into the vertical annular chamber Where it is temporarily retained against the sidewall thereof by centrifugal force to aid in compensating for unbalanced load conditions during the extraction operation.

22. In a washing machine, a unitary tub assembly com prising, a wall member defining an upstanding fluid container, a perforate member spaced inwardly from the bottom of said container to define therewith a fluid receiving chamber, a fluid outlet in said container leading from said chamber, upstanding revoluble shaft means connected to said container for rotating said container, and a fluid distributing manifold encircling said shaft means beneath said container and connected to said fluid outlet for draining fluids from said container.

23. In a washing machine, a unitary tub assembly comprising, a wall member defining an upstanding fluid container, a perforate member spaced inwardly from a portion of said wall member to define therewith a fluid receiving chamber, a fluid outlet in said container communicating with said chamber, upstanding revoluble shaft means connected to said container for rotating said container, and a fluid distributing manifold provided with a drain port and having a portion of said manifold encircling said shaft means and communicating with said fluid outlet for the drainage of fluids from said container.

24. In a washing machine, a unitary tub assembly comprising, a wall member defining an upstanding fluid container, a perforate member spaced inwardly from the bottom of said container to define therewith a fluid receiving chamber, a fluid outlet in said container communicating with said chamber, upstanding revoluble shaft means connected to said container for rotating said container, and a fluid distributing drainage manifold including a revoluble portion connected to said fluid outlet and encircling said shaft means beneath said container for rotation with said container.

25. In a Washing machine, a unitary tub assembly comprising, a wall member defining an upstanding fluid container, a perforate member spaced inwardly from the bottom of said container to define a fluid receiving chamher, a fluid outlet in said container communicating with said chamber, upstanding revoluble shaft means connected to said container for rotating said container, a fluid distributing drainage manifold positioned below said 16 container and encircling said shaft means, said manifold including a revoluble upper portion communicating with said fluid outlet and revoluble with said container, said manifold further including a stationary lower portion communicating with said upper portion and provided with a drain port for drainage of fluids from said container.

26. In a washing machine, a unitary tub assembly comprising, a wall member defining an upstanding fluid container, a perforate member spaced inwardly from the bottom of said container to define a fluid receiving chamber, a fluid outlet in said container communicating with said chamber, upstanding revoluble shaft means connected to said container for rotating said container, a fluid distributing drainage manifold including relatively revoluble upper and lower portions positioned below said container and encircling said shaft means, conduit means interconnecting said fiuid outlet and said upper portion, sealing means positioned between said upper and lower portions, and a drain port in said lower portion providing for drainage of fluids from said container through said manifold.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

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