US2807951A - Washing machine drive mechanism - Google Patents

Description

' A. H. GERHARDT ETAL 2,807,951

WASHING MACHINE DRIVE MECHANISM Oct. 1, 1957 Filed Sept. 14, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet l fnveniors' Qmairew H Gerfiardf Z'dward Oct. 1, 1957 A. H. GERHARDT EIAL 2,307,951

WASHING MACHINE DRIVE MECHANISM Filed Sept. 14. 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 fru/eniBrS andrewff erlarcif 01 Edward Jf rgy Oct. 1, 1957 A. H. GERHARDT ETAL 2,807,951

WASHING MACHINE DRIVE MECHANISM Filed Sept. 14, 1951 s Sheets-Sheet 3 26.9 3 .17:: fru/eni'or's" Qnd'rew fi. Gerhard-f W fdward \ffrqy g li m hm Oct. 1, 1957 A. H. GERHARDT EIAL 2,307,951

WASHING MACHINE DRIVE MECHANISM Filed Sept. 14, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet;

7F a z M17M 3% 3 m 71 a 3 .5 mm m x aruirewfiGerkardf ur 'zdward J f're 23 2 m M 5 5 0 09% 2 u n 9 3 7 6 Oct. 1, 1957 A. H. GERHARDT ET AL 2,807,951

WASHING MACHINE DRIVE MECHANISM Filed Sept. 14, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 WASHING MACHINE DRIVE MECHANISM Andrew H. Gerhardt and Edward J. Frey, Herrin, Ill., assignors to Borg-Warner Corporation, (lhicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application September 14, 1951, Serial No. 246,604

in Claims. (Cl. 68-23) This invention relates, in general, to improvements in washing machines and is particularly concerned with a drive mechanism especially adapted to washing machines for both washing and drying of textile fabrics.

Otherwise stated, the instant invention is concerned with a drive mechanism adapted for advantageous incorporation in a domestic or household washing machine of the character completely disclosed in our co-pending patent application, Serial No. 246,601, filed September 14, 1951, and entitled Washing Machine, now abandoned, and which is designed for eifective operation in the washing, rinsing and water extraction of clothing or other articles to be cleansed.

More specifically stated, this invention is embodied in a drive mechanism incorporated in an automatic clothes washing machine of the combination washer and extractor type wherein water is centrifugally extracted from the clothes in the same tub in which they are washed.

Automatic washing machines in which the drive mechanism contemplated by this invention may advantageously be employed embody the features prevalent in the general class wherein an oscillatable agitator is mounted with the basket for performing the washing operation upon the clothes, and wherein the basket in which the clothes are washed may be subsequently caused to' rotate at a relatively high rate (600 to 615 R. P. M.) of speed, about an upright axis, for the purpose of extracting the water from the clothes. Machines of this type may also be constructed and arranged so as to permit performing a rinsing operation upon the clothes as part of a series of sequential operations, which by way of example, may be as follows: first filling the tub with water, then rinsing the clothes, then performing a water extracting operation upon the clothes, then performing one or more rinsing operations upon the clothes, and finally a water extracting operation upon the clothes.

Such machines may be constructed so as to perform the separate operations by manually operable controls, or wherein the operations are caused to be partially or completely performed automatically in a cyclic manner.

It is the primary purpose of such apparatus as that to which the present invention pertains to reduce the burdensomeness of laundry or cleaning processes and to obviate the necessity of constant attention on the part of the operator to the apparatus in the course of its operation. The machine is entirely automatic to the extent that the operator is enabled to set the controls therefor to instigate the filling and washing operation, leave the same and return at a later period with the clothing or the articles to be cleansed, completely washed, rinsed, and the water extracted from the clothes to leave the same in a semi-dry state.

Accordingly, it is an important object and accomplishment of the invention to provide a drive mechanism for a basket and agitator of a machine of the character indi cated, wherein said mechanism is constructed and arranged as to lend itself to advantageous and convenient control by a suitable timing mechanism for performing washing operations in a cyclic manner.

nited States Patent O 2,807,951 Patented Oct. 1, 1957 Although the invention contemplates a completely automatic washing machine, it is another important object and accomplishment of the invention to provide a washing machine of the above character but also lending itself to advantageous and convenient manual control for selectively performing the various washing operations as desired by the operator.

In order to advantageously facilitate the aforementioned purposes and objects, it is an important feature of the invention to provide an improved drive mechanism for a machine of the character indicated, adapted to be driven by an electric motor, and where rotation of the motor in one direction causes oscillation of the agitator, and wherein rotation of the motor in the opposite direction causes rotation of the basket for performing a water extracting operation upon the clothes.

A feature of the invention is the provision of a washing machine of the spinner-extraction type which does not require bolting down and imparts smooth and quiet operating characteristics.

Difficulties in balancing the baskets of centrifugal extractors are caused primarily by the load being out of balance; that is to say, the center of mass of the rotating body does not coincide with the geometric axis of rotation. The machine, therefore, tends to rotate about its center of mass, generating a couple and tends to gyrate the entire machine about the said center of mass and causes the well-known vibration.

In general, two main methods have heretofore been proposed to overcome this serious problem. One method is to balance the basket itself in such a way as to overcome or minimize the effect of the unbalanced load. The second method is to accept the unbalanced condition of the basket and so construct the machine so as to permit the basket to rotate about its center of mass with a minimum of disturbance. I

An example of the first and general method of overcoming vibration heretofore proposed is the use of a heavy basket or heavy balanced rings to provide a flywheel effect so that any unbalance due to uneven distribution of the clothes will be small compared to the mass of the balanced flywheel. Other examples involve movable balance devices including various liquid arrangements wherein the liquid shifts under centrifugal force to correct the unbalance.

An example of the second method of overcoming unbalance heretofore employed is the use of a flexible mounting between the rotating basket and the frame of the machine whereby the basket can rotate about its own center of mass without disturbing the rest of the machine. Another example is to permit the entire machine to dance or gyrate around the floor, flexible legs or caster cups being provided to limit the amount of dancing or gyration.

In this regard the present invention embodies features overcoming the deficiencies of the aforementioned meth- Y ods in overcoming unbalanced conditions and constitutes an improvement over both of the general methods above mentioned by the provision of a balancing means associated with the basket of the machine and so arranged of structural elements of both the driving mechanism and counterbalancing means contemplated by this invention and arranged for cooperative effort therebetween facilitating advantageous adaptation thereof for relatively high speed rotation carrying inixcdlo'ads including fluids and wherein, because of the inher'cntcharacteristics of such fluids, the loads are capable of shifting to cause an unbalanced relationship introducing offset inertia stresses which introduce the unwanted vibration.

Accordingly, one of the main objects, therefore, is to provide a washing machine, preferably of the automatic cycle type having a high speed rotating tub or basket adapted for water extraction during a certain period of the cycle, and said washer having incorporated therein a drive mechanism having in itself a unique association of elements effective to provide an improved drive for both the agitation and extractor cycles and yet cooperating to particular advantage with mechanical means associated with the spinning basket to reduce the vibration in the main frame and .cabinet of the machine to a minimum under loaded conditions during acceleration, full spinning speed, and during deceleration. I v r v In this connection, it is an important feature oi the invention to provide a means which is capable of counterbalancing varying otf center loadsup to the capacity of the load handled by the tub or basket of any type of spinner regardless of the kind of apparatus used for agitation or whether such apparatus is present or not.

The invention seeks to employ a novel disposition of the elements of the drivemechanism contemplated herein to cooperate with other mechanical means of the counterbalancing mechanism thereby adding substantially nothing to the total weight of the machine considering the entire weight of the unit as a whole in contrast to the addition of heavy weights and the like heretofore employed to accomplish the same purpose. With the means employed, the load on the motor and the unit is less during the acceleration of the rotating tub or basket in contrast with the use of the heavy balancing ringsemployed in some Washers, and also the load upon the braking mechanism to slow down and stop the spinning tub or basket is also considerably less in that the rotational inertia is not as great in the present light-weight construction as it,would be in machines using heavy rings or otheradditional shite able weights for counterbalancing purposes. All this tends to reduce the time cycle since the acceleration to spinning speed is accomplished in lesstime and the deceleration of the rotating mechanism from spinning speed to a full stop is also accomplished in less time reducing this portion of the time cycle. I

Another important feature of the present invention and forming a part .of the drive mechanism contemplated herein and efiectivcly cooperating with the hereinbefore described 'counterbalancing mechanism is to mount the basket structure upon a rotating shaft which is vertically disposed in-suitable bearings of resilient types that will permit the shaft to wobble or move through a predetermined orbit.

Cooperating with the drive mechanism contemplated herein and in addition to the Weight disposition there is provided a mechanical means forming a part of the counterbalancing device and including a snub mechanism which counteracts abrupt changes brought about through unbalanced loads to permit time for the balancing means to become thoroughly effective, said snubbing means op erating. to absorb energy to act eifectively in counteracting any extreme orbital movements of the shaft and tub or basket.

Another important object and accomplishment of the invention is to provide an automatic washing machine which is economical to manufacture, simple to operate, substantially free from noise and vibration and yet rugged and reliable in use.

The present invention contemplates improvements in a mechanical movement for washing machines and the like 4- by the provision of a drive mechanism and structure adapted to convert continuous driving motion into an oscillatory driven movement for agitation purposes.

In this connection, it is an object and accomplishment of this invention to provide a mechanism of the above character by which motion is transmitted from a continuously rotating member and is converted into oscillatory movement at a driven member, to thus oscillate a working part of the washing machine or other like mechanisms, together with control means for the oscillated parts.

Another object is to provide for a washing machine of the character hereinbefore described, a drive mechanism comprising a transmission which does not require the use of internal gear segments, gears and racks, shafts having special cranks formed thereon, or other complicated and expensive mechanical parts, but which is made up of parts simply and cheaply manufactured and assembled and adapted to be applied to and used with straight shafts to accomplish smooth, quiet and cfiicient operation to impart an oscillatory movement to an agita tor or other driven member from a motor or other continuously rotating driving member.

A still further object and accomplishment of the invention is to so construct and mount the parts of the transmission so that -long bearing surfaces are provided for all of the working elements, which bearings are set substantially in line in the direction of application of actuating forces, thus minimizing the possibility of strain or breakage of parts through overloading and substantially uneven or extensive wear of the parts through use.

Yet another object is to construct, arrange and mount the parts of the improved transmission so that the weight of the elements of the transmission can not only he employed in conjunction with 'countcrbalancing of the spinner basket but also so that all operated portions and bearings of the transmission can be readily and eflicicntly housed within a casing to thus be packed in grease or operated in oil, further contributing to the long life and smooth and quiet operation of the mechanism.

An ancillary object and accomplishment of the invention is to provide a new and improved washing machine having incorporated therein an improved drive mechanism arranged not only to effectively accomplish efficient power transmission to agitate and to spin the basket but also arrange to cooperate with an improved gyration suppression control or counterbalancing means, all of which are adapted to be economically manufactured and which are so designed as to permit the manufacture and assembly thereof in accordance with present day large scale mass production manufacturing methods of construction and assembly.

The invention seeks, as a final object and accomplishmerit, to provide for an automaticwashing machine of the character indicated an improved drive arrangement adapted for effective cooperation with a counterbalancing mechanism and which is particularly characterized by a design arrangement to more advantageously and satisfactorily perform the functions required of it and adapted to provide a compact unit which will successfully combine the factors of structural simplicity and durability and yet be economical to manufacture.

Additional objects, features and advantages of the invention disclosed herein will be apparent to persons skilled in the art after the construction and operation are understood from the within description.

It is preferred to accomplish the various objects of this invention and to practice the same in substantially the manner as hereinafter more fully described, and as more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming apart hereof and where:

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of the washing machine cabinet;

Fig. 2 is an elevational'view of the washing machine depicted in Fig. l with parts thereof removed and shown in section to more clearly illustrate the construction thereof, .this view being taken substantially on the plane of theline 22 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the agitator and transmission embodying the features of the present invention, this view being shown in section to more clearly illustrate the internal construction of the parts illustrated and being taken substantially on the plane of theline 3--3 in Fig. 5;

Fig. 4- is a sectional view of the drive mechanism embodying the features of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the transmission contemplated by this invention with the top cover housing removed to more clearly show the internal disposition of the parts thereof;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of a portion of the transmission depicted in Fig. 5 but showing the parts thereof moved to a different position;

Fig. 7 is an elevational view of the spring type clutch forming a part of the drive mechanism depicted in Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is an elevational view of a brake mechanism eli'ective to permit under certain conditions relative rotation of the agitator driving mechanism and the driving mechanism of the basket depicted in Fig. 2 and being taken substantially on the plane of the line 8-8 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the drive mechanism and gyration suppression means contemplated by this invention and being taken substantially on the plane of the line 9) in Fig. 2;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged elevational view of the gyration shut-off switch otherwise depicted in Figs. 2 and 9, this view being taken substantially on the plane of the line Iii-1'3 in Fig. 2; and

Fig. 11 is an elevational view of a portion of the gyration suppression means and being taken substantially on the plane of the line 11-41 in Fig. 9.

The drawings are understood to be more or less of a schematic character for the purpose of illustrating and disclosing a typical or preferred form of the improvements contemplated herein and in the drawings like reference characters identify the same parts in the several views.

Attention is invited to the drawings, particularly Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4, wherein the entire drive mechanism with which the present invention is particularly concerned is designated in its entirety by the numeral 15 and shown incorporated in a washing machine comprising, in general,

the component part assemblies respectively indicated in their entirety by the letters A as follows: A cabinet A exemplifying the external appearance of the automatic washing, rinsing and water extracting machine as shown in Fig. 1 and being hereinafter referred to simply as a washing machine; a basket B of the centrifugal extracting type disposed within the cabinet A; an improved agitator C operatively disposed within the basket B and having as a part thereof the housing of the transmission forming a part of thedrive mechanism 15, said housing being carried by the basket for rotation therewith when the basket is rotated for centrifugal water extracting operations and the bulk, mass and weight of which cooperates with a gyration suppression control means I which includes a control switch I; a reversable electric motor G to drive said agitator C and said basket B through thedriving mechanism 15; a supporting structure H; water inlet and water drain assemblies respectively indicated as at K and L; and a sequential control M as disclosed in a co-pending patent application of Joseph M. Gartner, Serial Number 262,760, filed December 21, 1951, and entitled Sequential Control, and which is adapted to regulate the operation of the various elements in proper sequence to perform the operations involving filling, washing, rinsing and water extraction.

Attention is directed to Fig. 1 wherein there is illus- 6. trated the cabinet A which andcontrol system therefor and which comprises acover 20, afront panel 21, side panels respectively indicated at 22 and 23, and a control panel 24 forming a part of and projecting upwardly from thecover 20 as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

In Figs. 1 and 2, it can be seen that thecover 20 is provided with a hingedlid 25 to form a closure member for anopening 26 through which clothes or other articles to be cleansed may be introduced to the machine. The hingedlid 25 is so disposed with respect to theopening 26 that it will be flush with the surface of thecover 20 when it is in its closed position. One ormore metal straps 27 pivotally disposed in the mountings secured to the underside of thecover 20 serve to provide a hinged mounting for thelid 25 with respect to thecover 20. A depression formed in the surface of the hingedlid 25 provides access to ahandgrip 28 disposed at one edge of thelid 25 opposite its hinged mounting.

On the left-hand side of the control panel 24 there is disposed acontrol switch 30 which provides a means for manually selectively presenting the operation of an automatic temperaturecontrol mixing valve 31 forming a part of the water inlet assembly K. This mixingvalve 31, which will be described in greater detail hereinafter, serves to provide for the introduction of cleaning fluids, in this case, Water, at a proper temperature to insure proper cleansing of the articles to be laundered.

On the right-hand side of the control panel 24 there is disposed acontrol knob 33 which provides a means for manually operating the sequential control M. The length of the washing cycle may be predetermined and set within certain limits by the manual adjustment of thecontrol knob 33 in a manner to be described in detail hereinafter.

It is notable that both thecontrol switch 30 and thecontrol knob 33 are shown as being disposed on the panelled surface 24 so that they provide no obstruction to the operator in the introduction of the articles to be laundered to the machine, or their removal therefrom.

Particular attention is directed to Fig. 1 wherein there is clearly illustrated arecess 35 arranged adjacent the back portions of the washing machine cabinet, this recess being adaptable for convenient receipt of pipes, Wiring cables and the like so that therear portions 36 of the top of the cabinet may be positioned so as to be in engagement with a wall or the like to provide continuity when the washer is disposed in a kitchen and/or laundry cabinet arrangement and yet provide, by means of therecess 35, for accommodation of obstruction running horizontally along the wall which could be supply pipes and/ or electrical conduits and the like.

A recessedtoe plate 37 is provided in the lower front portions of the cabinet as shown. This also is to provide obvious advantages of utility and giving design considerat1ons to uniformity when the washing machine is disposed in a kitchen and/or laundry cabinet arrangement.

Attention is now directed to Fig. 2 wherein there is clearly shown the structural support H which comprises a base formed of structural angle members as at 40 and 41 to define a substantially square box-like base having disposed in the four corners thereof suitableadjustable legs 42 adaptable to provide a levelling means for the washer when placed in operative position ona floor or the like, a super structure formed of bent steel elements d5 as shown with an encircling cover-like member 46 havmg a relatively large central aperture 4-7 and presenting a relatively flat workingsurface 48 upon which portions of the gyration suppression means I are operatively disposed.

It can be seen in Fig. 2 that the lower portions of the cabinet A are secured to and supported by theangle members 40 and 41 of the base by virtue of suitable securing means as at 49. Thus, it can be seen that the supporting structure H is a self-contained unit'and is constructed so as to place the center of gravity in the lower portions of houses the entire mechanism the washing machine which is etfectiveto provide advantageifiii's "stabilization or the washin machine in operation thereby to reduce noise and objectionable vibration to theininir'rium.

Disposed within the cabinet A and mounted on the supporting structure H, by virtue of a plurality of legs as at 8 9 and which are in engagement with and secured to portions of the workingsurface 48, is a water-tight outer tub designated in its entirety by the numeral 95 (Fig. 2). It can be seen in Fig. 2 that theouter tub 95 comprises abottom wall 96 and upstanding side walls as at 97 tfr'nin'ati'ng in an open top 98 providing an annular opening, the periphery of which is disposed within the confines of thecabinet top 20 and the peripheral edge of which is provided with anannular shape seal 99 adapted to engage portions of the inside surface of thecover 20 in order to prevent water from splashing out of thetub 95 and between the outer surface of thetub 95 and the interior of the cabinet A. I

Disposed within thetub 95 and arranged for relative rotation therebetween and 'spaced from thewall 97 of the tub '95, there is provided the combination washing tub and water extracting basket B. As will best be seen in Fig. 2, the combination washing tub and water extracting basket "comprises animperforate bottom wall 100 having anannular oifs'et 101 projecting inwardly of the tub and terminating in an annular inwardly projectingflange 102, the periphery of which defines a centrally disposed annular opening.

integrally formed with thecover 20 of the cabinet A and projecting inwardly thereof substantially coaxially with the geometrical axis of rotation of the tub B there is provided anannular flange 110 adapted to present a relatively smooth surface to define a throat through which the fabrics and other materials to be washed may be introduced tothe combination washing tub and water extracting basket B without danger of the fingers of the operator being injured or caught between the adjacent operating parts of the washer.

In order to provide further for the advantageous insertion of the clothes into the combination Washing tub and water extracting basket B there is provided anannular flange 111 defining anannular opening 112 forming a continuation of the aforementioned throat for the purpose of directing the passage of the clothes or other material to be washed into the combination washing tub and water extracting basket B to perform washing actions thereon. It it notable that the annular flange .111 is formed so that portions thereof will project downwardly within the confines of the combination tub and basket B to present anoblique wall 115 and thereafter terminate in anannular flange 116 which is formed to define a corrugated-like shape so as to provide between these corrugated formations a series of apertures as at 118 through which fluid may pass.

Obviously, theflanged throat element 111 may be suitably supported by any convenient means to theperipheral flange 106 of the combination washing tub and water extraction basket B. Moreover, it can be seen that theperipheral flange 106 and the corrugated like formations on theflange 116 forming therebetween a series ofapertu'res 118 hereinbefore mentioned and through which water may pass into theouter tub 95 for retention or removal therefrom.

In operation, the rotation of the combination washing tub and Water extracting basket B at extremely high speeds during the extraction operation will cause centrifugal forces to move the mass of water outwardly from the geometrical center of rotation and, by virtue of the inclined upstandingannular wall 105 of the combination washing tub and water extracting basket B, the water will tend to flo'w upwardly through the passage defined by theoblique wall 115 and the adjacent portion of thewall 105, and thereafter, through theapertures 118 formed by the corrugated=likeformations o'nthe annular flange .116, where.-

upon the water will be discharged into the confines of the out'e'rjtub for disposal. It is important to understand centrifuge action of the basket B will empty the water disposed therein in a matter of a few seconds thus presenting a substantial saving of time in the wash cycle and yet performing a better job than prior art models employing time consuming pumping operations and the like.

One of the principal features of the washing machine is the provision of novel means associated with and forming a part of the combination washing tub and water extracting basket B for the purpose of completely emptying out the basket during the extracting cycle, thereby to prevent objectionable and undesirable scum and other foreign matter to remain in the basket B during subsequent operations in the washing cycle.

In centrifuge type extractors as contemplated by this invention it has been found that during the extracting operation the fabrics contained in the basket B, by virtue of their mass and bulk, will sometimes entrap water and other foreign material in the lower portions of the basket B thereby to prevent the desired removal of such entrapped water from the basket B which will cause an undesirable accumulation of sediment and other foreign matter. In this connection, it is notable that it is desirable to have this objectionable sediment and foreign matter removed to provide a clear rinsing cycle and prevent the sediment laden water from being strained through the fabrics being washed during any of the water extracting cycles.

In order to advantageously accomplish the removal of the entrapped objectionable scum containing fluid there is provided a series of apertures, as at 120, disposed beneath the agitation in an annular array adjacent to the offset 101 of the bottom wall of the basket B. Operatively disposed below the aforementioned series ofapertures 120 there is provided an annular cup-shaped structure indicated in its entirety by the numeral (Fig. 2) and being supported in the position as shown by welding portions thereof to aflange 126 being secured between the two plates forming the housing of the transmission D (see Fig. 3). An important feature in this construction is that the inner wall of the annular cup-shapedstructure 125 has as its central axis the central axis of the tub while the outer Wall thereof is eccentric and with the largest space being adjacent theconduit 130. In order to provide a watertight annular chamber disposed below the annular array ofapertures 120, there is provided aseal 127 carried by the cup-like structure 125 and adapted for engagement with outer portions of the bottom wall of the basket B. 7

Thus, it can be seen that the sediment contained water and other foreign matter may pass through theapertures 120 and into the annular cup-like structure 125 and by virtue of a centrifuge action similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to the emptying of the basket B, the sediment contained water will becaused to flow from the annular cup-shaped structure into theconduit 130 which extends upwardly adjacent the exterior of thewall 105 of the. basket 13 and terminates with anopen end 131 and through thisconduit 130 and by virture of the centrifu'ge action imparted by rotation of the basket B at relatively high speed, the sediment contained water will rise in theconduit 130 and be discharged from theopen end 131 thereof and into the confines of theouter tub 95 for disposal with the other water being caused to be extracted from the inner portions of the tub B throughapertures 118 formed of the corrugated shaped formations on the flange His well known that a relatively heavy mass or weight should be provided in the centrifuge operation of the basket B. In order to overcome normal unbalance conditions in the basket B caused by uneven distribution of the fabrics contained therein, it has been found desirableto provide centrifugal forces assisted by mass or weight to facilitate the rotation of the basket B coincident, as nearly as possible, with the normal geometrical axis of rotation.

g in order to provide the necessary mass or weight, theweighted mass 60 is secured, by any conventional manner, to the exterior of thewall 105 of the basket B in the upper portions thereof adjacent the annular flange 106 (see Fig. 2). It is notable that thisweighted mass 60 is of such character as to cooperate with the gyration suppression means I, hereinafter described, the cooperation of these elements being effective to overcome, in normal operations, any unbalanced conditions and cause the centrifuge or basket B to assume a position, during rotation thereof, coincident with the normal geometrical axis of rotation thereby to substantially minimize noise and vibration during operation of the washing machine, particularly during the spinning or extraction periods.

The invention contemplates the novel disposition of the housing of the transmission D as a part of thelower wall 100 of the basket 13 at theflange 102 by means of thebolts 103. Thus,top plate 146 completes the enclosure of the opening in the basket B defined by the inner marginal edge of theflange 102.

The agitator C comprises acentral post 140 with thelower portions 141 formed to define an inverted funnel shape, said central post and saidfunnel shape portions 141 thereof having integrally formed therewith a plurality of vanes generally indicated as at 142. Particular attention is directed to the unique shape of these vanes which have been found advantageous in providing an improved washing action. Thefishtail segment 143 cooperating in its action with the remainder of the vane to promote highly desirable and advantageous agitation at the surface of the water, thereby to substantially increase the effects of agitation upon the water and the fabrics contained in the basket B.

In Fig. 3 it can be seen that the agitator C is supported for its operation by ahollow standard 145, the lower portion of which is fixedly secured to thetop cover plate 146 of the transmission D, this being accomplished by virtue of suitable screws as at 147. Aconventional seal 148 is disposed between theflange 149 of the standard 145 and theannular boss 150 of thecover plate 146. Disposed within the standard 145 for relative rotation therebetween is ashaft 151, the standard 145 in its upper portions being provided with asleeve bearing 152 adapted to support the upper portions of theshaft 151, and thecover plate 146 being provided with asleeve bearing 153 adapted to support the lower portions of theshaft 151. In Fig. 2 it can be seen that the top portions of theshaft 151 are tapered as at 154 in order to wedgingly engage a hexagonal shapedmember 155 and is held in this wedged position by a double endedstud 156 having threadedformations 157 projecting outwardly from the upper portions of theshaft 151 as shown. Thus, it can be seen that the hexagonal shapedmember 155 will rotate with theshaft 151 while portions of the standard 145 will be stationary. Athrust collar 158 is provided to prevent relative 1 axial movement of theshaft 151. In order to prevent water from passing up through the hollow portions of thecentral post 140 and into the confines of the standard 145, there is disposedsuitable seals 160.

Thecentral post 140, in its upper portions thereof, being provided with ahexagonal bore 165 corresponding to and matching thehexagonal member 155, will advantageously permit the agitator C to be supported thereby for rotation in unison therewith. Acap nut 166 havingwings 167 and a central throughbore 168 adapted to receive portions of thestud 157, is provided to advantageously hold the agitator in its operative position. Thus, it can be seen, that by removing thecap nut 166 the agitator may be removed from its position on the hexagonal shapedmember 155, the removal of the agitator being for the purpose of repair or for convenient cleaning.

-It isnotable that the agitator-C is mounted on the 10 basket B, as hereinbefore described, for the purpose of imparting an oscillatory movement to accomplish advantageous agitation of the water and the fabrics contained in the basket B.

The cleaning of textiles is effected by a combination of the action of the detergent liquid through the pores or interstices of the fabrics, flexure of the fabrics caused by agitation and the chemical action of the detergent thereon as controlled by the strength and temperature of the detergent fluid. These several actions must be properly coordinated and must be limited so that they will not damage the fabrics, either by tearing or undue wear from violent agitation or by chemical action of the detergent thereon. It is further apparent that the treatment necessary to clean fabrics of different kinds and the violence of the permissible cleaning action vary substantially with the type and soil conditions of the fabrics.

The agitator C of the present invention has been given design considerations to provide proper flexure and agitation of the fabrics without danger thereto and to provide an improved washing action, this improved washing action being accomplished by the cooperative efforts of the fishtail-like segment 143 to cause advantageous and effective agitation at the surface of the water, and the balance of thevanes 142 to cause effective agitation of the water adjacent the central and lower portions of the basket B.

Attention is now directed to Figs. 2, 4 and 9 wherein there is clearly disclosed the structural support H which comprises a base formed of structural angle members as at 49 and-41 to define a substantially square box-like base having disposed at the four corners thereof suitableadjustable legs 42 adaptable to provide a leveling means for the washer when placed in operative position on a floor or the like, a super structure formed ofbent steel elements 45 as shown with an encircling cover-like member 46 having a relatively largecentral aperture 47 and presenting a relatively fiat working surface 43 upon which portions of the gyration suppression means I are operatively disposed.

It can be seen in Fig. 2 that the lower portions of the cabinet A aresecured to and supported by theangle members 40 and 41 of the base by virtue of suitable securing means as at 49. Thus, it can be seen that the supporting structure H is a self-contained unit and is constructed so as to place the center of gravity in the lower portions of the washing machine which is effective to provide advantageous stabilization of the washing machine in operation thereby to reduce noise and objectionable vibration to the minimum.

Particular attention is directed to Figs. 2, 4, 9 and 11 wherein there is illustrated specific details of construction of the gyration suppression means I forming an important feature ofthe present invention and which comprises an elongated stationary sleeve 50 (Fig. 4) which also forms a part of the driving mechanism E and whose function in this connection will be hereinafter described in detail, saidsleeve 50 having fixedly secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom a pair ofarms 51 and 52 disposed in crisscross fashion as shown in Fig. 9 and formed of plate metal to impart a spring-like action to be hereinafter described in the operation of the device. In Fig. 9 it can be seen that thearms 51 and 52. extend in each direction from the center of the machine to the relatively flat workingsurface 48 forming a part of the support structure H. Since the outer end portions of thearms 51 and 52 are of similar construction, it is deemed sufficient for all intentions and purposes herein contained to describe only one of them. Accordingly, in Fig. 9 the outer end portion of thearm 51 comprises friction means 53 disposed on the underside of the arm and which may be formed of material similar to the conventional automotive brake lining, the friction means 53 being adapted for frictional sliding engagement with a plate 54 (Figs. 9 and 11) suitably secured to the workingsurface 48.

Adjacent theend portions of the arm there is provided arecess 59 adapted to receive end portions of atension spring 56, theother end 57 of which is secured as shown to thebent steel elements 45 forming a part of the supporting structure H. Of course, it can be seen in Fig. 11 that asuitable aperture 58 is provided in theplate 54 and the workingsurface 48 in order to accommodate the upper end portions of thespring 56 so that these portions may be in operative engagement with thearm 51. It is notable that theaperture 58 should be of a size to permit relative movement of thearm 51 with respect to theplate 54. A further function of the springs as at 56 is to provide a means for preventing rotary movement of thearms 51 and .52 and yet permit relative transverse or off-center movement of the driving mechanism E under certain conditions.

In reviewing Fig. 9 it can be seen that a spring as at 56 is provided at both end portions of thearms 51. and 52. These springs have a tendency to centralize the driving mechanism E and yet provide a resilient control to permit off-center movement of the driving mechanism in certain unbalanced operations of the tub B and the agitator C, thus insuring virtually complete elimination of vibration in the cabinet A. In addition to the function and operation of the gyration suppression means I hereinbefore described, it is notable that this structure effectively cooperates with the weighted balancing means 64] forming a part of the tub B and which will be described more in detail hereinafter, this cooperation between these elements being effective to provide proper balance to the system, particularly in spinning operations which aggravate the centrifugal forces emanating from the rapidly spinning tub and this aggravation being further emphasized by an unbalanced load caused by uneven distribution of the clothes in the basket.

Although the cooperative effort of the gyration suppression means i with the weighted balancing means 60 is effective to overcome unbalanced conditions in the majority of the operations, there may be such uneven distribution of the clothes in the basket, particularly in the case of heavy fabrics such as chenille robes or chenille rugs or such fabrics having great mass such as a blanket to cause an unbalanced condition of such magnitude that cannot be operativelyovercome by these elements.

In order to provide safety in such conditions there is provided a gyration suppression control switch generally indicated by the letter J and shown in detail in Figs. 2, 9 and 10. The gyration suppression control I comprises anelectric switch 61 disposed in the main elec trical supply line and effective to cut off the electric supply to the washing machine, thereby to stop all operations. The operation of the switch is advantageously accom plished by the provision of a plate 62 (Fig. 9) secured to an end portion of thearm 52 of the gyration suppression means I, said plate 62 having anarm 63 adapted for engagement withend portions 64 of alatch 65 .(Figs. 9 and 10) carried for pivotal motion by abracket 66 adjustably carried by side portions of the supporting frame H by virtue of the adjusting screws as at 67 and 68 which are adapted to be received respectively in slottedapertures 69 and 70 disposed in thebracket 66, saidlatch 65 having alip 71 adapted for engagement with a flange 72 forming a part of a dog 73 mounted for pivotal motion on thesupport 66, there being atension spring 74 operatively disposed between thelatch 65 and the dog '73, as shown, and effective to urge engagement of thelip 71 with the flange 72. Secured to the dog 73 is arod 77 which projects upwardly in the rear portions of the cabinet (Fig. 2) and has disposed on its upper end portion abutton 78, said rod being provided withstops 79, 80 disposed in operative engagementwiththe operating arm 81 of theswitch 61.

The device as shown'in Figs. 2, 9 and 1G is in its normal operating position and the washer will 'operate through the predetermined cycles; however, in the event that an 12 extreme unbalanced condition becomes present thearm 63 of the plate 62 will become engaged withend portions 64 of thelatch 65 thereby to cause thelatch 65 to pivot which will effect disengagement of thelip 71 from the flange 72, and by virtue of the force of thespring 74, the dog 73 will pivot causing therod 77 to move upwardly, and by virtue of thestops 79 and 80 which are in en gagement with thearm 81 of theswitch 61, the circuit will be opened and stop all operations of the washing machine. It is then necessary for the operator to investigate the unbalanced condition and correct the same. This may be accomplished by giving a more even distribution of the clothes in the tub' B. After this is accomplished the operator may reset the mechanism for a continuation of the washing operations by merely depressing thebutton 78 which projects upwardly and outwardly from the top portions of the control panel 24 for convenience in accessibility by the operator. The depression of thebutton 78 is effective to urge downward movement of therod 77 which will close the switch and 'cause re-engagement of thelip 71 with the flange 72.

Of course, it is obvious that the mechanism can only be reset after thearm 63 is in such a position so as not to engage theend portion 64 of thelatch 65. This feature facilitates safety in that it is impossible to reset the mechanism for continuance of washing operations without first giving consideration to rectifying the extreme unbalanced condition and/or by manually repositioning the tub B so that its axis of rotation will more clearly coincide with the normal geometrical axis of rotation. L

Suffice it to say, since the invention 'is not particularly concerned with the precise construction of the complete automatic washing machine hereinbefore described generally, and/or its associated parts, they will not be further described in detail, and it is deemed sutficient for all intentions and purposes herein contained to show only portions thereof adjacent to and cooperating with the washingmachine drive mechanism 15 with which. the invention is particularly concerned. It is to be understood that details of construction of such automatic washing machines, and/or 'their'associated parts, may be modified to suit particular conditions or 'to satisfy the engineering genius of various competitive manufacturers, and we do not wish to be limited to the construction of these elements as set forth except where such construction particularly concerns the invention contemplated herein.

Having thus described, by way of example, a possible adaptation of the Washingmachine drive mechanism 15 and having described the general environment surrounding the adaptation, the specific construction and function of the parts of said drive mechanism '15 when disposed in an automatic washing machine as hcreinbeforc disclosed, will now be described in detail.

The transmission D Particular attention is invited to the transmission D which is arranged to translate an oscillatory motion to the agitator from a constant rotating drive mechanism to be hereinafter described in detail, the structural details of the transmission 'D being shown to best advantage in Figs. 2, 3, 5 and 6.

In general, it 'ma-y'be stated'that poweroperated washing machines having an agitator as at C operating with an oscillatory movement and in'other machines of this character, the rotary movement of the motor or other power unit is customarily translated or transmitted into oscillatory movement by means of'gears and racks. It has been found that when gears and 'racks and the like are employedto impart an oscillatory movement certain deficiencies in the operation characteristics appear to present themselves, thatisto say, the gears and racks cause considerable noise. In some instances attempts'have been made to overcome these deficiencies andobjections by replacing the rack elements with internal gear segments, and this has been found helpful in that the noise is meterially reduced; however, inclusion of the internal gear segment materially increases the cost of manufacture.

Moreover, further attempts have been made to accomplish oscillatory movement by the employment of cranks and links. it has been found that this can be done satisfactorily only if a special shaft is employed, ,because in washing machines and the like, a proper circulation and water action in the washing machine tub is accomplished only when the agitator has an oscillatory movement greater than 180 degrees, for example, from 180 degrees to 220 degrees.

Exhaustive experiments have proven that if the degree of oscillation of the agitator is less than the amount above indicated, a proper circulation and agitation of the water in the machine will not be obtained and consequently an incomplete cleansing action results. This definiency can only be overcome by operating the machine for an excessively long period which, in most cases, is not feasible particularly when the machines are automatic and controlled by a timer having certain limited range of adjustment to vary the sequential operations found in the washing cycle.

Giving full attention and significance to the aforementioned deficiencies and objections, it is one of the purposes of this invention to provide a mechanical movement for washing machines and the like that will permit the employment of a straight agitator shaft. Moreover, the instant transmission will translate and transmit the desired oscillatory movement through cycles greater than 180 degrees, and will be extremely smooth and quiet in operation and yet be inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

Since the present invention contemplates the provision of an oscillating agitator as at C disposed within a centrifuge basket as at B, each requiring specific mechanical movements from a single drive source to accomplish their respective purposes, it is desirable that means be provided for efficiently and positively controlling the operation of the oscillated agitator or other elements, while not interfering with the continuous operation of the motor G so that it may be employed in connection with driving operations for other elements.

Specific attention is invited to Figs. 2 and 3 which show that the transmission D is provided with a housing comprising thetop plate 146 and thebottom shell 170, thetop plate 146 and thebottom shell 170 being secured together at their respective marginal flanges by means of bolts as at 171.

The invention contemplates the novel disposition of the housing of the transmission D as a part of thelower wall 100 of the basket B at theflange 102 by means of thebolts 103. Thus,top plate 146 completes the enclosure of the opening in the basket B defined by the inner marginal edge of theflange 102.

It is recalled that a necessary weight or mass should be given to the centrifuge or basket B in order to provide proper centralizing characteristics in its high speed rotation. It is important to understand that the relatively 183 of thebottom plate 170 adjacent theshaft 151 has-an arcuate rocking link 185 (Figs. 3, 5 and 6) mounted thereon, thislink 185 being provided at one end with abifurcated bearing 186 and having a rockingarm 187 extending at its other end on the opposite side of thestub shaft 181. Abearing 188 is disposed on the arcuate rocking link 185 intermediate thestub shaft 181 mounting and thebifurcated bearing 186. Integrally formed with and extending from the oscillatable drivenmember 180 there is provided arocking arm 190 with abearing 191 at its end. Acurved link 192 is connected for pivotal movement at its end in thebearings 186 and 191 bypins 193 and 194.

It is notable that in a linkage arrangement constructed and mounted in the manner set forth, all of the bearings are substantially in the same horizontal plane and are of substantially equal length, thus giving a very rigid structure which will have long life in use.

.A-drive gear 196 is mounted on astub shaft 197 and forms one member of a speed reduction gear train comprising apinion 199 in engagement with thedrive gear 196 and mounted on thestub shaft 200 which also carries adrive gear 201 in engagement with apinion 202 pinned to and mounted on adrive shaft 203 forming part of the driving mechanism E to be hereinafter described.

Apitman rod 205 is connected at one end, eccentrically, as at 206, with thedrive gear 196 and at the other end thereof, it is journaled in thebearing 188 on the rockingarm 185.

In accordance with the construction contemplated by this invention, the rotatingdrive shaft 203 driving through the hereinbefore described gear train comprising thepinion 202,drive gear 201,pinion 199 and drivegear 196,

I will impart continuous rotation to thedrive gear 196 to turn the same in one direction.

Thepitman rod 205, through its eccentric mounting on thedrive gear 196, will cause rockingarm 187 to oscillateaboutstub shaft 181 which will impart a similar rocking or oscillatory movement to link 185. The rocking end of heavy mass or bulk of the transmission D when disposed in the manner taught by this invention will be effective to contribute to the weight and bulk necessary in the centrifuge or basket B for it to advantageously perform the functions required of it. Thus, it can be seen that the housing of the transmission D is fixedly secured to the centrifuge or basket B and because of this will rotate in its entirety with the centrifuge or basket B in the extracting operations of the washing cycle. This is an advantageousfeature of the invention and an important contribution to the art.

It can be seen in Fig. 3 that theagitator shaft 151 projects downwardly into the confines of the housing of the transmission, and the agitator shaft at this projection has secured thereto an oscillatable drivenmember 180 which is in axial alignment with theagitator shaft 151. Astub shaft 181 mounted in theaperture 182 formed in the boss the link connected by curved link192 with the outer end of arm will cause the oscillatablemember 180 to rock about its axis which is defined by theagitator drive shaft 151, and the parts will be continuously swung backward and forward between the two extremes of position as best illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, thereby to impart to the agitator C the desired oscillatory motion in certain of the sequential operations of the washing cycle.

As will be seen best in Fig. 3, thebottom plate 170 of the transmission housing is provided with anannular boss 210 having a central throughbore 211 adapted to provide a seat for abearing 212 in which the upper portions of theshaft 203 are advantageously journaled. Adjacent thebearing 212 there is provided asuitable seal 213 effective to retain lubricant within the housing of the transmission. Removably secured to theboss 210 by means of bolts as at 215, there is provided acap 216 having acentral bore 217 adapted to receive for fixed securement thereto the upper portions of atubular drive shaft 218 which forms a part of the driving mechanism E, to be hereinafter describedin detail, and which is adapted to receive for relative rotation therebetween, thedrive shaft 203. As will be hereinafter described in detail, thedrive shaft 203 is efiective to drive parts of the transmission thereby to impart an oscillatory motion to the agitator C while thetubular drive shaft 218, by virtue of its fixed mounting and connection to the housing of the transmission D which is fixedly secured to bottom portions of the centrifuge or basket B, "is effective to cause rotation of the entire assembly comprising the transmission D and the centrifuge or basket B and including the agitator C, this rotation of the aforementioned elements being accomplished during the extraction operations of the washing cycle.

Thus, it is apparent that the transmission not only possesses the utilitarian features of translating oscillatory movement to the agitator from a continuously rotating shaft disposed in axial alignment with the axis of the agitator but also is effective, in its housing and novel disposi- 'tion thereof, to provide necessary weight and bulk to the centrifuge thereby to effectively cooperate with the 'gyration suppression means I and theweighted mass 60 and assist these elements in performing their function to overcome unbalanced conditions in the centrifuge or basket B caused by uneven distribution of fabrics and/or other causes by facilitating movement of the centrifuge during its high speed rotation so that its axis of rotation will be more nearly coincident with the normal geometric axis of rotation.

The drive mechanism E Attention is now directed to the structural details of the driving mechanism =E forming an important feature of the present invention and which can be seen best in Fig. -2 and particularly Fig. 4 which is a continuation of Fig. 3 and wherein the driving mechanism is shown in section to more clearly illustrate the internal structure thereof and to show the relative dispositionof the various parts.

In accordance with the construction of the present invention depicted in Fig. 4., theagitator drive shaft 203 projects downwardly within thetubular shaft 218 to terminate in astud 225 of lesser diameter than theshaft 203 but projecting axially outwardlytherefro'm. As was hereinbefore stated, thetubular shaft 218 is fixedly secured to thecap 216 of the housing of the transmission D. Thetubular shaft 218 projects downwardly from 'thec'a'p 216 and is journ'aled within thebore 226 of the elongatedstationary sleeve 50, hereiribefore described and forming a part of thegyration suppressionmeans 1. 'Thus, it can be seen that, by virtue ofbearings 227 and 228 respectively disposed adjacent the upper and lower portions of the elongatedstationary sleeve 50, between thetubular shaft 218 and thesleeve 50, so as'to permit relative rotation of the shaft '218 with respect 'to the elongatedstationary sleeve 50, the tubular shaft 2l8may berotated to cause rotation of the centrifuge while theelongated sleeve 50 will remainstationary.

Since the construction and operation of the centrifuge B facilitates a relatively fast dumping of the detergent fluid in the extracting operations, this extracting and dumping operation being accomplished in a matter of a few seconds, and because of this, 'it is obvious that the pump L would not be of sufficientcapacity to dispose "of such a quantity of water as rapidly'as itis'being dumped; therefore, it is necessary for the dumpedwa'ter ot'accumulate in theouter'tube 95 in the area below the centrifuge until the pump L can dispose of sameinits normal pumping operation. Thus, it is apparent that the mechanical elements disposed in this area mustof'necessity'b'e of water tight construction.

This is advantageously accomplished'in'the present invention by theprovision of a seal indicated in its entirety by the numeral 230 and comprising twosegments 231, 232 arranged in telescoping association and "provided with spring means 233 arranged to urge thetelescoping segments 231 and 232 into operative engagement 'with .adjacenttportions of thecap 216 and the bearing227. Aflexible cover 235, preferably made of rubber or the like, is arranged to enclose the jointbetweenthe telescoping segments 231 and 232. Thus, it is apparent that this seal is effective to exclude waterand other foreign matter from access to thebearings 227 and adjacent working surfaces.

As can be best seen in Fig. 4,'thebottom wall 96 of theouter tub 95 at the central regions thereof is provided with aflanged opening 240, said flanged opening'being arranged tooperativcly carry abumper 241, preferably formed of 'rubber'or the liketo define a substantially circular shape having a central through how 242'arranged to receive and encircle the elongated stationary sleeve "50 and the'parts contained therein. It is notable that the'bore 2'42 is of such a diameter as to permitrelative'transverse movement of theelongated sleeve 50 but must be limited in its diameter so as to operate as a bumper or guide to limit the relative transverse movement of thestationary sleeve 50 in order to prevent peripheral portions of the basket B from engaging or striking the inner walls of the outer tub during rotation of the basket B in extracting operations.

Resiliently carried by upper portions of the elongatedstationary sleeve 50 and by portions of theflange 240 there is provided a flexible encircling rubber boot indicated in its entirety by the numeral 250, this boot being elfective to prevent water from seeping out of the confines of theouter tub 95 and through thebore 242 to the lower portions of the washing machine.

By virtue of the key 255, a brake drum, generally indicated as at 256 and forming a part of the brake assembly F to be hereinafter described in detail, is disposed at the lower portions of thetubular shaft 218 for rotationin unison therewith. Thebrake drum 256 is provided with a throughbore 257 adapted to receive lower end portions of thetubular shaft 218 and is further provided with a central throughbore 258 adapted to receive asleeve bearing 259 through which the lower portions of theagitator drive shaft 203 are elfectively journaled. Thus, it can be seen that thebrake drum 256 will rotate with thetubular shaft 218 while theagitator shaft 203 is arranged for relative rotation within the bearing 259 disposed in the throughbore 258 of thebrake drum 256.

At the lower portions of theagitator drive shaft 203 and removably connected thereto for rotation in unison therewith by virtue of aset screw 265 adapted to engage the projectingportion 225 of theshaft 203, there is provided a clutch hub indicated generally at 266 and having a central throughbore 267 adapted to receive said projectingend portion 225 of theagitator drive shaft 203. Theperipheral surface 268 of thebrake drum 256 and theperipheral surface 269 of theclutch hub 266 together define a coaxially arranged clutching suface having a oneway .clutch spring 270 in encircling arrangement therewith so that if theclutch hub 266 is rotating in one direction the spring Willtend to grip and wrap itself about theperipheral surfaces 268 and 269 so as to cause rotation in unison of theclutch hub 266 and thebrake drum 256.

Whenthe clutch hub '266 is rotated in the opposite directi'on thespring 270 is effective to unwrap itselffrom its engagement with theperipheral surfaces 268 and 269 thereby disengaging these two elements whereupon theclutch hub 266 will continue its rotation and thebrake drum 256 will remain stationary. The importance of the operation of this clutch will be discussed more in detail as the description proceeds.

Disposed between the lower end portions of thebrake drum 256 and the upper end portions of theclutch hub 266 thereis an anti-friction thrust bearing generally indicated by thc numeral 271, this bearing also being effective topermit relative rotation between the clutchhub 266 and thebrake drum 256.

Thus, it is apparent that the main purpose of thespring clutch 270 is to permit, from a single drive source, the operation of the agitator C independently of the centrifuge or .basketB and during the operation of the centrifuge or basket B, the agitator drive mechanism may be neutralized and rotated with the centrifuge.

In order to prevent water and/ or objectionable foreign matter from contact with the parts of the spring .clutch 70, there is disposed an encircling boot generally indicated by the numeral 272 and preferably made of rubber or the like, therubber boot 272 being held in its position by means of aring 273 carried by the periphery of thebrake drum 256 for sliding engagement therebetween in order for theboot 272 to rotate with theclutch hub 266 in certain operations while the brake drum3256 may be stationary, and saidboot 272 at its lower. end portions being provided with alip, 274 adapted 'to encircle and 17 snugingly engage the outer periphery of theclutch hub 266. 1

As can be seen best in Fig. 4, astub drive shaft 285 is journaled in asleeve bearing 286 disposed in a throughaperture 287 of ahub 288, the lower portion of which is supported on aplate 289 of a transversely extending structural steel support member 290 (Figs. 4 and 9) and the upper portion of thehub 288 being supported by a bentplate support member 291 also carried by the transversely extending structuralsteel support member 290.

It is notable that thestub drive shaft 285 is rotatable in thesleeve bearing 286 and that, by virtue of the-hub 288 being fixed to theplates 291 and 289, theshaft 285 will rotate on a fixed vertical axis. Because theshaft 285 rotates on a fixed vertical axis, and the structure hereinbefore described and located above theshaft 285 is arranged to provide limited transverse or lateral movement, it is obvious that some means must be employed in the connection between the laterally movable elements and the fixedaxis drive shaft 285.

This is advantageously accomplished in the present invention by the provision of a flexible coupling indicated in its entirely by the numeral 300 and comprising asleeve 301 press fitted to the upper portions of thedrive shaft 285, arubber bushing 302 mounted on thesleeve 301, and acover 303 encircling therubber bushing 302 and adapted to be received into a counterbo-re 304 in the lower portions of theclutch hub 266.

In order to prevent axial movement of theshaft 285 with respect to thehub 288 there is provided an antifriction thrust bearing 305 received into acounterbore 306 in thehub 288. Disposed between the bearing 305 and the lowerannular flange 307 of thesleeve 301 there is aspacer collar 308 effective to maintain the adjacent elements in their proper operating position. To prevent foreign matter from entering thebearing 305 and thesleeve bearing 286, there is provided a feltwasher seal 310 maintained in its position by anannular metal cap 311 removably secured to thebent plate support 291 by screws as at 312.

Thus, by virtue of the function and operation of theflexible coupling 300, the parts of the washer above theclutch hub 266 are effectively driven by thedrive shaft 285 rotating on a fixed vertical axis and yet permitting lateral or transverse movement of the driving elements thereabove with the pivot thereof being the central axis of theflexible coupling 300.

In accordance with the construction of the present invention and as will be best seen in Figs. 4 and 5, thedrive shaft 285 has mounted thereon at the lower portions thereof a drivenpulley 315 adapted to carry in driving relation therewith a V-belt 316 also in driving relation with a drivingpulley 317 carried by the drive shaft318 of the reversible motor G. V

Having thus described the general operative relationship of the parts of the driving mechanism E, the driving path followed in the various operations will now be described in detail.

As was hereinbefore stated, the motor G is in the reversible type and will transmit power in either direction of rotation to thedrive shaft 285 by means of the V-belt 316 drive connection therebetween. When thedrive shaft 285 is rotating in one direction, that is to say, to drive the agitator C, power will flow through the flexible coupling 380 to cause rotation of theclutch hub 266 which, by virtue of theset screw 265 is connected to the projectingstud end portions 225 of theshaft 203, will cause theshaft 203 to rotate thereby to transmit power through the speed reduction gear train of the transmission D where the power is translated into oscillatory motion by virtue of the linkage interconnected between the gear train and theagitator drive shaft 151, thereby to impart to the agitator the desired oscillatory motion necessary to advantageously cause agitation of the detergent fluid and the fabrics contained in the basket B. The drive path just described is followed during the washing and rinsing operations. Moreover, it is important to understand, that by virtue of the springclutch arrangement 270 that thebrake drum 256 will remain stationary during this operation and direction of rotation of theshaft 285. The stationary position of thebrake hub 256 is maintained by virtue of the action of the brake F to be hereinafter described in detail.

: After the washing operation is completed, the extracting operations will begin. By operations preformed by the sequential control M, current to the motor G will be interrupted momentarily and this motor will be stopped whereupon the motor reversing mechanism will become operative and, thereafter, current is again applied to the motor G to cause thedrive shaft 318 to rotate in a direction opposite to that hereinbefore described. Thus, it is apparent that thedrive shaft 285 will now be operating inthe opposite direction and the rotation in this direction will be effective to cause operation of the spring typeclutch mechanism 270 to couple theclutch hub 266 with thebrake drum 256 for rotation in unison whereupon, by virtue ofv the coupling action of the key 255, thetubular shaft 218 will rotate. Because of the fixed connection between the upper portions of thetubular shaft 218 and thecap 216 forming a part of the housing of the trans mission D, the entire assembly comprising the transmission D and the centrifuge or basket B will rotate,

thereby to perform the extracting operation hereinbefore described, the rotation of the centrifuge or basket B being effective to empty the basket B of the detergent fluid through the apertures 118defined by the corrugated-like shape of theflange 116 disposed adjacent the top peripheral edge of the centrifuge whereupon the detergent fluid is disposed in the lower portions of the outer tub for accumulation and disposal by means of the operation of the pump L.

Thus it becomes apparent that when the motor is rotated in one direction the driving means E is effective to drive the agitator and when the motor is rotated in the opposite direction the driving means E is effective to rotate the centrifuge for water extracting operations.

The brake mechanism F Attention is invited to the structural details of the brake mechanism F forming an important feature of the present invention and which can be seen best in Fig. 4 and particularly in Fig. 8 wherein the elements of the brake mechanism are shown in elevation to more clearly illustrate the construction thereof and to show the rela-- tive disposition of the various parts.

In accordance with the construction of the present invention, the brake mechanism F comprises thebrake drum 256 hereinbefore described, anannular brake band 325 having suitably secured thereto on'the inside surfaces thereof conventional frictionalbrake band material 326 disposed in frictional engagement with the peripheral surface of thebrake drum 256, said brake band having at one end thereof alip 327 adapted to become engaged, under certain conditions hereinafter to be described in a slot 328 disposed in alatch 329 mounted, by virtue-ofpivot pin 331, for pivotal movement on abracket 330 which is fixedly secured to the elongated stationary sleeve 50 (Fig. 4), said latch being provided with aspring 332 having one end engaged with thelatch body 329 and the other end thereof being suitably secured to thebracket 330 as at 333, said spring being effective to urge the latch in one direction of pivotal movement, and said latch having fixedly secured thereto anarm 334 of asolenoid 335 adapted, under certain conditions, to overcome the forces of thespring 332 and cause pivotal movement of thelatch body 329 in the opposite direction of pivotal movement.

the agitator shaft to rotate in the direction indicated by.

19 the arrow 336(Fig. 8) therelative disposition-'of-the parts will be as indicated. In this condition, item be seen that thebrake band 325 is inoperative encirclingengagement with thebrake drum 256 thereby-to prevent' the.tubular shaft 218 from rotating. This action, by virtue of the connection of the tubular shaft 218'to the housingof the transmission D, will hold the'basket B ing. operations which is accomplished byrotatingthe basket 513.1 Since.thesolenoid 335 is properlyconnected in circuit, the solenoidzwill become energized toovercome thezforces. of .the spring.332.-'and move the .latch'329- inuthel direction indicated. by: the\arrow :337: which will cause disengagementiof the lip-327 fromither-slot 328 and permit thebrake band to rotate withzthe brake drum 256.in the;direction indicatedby the arrow 338r Thus, iticambeseen that the tubular shaft .2181is now freeto' rotate to..cause..rotation ofthebasketB; Moreover, it should. be understood 'that the: main purpose of this brake.- is only to prevent relative rotation of the basket Bzineither directionwheneverthe agitatorC is in opcration;

In; order to prevent relative. axial movement off the brake band's 3251 with" respect to the brake drum: 256;. there isprovided. ring collars respectivelyindicatedmt 340i-and341 and which are carried by the periphery'of the brake drum.2S6. As. was hereinbefore.stated,' thebrake band 325 is free to rotatewiththebrake drum 256 when theelements of the brakearein their unapplied: position .1 and; because of the ring. collars. .340 and. 341, relative axial movement of the brakeband .325:withere-. spect ,to;theubrake drum 256 is prevented.

When the sequential control cells for: operation of the agitator and extracting. operations arexcompleted, the solenoid. 335l'will become .deenergized and itheimotor G willzbe conditioned for reverse operation, .whereupon. the.

forces of thespring 332 will become effective to urge thelatch 329 towarditslatch'positiou whereupon thebrake band 325 rotating with the brake drum,256 in the direction of thearrow 338, will cause engagement of the:

lip 327 with surface 345.(Fig. 8) of thelatch 329 which will'be effective to guide thelip 327 horneto itspositiorr in".the..slot.328 where it will be.maintained=.until the solenoid335 is again energized to causethe; latch. to move in the direction indicated'bythe arrow '337. After lip. 327 has been effectively positioned in the slot 328, the. brake elements are againintheir applied position etfective'toholdthe brake drum 256 from relative rotation. in either direction.

Summary of operation In Figs. 2 and 9' there can be seen to best advantage the tub fillingmechanism K'which forms another important feature of the'present invention.

The cleansing fluid, in this case, water, is supplied the b'asket'B under ordinary city main pressure througha temperaturecontrol mixing valve 31 which'is supported on the supporting means H- adjacent the rear portions of.

novelcleansing fluidv distributingtmeans less than ten This can be accomplished by simply pulling.

minutes. out-thetimer control knob 33 thereby: to 'permitlinoar and,l thereafter, the washer will theniperform all operations of the .washing cycle follbwingthattpoint at which the.control knob 33 is set 'by the operator forthe start of the cycle. oneto ten minutes.dependingion'where.theoperator setsthercontrolknob 33. The .dryingand rinsing cycles, however, cannot be shortened'except .byinterruptingthe normally continuous cycle'ofl operation... This feature has. been found. desirable since ittakesa certain definite. period of time .to remove allof. the soapor other alkaline:

solutions employed as a detergent in thecleansingtmediurn out of the: clothes, and .for: thereasonzthat. thegordinary user of'thc.machineshouldniot, .therefore besgiven an opportunity to shorten the rinse.cycle. It has similarly been :found to..be. unnecessary. to .provideany. adjustment in thedrying time.

The complete operation of the automatic. washing machine representingthe illustratedembodiment.of the invention and described herein in detail may be briefly summarized as follows:

Clothes or otherarticlesto belaundered are inserted into the basket B of the automatic. washing machine through'the hingedzlid 25 of the cabinet Aland a small amount'of soap:or other snitableudetergent'is then sprinkledson'the .top of the clothes or articles to be laundered. The watertemperature control switch 30 is now set for the desired. water. temperature at which the clothes or other articlesaretobelaundered. The timer control knob1=33 islpulled.outwardly and moved in .its'horizontal linearw'pathlf. to, the. extreme left-hand position (Fig. l) andxwhenrthecontrol knob 33 is pushed inwardly. it will set :the timing: mechanism in. motion to perform the various sequential operations of the washingcycle.

As was hereinbefore stated, the instant washer has an adjustable; fill from one to six .minutes, and. since .theWater valve 31 is set to provide 2 and /3 gallons of water perrminuteregardless of city main pressures, the amount of waterdisposed 'intothe tub'is .controlledby. time as.

distinguished from ,conventionalprior art float mechanisms. It has:been found'practicalfor-all intentions herein contained to have a fill period ofapproximately four Jninutes under averagc'conditions. Accordingly, if

, the'timer control knob :33 .is set at 0, the'mechanism will become 'operative to' permit filling. ofxthephasket B for a period. of; four minutes and as .the. timer. control knob passes through'this four minute .cycle, the electrical contacts' (notshown) in the timer'wiil be actuated by. the engagement of a suitable linear profile toshut oil the water supply and simultaneously therewith start the washing-phase of the cycle. The motor will be set=in a direction of rotation to cause the agitator to oscillate to perform its washing function upon theclothes'and/or.

other articles being laundered.

For all practical intents and purposes herein contained andzbased upon experience as 'to the length of time desirable for the washingphase of the cycle; it has been found that a ten minuteperiod isniostpractical under average conditions. It is notable that if the.timer control knob 33 .is set at'the '0 position (Fig. l) and left undisturbed. there will be a'fourminute fill period followed by a ten minutewash-period in which the agitator performs its oscillating motion. However, it is important to understandthat, in certaininstances, it may be desirable to vary thewash period. This mayadvantageously be accomplished by setting thetimer control knob 33 atl) (Fig. l and permitting this control knob to pass through the four minute fill period, whereupon the knob may be pulled outwardly and reset at any point'between numbers 4 and Thus, the washing cycle can be varied from.

21' i4 and pushed inwardly whereupon the timer will continue from that point to complete the washing cycle. The apparatus is thereafter adapted to operate without further attention, all of the remaining operations taking place automatically and proceeding to the completion of the last drying operation.

After the wash period has been completed the electrical contacts of the sequential control, by virtue of the linear profile, will be set to provide a thirty second pause permitting the motor to completely stop and be set for reverse operation to accomplish water extraction operations in the manner hereinbefore described. When thetimer control knob 33 has passed through this thirty second pause, the electrical contacts will be set to cause rotation'of the basket B for water extracting operations. In this operation, the rotation of the combination washing tub and water extracting basket B at extremely high speeds during the extraction operation will cause centrifugal forces to move the mass of water outwardly from the geometrical center of rotation and, by virtue of the inclined'upstandingannular wall 105 of the combination washing tub and water extracting basket B, the water will tend to flow upwardly through the passage defined by theoblique wall 115 and the adjacent portion of thewall 105 and thereafter, through theapertures 118 formed by the corrugatedlike formations on theannular flange 116, whereupon the water will be discharged into the confines of theouter tub 95 for disposal. It is important to understand that this centrifuge action of the basket B will empty the water disposed therein in a matter of a few seconds thus presenting a substantial saving of time in the wash cycle and yet performing a better job than prior art models employing time consuming pumping operations and the like.

In centrifuge type extractors, it has been found that during the extracting operation the fabrics contained in the basket B, by virtue of their mass and bulk, will sometimes entrap water and other foreign material in the lower portions of the basket B thereby to prevent the desired removal of such entrapped water from the basket B which will cause an undesirable accumulation of such sediment and other foreign matter. In this connection, it is notable that it is desirable to have this objectionable sediment and foreign matter removed to provide a clear rinsing cycle and prevent the sediment laden water from beirig strained through the fabrics being washed during any of the water extracting cycles.

This is advantageously accomplished in the present invention by the provision of the auxiliary sump adapted to facilitate removal of the entrapped objectionable sediment contained fluid by passing the same through theapertures 120 and into the annular cup-like structure 125 and, by virtue of a centrifuge action similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to the emptying of the basket B, the sediment contained water will be caused to flow from the annular cup-shaped structure into theconduit 130 which extends upwardly adjacent the exterior of thewall 155 of the basket B andterminates with anopen end 131 and through thisconduit 130 and, by virtue of the centrifuge action imparted by rotation of the basket B at relatively high speed, the sediment contained water will rise in theconduit 130 and be discharged from theopen end 131 thereof and into the confines of theouter tub 95 for disposal with the other water being caused to be extracted from the inner portions 'of the tub B throughapertures 118 formed of the corrugated-shaped formations'on theflange 116.

Since the construction and operation of the centrifuge B facilitates a relatively fast dumping of the detergent fluid in the extracting operations, this extracting and dumping operation being accomplished in a matter of a few seconds, and because of this, it is obvious that the pump L would not be of suflicient capacity to dispose of such a quantity of water as rapidly as it is being dumped; therefore, it is necessary for the dumped water to accumulate in theouter tub 95 in the area below the centrifuge until the pumpL can dispose of same in its normal pump-' ing operation. It is recalled that the motor will operate in two directions of rotation, that is to say, in one direction when it is desired that the agitator be operated and in another direction when it is desired that the extracting operations be performed. Thus, by virtue of the pump is deemed important to discuss the functional. operation of the gyration suppression control switch I. Although the instant washing machine provides effective means to overcome unbalanced conditions or uneven distribution of the clothes in the basket, particularly in the case of heavy fabrics such as chenille robes or chenille rugs or such fabrics having great mass such as a blanket, the invention contemplates the provision of an additional safety feature in such conditions'by the effective operation of the gyration suppression control switch I hereinbefore described in detail. It is recalled that in such extreme conditions the gyration suppression control switch I will stop all operations of the machine and it is then necessary for the operator to investigate the unbalance condition and correct the same. This may be accomplished by giving a more even distribution of the clothes in the tub B. After this is done the operator'may reset the mechanism for a continuation of the washing operations by merely depressing the button '78 which projects upwardly and outward ly from the top portion of the control panel 24. After the mechanism has been reset and the unbalance conditions are overcome the washing machine will continue through the remainder of the washing cycle.

Attention is again referred to Fig. 1 and it is notable that the timer mechanism, for purposes of this description of operation of the washing machine, has now moved to the extract spin position and will continue for one minute to perform the water extraction spin operation as hereinbefore described and after the timer has passed through this minute period the electrical contacts Will be set in a manner to provide athirty second spin rinse of warm water. This spin rinse is effective to remove extraneous scum and other detergent fluid remaining in the basket B after the first water extraction spin operation has been completed. 7

After the timer has passed through the aforementioned thirty second spin rinse, the electrical contacts thereof will beset to shut off the current supply to the motor thereby to stop the spinning of the basket B, but the electrical contacts are now set to permit a three and one-half minute fill period, in which period the basket is again supplied with warm rinse water. 5

After the timer has passed through this three and one-half minute fill period, the electrical contacts thereof will be set so as to cause reverse rotation of the motor thereby to providean agitator drive and since the contacts are set for continuoussupply of water to the basket B there is provided a four minute agitated overflow rinse which has been found particularly desirable to advantageously clear the clothes and the basket B of all scum, sediment and detergent fluid. It is obvious that if the water supply is continuous as hereinbefore suggested that r the water will fill the basket B and thereafter overflow through theapertures 118 and into the outer tub for disposal by thepump 1 as hereinbefore described.

A one minute agitated rinse period without overflow is provided, this being accomplished by positioning of the electrical contacts so as to cause the water to be shut off at the mixingvalve 31. After the one minute agitated rinse without overflow there is provided a thirty second pause in order to permit the motor to be stopped and the controls be set for reverse operation of the motor for the purpose of water extraction operations to follow. After a one minute Water extraction spin operation there is provided a one-half minute spin rinse followed by a,

' 23 six minute water extractionv period, ..n1aking-- a total washing @cycle of thirty-two iandlone'half minutes;

The-instant drive :mechanism for a iwashingsmachine; being formed of simple parts andtreadilyavailable mate-r rialsl lends itself to. mass production manufacturing .prin: ciples,-',thus atfording as substantialssaving in the; manu- 'facturing costs;

Fromithecforegoing: disclosure, it may: be .obseruedrthat' we have provided an improvedrdnivenmechanismnfon a washing. machine: whichrr etficientlyxfulfills the objects thereof as; hereinbefore istated; and; which provides numerousadvantages rwhich'rmay bersummarized as follows:

1. .Structurally simple;eflicient and durable; u

2. Economical; .to; ,manufacturezand :readiljr adaptable to mass production ;manufacturing;principles;-r.andL 3; The provisionzofsatwashing machine preferably of the automatic cycle typerhavinga :high speed rrotatingtub or rtbasket adapted r for: waten; extraction during. a certain period rof the cycle, and 'said washer having, incorporated therein'a drive. mechanismxhavingrirr itself .a 2 unique association: of elements eifective. to. provides an improved drive fo'rxbothuthe:agitation:andrextractorcycles and yet cooperating. to; particular" advantage, with 'mechanical means associated' withuthe spinningbasket to reduce the vibration in 1 the main ,frame and: cabinet ,of the .machine to; a minimum .unde'r loaded conditions during acceleration, 1 full-,spinningzspeed, and during, deceleration.

While: we have illustrated preferred embodiments of our invention, many modificationsmaybe made withoutdepartingfrom the, spirit of=the invention, and wedo not Wishto belimited tothe precise detailsof construction set forthbut wish to avail. ourselves ofall changes within the scope of the appended claims.

we-rclaim:

1. In a; combined washing andv extractingmachine including ,an upwardly open receptacle, an upwardly ,open basket-mounted for rotation within the receptacle, and an oscillatable agitator mounted within the basket: mechanism for driving, the basket; separate mechanism fordriving the agitator; a reversibly driven electric motor; means operable responsive to rotation of the motor-in one directionfor actuating the agitator driving mechanism; means including a spring clutch operable responsive to rotation of the motor in the opposite direction for actuating the basket driving mechanism; brake means interposed in the basket driving mechanism; springmeans for'yieldi'ngly maintainingthe brake means in operative position; and means rendered operable when the motor is driven in:said opposite direction for disengaging said brake means,

2. In a combined. washing and extracting machine including an upwardly open receptacle, an upwardly open basket mounted for rotation within the receptacle, and an oscillatable agitator mounted within the basket: mechanism for driving the basket; separate mechanism for driving, the agitator; ,a reversibly driven electric motor; means responsive to rotation of the motorin one direction for actuatingthe agitator driving mechanism; means responsive incident to rotation of the motor in the opposite, direction, for actuating, the basket driving mechanism; in combination with.brake means interposed in the basket driving mechanism; spring means for yield ingly maintainingthe brake'means inoperative position; and a solenoid connected, in the motor circuit and adapted tobe'energized'when the motor is driven in one of, its two directions for moving said last-mentioned brake rneans to -its"inoperative position.

3; In; a combined-washing and extracting machine including an upwardly open receptacle, an upwardly open basket 'mounted 'for rotation within the receptacle, and anoscillatable agitator mountedwithin the basket, the combination of mechanism for driving the basket; separatemechanism-tor driving the agitator; a reversible drivenelectric-motor;.means operable incident to rotation-of the' motor in .one.direction, for actuating the agitator-driving-mechanism; means, operable incident to posed :in'i theabasket *drivingtmechanismiandmovable into and, out? of operativespositionsr ofi adjustmenguspringa means) -for :yieldingly 1 urging saidfl last-mentioned brake).

means to one position of adjustmentyandzvmeans opera ablewhentheimotoris driven .in ..one ofits two directions fortmoving said dast-mentioned brake means LtO its other position-10f adjustment;

the type comprising .an upwardlytopen receptacle, abasket mounted for rotation inrthe'receptacle, anoscillatable agitator mounted: in the, basket; power transmissionx means tin-a ,housingosecured to and forming the. bottom, :wall 10f: said basket; ,an. upright "driveztube connected .to

said,transmissionhousingra shaft disposed within the tube and opcratively connectedth'rough thetransmission means to :the agitator; means ,for actuating saidshaftto.

drive said agitator; means for actuatingasaidupright driver 1 tube for driving the basket; brake'means engageable with portions of said upright drive tube; spring means for yieldingly urging said'brake' meanstozone position of adjustment; and-means operable; forxmoving said brake means torits other position of adjustment.

5; In, a combination washingsand extracting machine of. the type; comprisingnam upwardly, open receptacle,

a basket" mounted for rotation in thereceptacle, an,

oscillatablea agitator mounted in :the i basket: power transmission means-in a'housing, sccurethto and forming the tbottom wall of said basket; an, upright drive tube connected toxsaid transmission: housing; a shaft disposed withinrthe .tube' and 'operatively connected through the transmission means to theagitator; a reversibly driven electric motor; means operable incident to rotationof of the type comprisingvan upwardly open receptacle, a

basket mounted for rotation in the receptacle, an oscillatable agitator mounted in the. basket, power transmission means in a housing secured to and forming the bottom wall of saidbasket, an upright drive tube connected to said transmission housing, a shaft disposed within the; tube andoperatively connected through the transmission means to the. agitator, means for actuating said shaft to drive said agitator, and means for actuating said upright drive tube for driving, the basket: brake means engageable with portions of said upright drive tube; spn'ngmeans for yieldingly urging said brake means toone position of adjustment; and means op erable for moving saidbrake means to its other position of adjustment.

7. In a combination washing and extracting machine of the type comprising an upwardly open receptacle, a basket mounted for rotation inthe receptacle, an.oscillatable agitator mountedin the basket, and power transmission means in a housing secured to and forming the bottom wall of said basket: a drive: mechanism-for said power transmission means comprising an upright drive tube connected to said transmission housing, a shaft disposed within the tube and operatively connected through the transmisison-means to the agitator, a reversibly driven electric motor, means operable incident to rotation of the motor in onedirection for actuating said shaft to drive saidagitator; means operable incident to rotation f of-the motor in the opposite direction for actuating said upright drive tube for driving the basket, brake means 4:; ,In azcombination washingand extracting machinaofa 'lthe, motor-in one direction for actuating said shaft to i engageable with portions of said upright drive tube, spring means for yieldingly urging said last-mentioned brake means to one position of adjustment, and means operable when the motor is driven in one of its two directions for moving said last-mentioned brake means to its other position of adjustment.

8. For a combination washing and extracting machine of the type comprising a rotatable basket, and agitation means mounted in said basket: a drive shaft and a driven shaft disposed in axial alignment, said driven shaft being connected to said basket, means including reversible power means for driving the drive shaft in either direction of rotation, and spring clutch means surrounding adjacent end portions of each of said shafts and operable to couple said drive and driven shafts for rotation in unison responsive to one direction of rotation of said drive shaft and operable to uncouple said drive and driven shafts responsive to the other direction of rotation of said drive shaft.

9. For a combination washing and extracting machine of the type comprising a rotatable basket, and agitation means mounted in said basket: a drive shaft and a driven shaft disposed in axial alignment, said driven shaft being connected to said basket, means including reversible power means for driving the drive shaft in either direction of rotation, spring clutch means surrounding adjacent end portions of each of said shafts and operable to couple said drive and driven shafts for rotation in unison responsive to one direction of rotation of said drive shaft and operable to uncouple said drive and driven shafts responsive to the other direction of rotation of said drive shaft, and means defining a brake engageable with portions of said driven shaft to restrict relative rotation of said driven shaft and including means for effecting operation of said brake means only incident to the direction of rotation of said drive shaft wherein said drive shaft and driven shaft are in respective uncoupled relationship.

10. For a combination washing and extracting machine of the type comprising an upwardly open receptacle, a basket mounted for rotation in said receptacle, and agitation means mounted in said basket: the combination with power transmission means comprising gearing mechanism in a housing directly secured to said basket, of an upright drive tube connected to said housing, a shaft disposed Within the tube and operatively connected through the gearing mechanism to the agitation means, means for actuating said shaft to drive said agitation means, and means for actuating said upright drive tube for driving the basket, both said actuating means having a drive shaft common thereto.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,964,440 Patch June 26, 1934 2,161,604 Watts June 6, 1939 2,356,817 Breckenridge et a1. Aug. 29, 1944 2,403,233 Patch July 2, 1946 2,424,385 Cook July 22, 1947 2,511,681 Young et a1. June 13, 1950 2,561,257 Woodson July 17, 1951 2,645,108 Smith July 14, 1953

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