US2687633A - Clothes washing machine - Google Patents

Description

g- 31, 1954 J. C. SHARP ET AL CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 14, 1950 FIG.- 4

INVENTORS John Q Sharp Walter P. McCarty M 06w. aw

' Afiys.

Aug. 31, 1954 J, c. SHARP ET AL 7,

CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE Filed oCt. 14, 1950 4 Shee'ts-Sheet 2 I47 42 I22 I45 44 40 FIG. 5

INVENTORS John C. Sharp By Walter F? McCarty M O'Mq QM 1954 J. c. SHARP ET AL CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 14, 1950 FIG. 6

59 50 Ml We 66 INVENTORS John C. Sharp Walter F! McCarty Patented Aug. 31, 1954 UETE FEM;

CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE Application Qctober 14, 1950, Serial No. 190,144

11 Claims.

The present invention relates to clothes washing machines of the type in which the clothes are washed, rinsed and centrifugally dried in a receptacle or tub, and more particularly to improved cabinet structure for such a machine.

It is an object of the present invention to provide in a clothes washing machine of the type noted, improved cabinet structure that includes a casing provided with front and top openings and removable front and top walls permitting ready access to the tub and to the machinery housed in the casing.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a clothes washing machine improved cabinet structure including top and rear walls wherein the top wall projects rearwardly of the rear wall to define an. upstanding space disposed below the top wall and behind the rear wall and arranged to accommodate the plumbing connections to the machine when the machine is arranged closely adjacent to the wall of a laundry room.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a clothes washing machine, improved cabinet structure including a top wall that terminates adjacent to the rear thereof in an upwardly directed baclrsplash upon which there is mounted a control device for governing the operation of the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a clothes washing machine of the type noted, including cabinet structure provided with a top wall having a 017 opening, a drain tub arranged in the cabinet structure and having a top opening, and a spin tub arranged in the drain tub and having a top opening accessible from the exterior through the topopenings in the drain tub and in the top wall, an improved sealing arrangement between the top wall and the top of the drain tub that is disposed about the top openings therein.

A further object of the invention is to provide a clothes washing machine of the type noted, including a base, removable cabinet structure carried by the base, a drain tub arranged in the cabinet structure and carried by the base, a spin tub arranged in drain tub and carried by the base, and machinery arranged within the cabinet structure and. carried by the base, whereby the fundamental operating elements of the machine are carried and supported as a complete assembly upon the base independently of the cabinet structure.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements of the clothes washing machine, whereby the aboveoutlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a clothes washing machine embodying the resent invention; Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the clothes washing machine shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the clothes washing machine shown in Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the clothes washing machine shown in Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, Fig. 5 is an enlarged front perspective View, partly broken away, of the clothes washing machine shown in Figs. 1 to i, inclusive; Fig. 6 is an enlarged top view, partly broken away, of the clothes washing machine, with the top wall thereof removed; Fig. '2 is a further enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the water supply arrangement incorporated in the clothes washing machine, taken along the line l i in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the flexible sealing gasket that is incorporated between the drain tub and the top wall of the clothes washing machine; Fig. 9 is an enlarged side elevational View, artly in section, of the clothes washing machine, the sectionalized por-- tion being taken along the line 99 in Fig. 6; Fig. 1G is a further enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view of the junction between the front wall and the top wall of the cabinet structure of the clothes washing machine, taken along the line ill-ill in Fig. 6.

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated a clothes washing machine 2i) embodying the present invention and comprising a substantially rectangular base it that is supported upon independently adjustable feet 22 arranged to engage the floor or other supporting surface. Removably secured to the base 2! is a casing 22 that includes a rear wall 23 and opposed substantially parallel spaced-apart side walls 2A and 25 defining both a front opening 26 and a top opening'2l'. Preferably the casing 22, including the rear wall 23 and the side walls 26 and 25, is formed of a one-piece wrap-around construction, the rear wall 23 being disposed substantially flush with the rear of the base ill and joining the upper rear portion thereof; while the side walls 24 and 25 are disposed slightly outwardly from the respective sides of the base it and joining the upper side portions thereof.

Specifically the lower portion of the side wall 25 terminates in an inwardly and thence downwardly directed flange 25a that is secured to the adjacent upper portion of the side of the base 2| by a plurality of screws 28; and the lower portion of the side wall 24 is of a like construction, not shown. The upper portion of the rear wall 23 terminates in an inwardly directed flange 23b; and the upper portions of the side walls 24 and 25 respectively terminate in inwardly directed flanges 24b and 25b. In order to lend rigidity to the casing 22, a laterally extending bracket 29 is arranged adjacent to the upper front portion thereof, the opposite ends of the bracket 29 being rigidly secured by welding, or the like, to the front portions of the flanges 24b and 25b respectively carried by the side walls 24 and 25. As best shown in Figs. 6, 9 and 10, the bracket 29 is of generally angular form including a top flange 30 and a front flange 3|. The central portion of the top flange 30 projects downwardly as indicated at 39c; and the central portion of the front flange 3| projects outwardly as indicated at 3|a in order that the bracket 29 does not interfere with a drain tub that is arranged in the casing 22, as explained more fully hereinafter.

The casing 22 is provided with a removable front wall 32 that normally closes the front opening 26, the front wall 32 being provided with a rearwardly directed marginal boundary flange 33 including top, bottom and side portions. The top portion of the boundary flange 33 is disposed substantially flush with the flanges 24b and 2% respectively carried by the side walls 24 and 25; and the side portions of the boundary flange 33 are disposed substantially flush with the respective side walls 24 and 25. The lower portion of the boundary flange 33 is provided with a downwardly extending tab 34 that is secured to the adjacent upper portion of the front of the base 2| by a plurality of screws 35. Accordingly the principal portion of the front wall 32 is disposed forwardly of the front of the base 2| so that the lower portion of the boundary flange 33 defines a laterally extending toe-receiving recess 36 disposed below and rearwardly of the front wall 32 and forwardly of the front of the base 2|. The top portion of the boundary flange 33 is removably secured in place by an arrangement including a pair of laterally spaced-apart fixtures 31 that are secured to the bracket 29 adjacent to the opposite ends thereof. More particularly each of the fixtures 31 comprises a body portion secured to the top flange 30 of the bracket 29, which body portion of the fixture 3'! terminates in a downwardly projecting tongue 38 that extends through a cooperating hole 39 provided in the top portion of the boundary flange 33 of the front wall 32. When the front wall 32 is in place, the opposite sides of the top portion of the boundary flange 33 are disposed substantially flush with the opposite ends of the top flange 30 of the bracket 29, while the central section of the top portion of the boundary flange 33 extends over the central portion 30a of the top flange 30 of the bracket 29 due to the downward projection of the central portion 30a of the top flange 39 of the bracket 29. Also the central portion 3|a of the front flange 3| of the bracket 29 projects beneath the central section of the top portion of the boundary flange 33 due to the outward projection of the central portion 3 hr of the front flange 3| of the bracket 29. This arrangement and cooperation between the boundary flange 33 provided on the front wall 32 and the central portion of the bracket 29 provides for the support of the principal weight of the front wall 32 upon the bracket 29. Accordingly it will be understood that the front wall 32 may be readily placed and removed with respect to the front of the casing 22 and with respect to the front opening 26 by appropriate manipulation of the screws 35 and the holes 39 cooperating with the tongues 33 that are carried by the fixtures 3'1.

The casing 22 is provided with a removable top wall 4|! that normally closes the top opening 27, the top wall 40 being provided with a downwardly directed marginal boundary flange 4|, including front and side portions that are provided with inturned edges Ma. The inturned edge Ma provided on the front of the boundary flange 4| is disposed above the top portion of the boundary flange 33; and the inturned edges 4|a provided on the side portions of the boundary flange 4| are respectively disposed above the flanges 24b and 25b respectively provided on the side walls 24 and 25. The front portion of the boundary flange 4! is disposed substantially flush with the upper portion of the front wall 32, and the side portions of the boundary flange 4| are respectively disposed substantially flush with the upper portions of the side walls 2-1 and 25.

The rear of the top wall 43 terminates in a laterally extending backsplash 42 that includes an upwardly and rearwardly sloping wall element 43 disposed above the rear portion of the top wall 46 and joined thereto by a curved wall element 44. Also the backsplash 12 includes a downwardly directed Wall element 35 that is disposed well behind the rear wall 23 in order to provide an upstanding space 43 disposed below the rear of the backsplash 42 and behind the rear wall 23, as well as the rear of the base 2|. Finally the backsplash 42 includes laterally spaced-apart side wall elements 47 joining the top wall element 43 and the rear wall element 45, the side wall elements 4? merging into the side portions of the marginal flange 4|. Thus the backsplash 42 is hollow providing a cavity 48 therein, wherein at least a portion of the cavity 48 is disposed above the plane of the top wall 43 and at least a portion of the cavity 48 is disposed rearwardly of the plane of the rear wall 23. Finally the opening defined between the upper portion of the rear wall 23 and the lower portion of the rear wall element 45 and communicating with the interior of the cavity 48 is closed by a plate 43 extending between the flange 23?) provided on the rear wall 23 and an inturned flange 450. provided on the lower portion of the rear wall element 45. Preferably the front edge of the plate 49 is rigidly secured to the flange 23b and the rear edge of the plate 43 engages the flange 45a. Thus the plate 4-9 closes the cavity 48 provided in the backsplash 42 preventing the entry of foreign objects thereinto.

The front portion of the top wall 49 is removably secured in place by the fixtures 3?. More specifically, each of the fixtures 37 comprises two laterally spaced-apart upstanding flanges 59 having slots 53a formed therein that receive the inturned edge lia of the front portion of the marginal flange 4 The rear portion of the top wall 40 is removably secured in place by an arrangement including two laterally spaced-apart brackets 5| and 52 that are disposed Within the casing 22 and supported by a drain tub arranged therein in a manner more fully explained hereinafter. At the present time, it is noted that the bracket 5| is arranged in the upper portion of the casing 22 adjacent to the junction of the side wall 24 and the rear wall .23; and that the bracket 52 is arranged in the upper portion of the casing 22 adjacent to the junction of the side wall 25 and the rear wall A first screw, not shown, is arranged to project through a hole provided in the left-hand side of the top wall element 43 of the backsplash 42 and to be received in a threaded opening 53 provided in structure carried by the bracket 58. A second screw, not shown, is arranged to project through a hole provided in the right-hand side of the top wall element 23 of the backsplash Q2 and to be received in a threaded opening be provided in structure carried by the bracket 52. Thus it will be understood that the top wall il) may be readily placed and removed with respect to the top of the casing 22 and with respect to the top opening 2'! by appropriate manipulation of the first and second screws mentioned with respect to the cooperating threaded openings 53 and 5 2 and by an appropriate manipulation of the inturned edge 41a of the front portion of the marginal flange it with respect to the slots 58a provided in the front of the flanges 55 carried by the fixtures 32.

In View of the foregoing description of the machine 2i}, it will be understood that the base 21 carries the composite cabinet structure including the casing 22, the front wall 32 and the top wall til; that the casing 22 includes the rear wall 23, the side walls 2 and 25 and the plate 48; and that the top wall includes the upwardly directed backsplash 42.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 5, upstanding supporting structure 55 is arranged in the lower portion of the casing 2'2 and carried by the base 2i; which supporting structure 55 carries an upstanding substantially cylindrical drain tub 55 arranged in the upper portion of the casing 22. The drain tub 56 is provided with an inwardly directed annular marginal throat 5'! that terminates in a top opening 58 disposed below the top wall fit. As best shown in Figs. 6 '7, an overflow baffle 59 is arranged in the upper rear portion of the top opening 58 and within the throat 5?. The baffle 59 includes a bottom wall 65 disposed below the top edge of the throat 5i and an upstanding boundary flange 53, the upper edge of the front portion iila of the boundary flange 64 being disposed substaninto the cavity as provided in the backsplash d2.

The front portion 6 id of the boundary flange 5! is substantially straight and extends laterally between corresponding portions of the throat 5'5, while the rear portion iilh of the boundary flange iii is curved to fit within the adjacent portion of the throat 511. A substantially annular flexible sealing gasket t2 surrounds the top opening 58 in the throat 5i and is directly carried by the top edge of the front portion of the throat 5i and by the top edge of the front portion am of the overfiow baffle 58. As best shown in Fig. 8, the sealing gasket 592 is preferably formed of rubber, or the like, and includes a lower body portion '63 and an upper hollow tubular head or bead portion St. The body portion as a slot 55 formed therein that receives and frictionally engages the top edge of the front of the throat 5i and the top edge of the front portion 65a of the overflow baille 59; while the bead portion 55 is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart fins 66 on the topmost portion thereof. The fins 66 provided on the topmost portion of the head 64 directly engage the lower surface of the top wall 40, and the head portion 64 of the sealing gasket 52 is retained under compression in order to perfect a seal about the top opening 58 and between the drain tub 55 and the top wall 4! This arrangement positively prevents the normal escape of wash water from the drain tub 55 into the interior of the casing 22, as explained more fully hereinafter.

The bottom wall of the drain tub 56 is spaced well above the base 2| to define a machinery compartment 6'! arranged in the lower portion of the casing 22. Also the base 2| carries additional supporting structure 68 upon which the principal machinery disposed in the machinery compartment ii! is mounted. Specifically an upstanding support 69 is pivotally mounted at the lower end thereof to the structure 68, which upstanding support 69 comprises, among other structure, two vertically spaced-apart plates '10 and TI arranged substantially centrally in the machinery compartment 61. The plate H is operatively connected to the upstanding structure 55 by a plurality of resilient springs 12 and associated snubber devices 13, whereby the upstanding support 69 is normally centered along a substantially vertical axis but is capable of gyratory movement about its pivotal mounting upon the structure 88. The plate H carries an upstanding bearing bracket 74 that projects through a substantially centrally disposed opening '15 provided in the bottom wall of the drain tub 56, which bracket 14 is sealed to the portion of the bottom wall of the drain tub 56 surrounding the opening 75 by an arrangement including an upstanding flexible boot 76 formed of rubber, or the like.

An upstanding spin tub 11 is arranged within the drain tub 56 and supported by a tub sleeve, not shown, that is mounted in the bearing bracket 74 for rotation about a substantially vertical axis; and an upstanding agitator 18 is arranged within the spin tub I! and supported by an agitator shaft, not shown, that is mounted in the tub sleeve for oscillation about the substantially vertical axis mentioned. The spin tub T! is provided with an upwardly and outwardly flared side wall 19 that terminates in a top opening 89 disposed below the top wall iii and arranged in substantial alignment with the top opening 58. The top rim of the spin tub i1 carries an annular balance ring 8! that is provided with an inwardly directed annular clothes retaining flange $2, a plurality of openings 83 being arranged through the balance ring 81 adjacent to the top rim of the side wall 79. Also the bottom wall of the spin tub 11 is provided with an annular sediment trap 84 disposed below the base of the agitator it, the sediment trap 84 communicating with the interior of the drain tub 56 by an arrangement including two upstanding drain conduits 35 di. posed substantially diametrically opposite each other and carried by the spin tub ll.

An electric drive motor 85 is mounted upon the plate 10 and provided with an upwardly directed operating shaft 87! upon the upper end of which there is mounted a clutch and fluid drive unit 88. Preferably the clutch and fluid drive unit 88 is of the construction and arrangement disclosed in the copending application of Kemper M. Hammell and John D. Warhus, Serial No. 196,917, filed November 21, 1950. The unit 83 comprises a rotatably mounted housing 89 carrying a pulley 90 and an independently rotatable drive element, not shown, carrying a pulley 5|. Also clutch mechanism, not shown, is arranged within the housing 89 and operable between clutched and declutched positions, for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter, the clutch mechanism including an operating member 92, the inner end of which is pivotally mounted upon a bracket 93 that is supported in ball bearing structure 94 arranged in the upper portion of the housing 89. Also the plate 10 carries an upstanding support 95 upon which an electromagnet 96 is mounted, the movable armature of the electromagnet 96 being operatively connected to the outer end of the operating member 92 by an arrangement including a coil spring 96.

Also a drain pump 9'! is mounted upon the plate I and provided with an upwardly directed operating shaft 98, upon the upper end of which two pulleys 99 and I00 are rigidly secured. Further a motion-translating mechanism IOI is mounted upon the plate 70 and provided with I an upwardly directed drive shaft I02, upon the upper end of which there is rigidly mounted a pulley I03. The pulley 9I that is carried by the drive element of the unit 98 is directly belted by a flexible V-belt I04 to the pulley I00 that is carried by the operating shaft 98 of the drain pump 91; and the pulley 99 that is carried by the operating shaft 95 of the drain pump 91 is directly belted by a flexible V-belt I to the pulley I03 that is carried by the drive shaft I02 of the motion-translating mechanism NH. The pulley 90 that is carried by the housing 89 of the unit 88 is directly belted by a flexible V-belt I66 to a pulley I01 that is carried by the tub sleeve, not shown, that is supported within the bearing bracket I4 and directly connected to the spin tub 'I'I. Moreover the motion-translating mechanism IOI includes a driven shaft, not shown, that is selectively connectable by a clutch mechanism I00 to the agitator shaft, not shown, that is arranged in the tub sleeve mentioned and directly connected to the agitator 78. The clutch mechanism I03 is adapted to be selectively operated for clutch control purposes by the movable armature of an associated electromagnet I09 carried by the plate I0.

The drain pump 9! is provided with a flexible inlet conduit or hose I I 0 that communicates with the lower portion of the drain tub 56 and a flexible discharge conduit or hose I II that projects through an opening II2 provided adjacent to the lower leit-hand corner of the rear wall 23, as shown in Fig. 3, the discharge conduit III being arranged in the upstanding space 46 disposed below the back-splash 42 and behind the rear wall 23 and communicating with drain plumbing, not shown.

Considering in greater detail the construction and arrangement of the top wall 46, it is noted that a top opening II3 is formed therein in substantial alignment with the top opening 58 formed in the drain tub 50 and the top opening 60 formed in the spin tub TI, the top opening I I3 being substantially circular and provided with a downwardly projecting annular throat flange I I4. The lower end of the throat flange H4 extends into the opening 53 provided in the throat 5'! of the drain tub 56 and terminates in an outwardly directed annular edge II -4a in order to insrue a smooth throat opening from the exterior through the top opening H3 and the throat flange II4 into the interior of the spin tub TI. The upper end of the throat flange II3 terminates in a counter-recess I I5 formed in the top wall 40 and disposed below the plane thereof, the counterrecess I I5 being substantially rectangular in plan. A movable top cover or door H6 is arranged in the counter-recess I I5 and provided with a downwardly turned marginal flange Ill. The rear edge of the top cover I I6 is suitably mounted for pivotal movement into closed and open positions with respect to the top opening II3 by an arrangement including two laterally spaced-apart hinge mechanisms IIO provided with leaves removably secured to the counter-recess I I5 and to the top cover H6. The front central portion of the top cover H6 is provided with a downwardly depressed recess H9 in which a handle I20 is arranged, the handle I20 being substantially flush with the plane of the top cover II6. When the top cover II6 occupies its closed position, the plane thereof is substantially flush with that of the top Wall 40. Thus it will be understood that the top cover II 6 is mounted upon the hinge mechanisms II8 for movement toward and away from the backsplash 42 into respective open and closed positions with respect to the top opening II3. When the top cover II5 occupies its open position with respect to the top opening IIS, the interior of the spin tub 'I'! is readily accessible from the exterior so that the clothes may be readily placed and removed.

Also an elongated laterally extending hole I2I is arranged substantially centrally in the wall element 43 of the backsplash 42, which hole I2I is closed by a transparent or translucent window pane I22 arranged in covering relation therewith and secured in place by an ornamental trim element I23. Arranged below the hole I25 is an electric lamp I24 disposed within the cavity 49, the electric lamp I24 being removably secured in a suitable socket I25 that is supported by a bracket I26 that is carried upon the rear portion 6Ib of the overflow baiile 59. Thus it will be understood that when the electric lamp I24 is illuminated that light is projected through the hole I2I and the transparent window pane I22 in order to illuminate the backsplash 62 and the top wall 40 of the machine 20.

Considering now the water supply system for the machine 20, inlet valve mechanism I2! is mounted upon the bracket 5I and arranged within the casing 22 below the top wall 40 exteriorly of the drain tub 56 and adjacent to the junction between the side wall 24 and the rear wall 23. The inlet valve mechanism i2! is supported by the bracket 5| and comprises a housing I28 that includes a cold water inlet fixture I29 and a hot water inlet fixture I30 projecting through a hole I3I formed in the upper lefthand portion of the rear wall 23, as best shown in Figs. 3 and 6. The cold water inlet fixture I29 and the hot water inlet fixture I30 project rearwardly of the rear wall 23 and below the backsplash 42 and are respectively provided with downwardly turned elbows I32 and I39 arranged in the upstanding space 46. The cold water elbow I32 is suitably connected to a flexible cold water hose I34 and the hot water elbow I93 is connected to a flexible hot water hose I; the hoses I34 and I35 being suitably respectively connected to cold water and hot water supply plumbing, not shown.

In view of the foregoing description, it will be understood that the drain hose II I, the cold water hose I34 and the hot water hose I35 are disposed in the upstanding space 46 arranged below the backsplash 42 and behind the rear wall 23, whereby there is ample room for the hoses III, I34 and I35 between the rear wall 23 of the machine and the wall of a laundry room in which the machine 20 is located, even though the machine 20 is placed closely adjacent to the wall of the laundry room. This arrangement is very advantageous as it permits the rear wall element 45 of the backsplash 42 to be located in abutting relation with the wall of the laundry room and in alignment with other appliances, such as an electric clothes dryer, or the like, and with the hoses I I I, I34 and I35 in concealed and protected positions.

Further the housing I28 of the inlet valve mechanism I2! is provided with a discharge fixture I36 that is connected by a flexible hose I31 to a nozzle I38 that is mounted upon a bracket I39 carried by the upper portion of the drain tub 56. As. best shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the nozzle I38 is arranged in the cavity 438 provided in the backsplash 42 and is positioned well above the upper edge of the throat 5! of the drain tub 55. More particularly, the nozzle I38 is arranged in a downwardly and forwardly directed position, the lower end thereof projecting through a slot I40 formed in the upper edge of the rear portion (H b of the overflow bafile 59, and the opening in the nozzle I38 being arranged in alignment with a hole I M formed in the bottom wall of the overflow baffle 59. The inlet valve mechanism I2! is of the solenoid controlled type including a cold water solenoid, not shown, and a hot water solenoid, not shown, as well as corresponding cold water valve mechanism, not shown, and hot water valve mechanism, not shown. Moreover both the cold water valve mechanism and the hot Water valve mechanism are normally biased to their closed positions. Thus when the cold water solenoid is energized, the cold Water valve mechanism is operated into its open position so that cold water from the cold water hose I34 may be supplied into the nozzle I38; and when the hot water solenoid is energized, the hot water valve mechanism is operated into its open position so that hot water from the hot water hose I35 may be supplied into the nozzle I33. Of course when both of the solenoids mentioned are energized, both cold water from the cold water hose I34 and hot water from the hot water hose I35 are supplied to the nozzle I 38 in order to obtain a mixture thereof constituting warm water. The water that is supplied to the nozzle I 38 is projected forwardly and downwardly through the hole I4! provided in the bottom wall 65 of the overflow baffle 59 and through the top opening 53 provided in the drain tub 56 and through the top opening 80 provided in the spin tub 'I'I, whereby the spin tub 'I'I may be readily filled with cold water, or hot water, or warm water.

It will be understood that the cold water hose I34 and the hot water hose I35 are normally connected to respective sources of cold water and hot water under gauge pressure, whereby a gauge pressure is normally present in the nozzle I 38 when either one of the valve mechanisms mentioned occupies its open position. However should the abnormal condition of a subatmospheric pressure exist in the water supply plumb would rise into the overflow baiile 59 through the hole I4I provided in the bottom wall Bil thereof, which wash water would then spill over the marginal wall st of the overflow baffle 59 adjacent to the front portion GIa thereof, since the top of the marginal wall BI adjacent to the front portion cm thereof is disposed well below the top wall 40 to provide an overflow passage 542 there between, as illustrated in Fig. 7. Accordingly in the event the drain tub 55 should be filled to overflowing the wash water would overflow through the overflow passage I42 from the overflow baille 53 between the drain tub 53 and the: casing 22 onto the floor of the laundry room. This arrangement of the nozzle I38 and the overflow baiile I59 is very advantageous as it positively prevents baclt-siphoning of the wash water from the drain tub 53 into the supply plumbing, as explained above. Specifically, it is important that the vertical distance between the lower end of the nozzle I38 and the bottom of the overflow passage I42 be at least 1" so as positively to provide the vacuum-break or anti-back-siphcning arrangement described above.

Considering now the electric timer control arrangernent for the machine 2d, a combination electric timer and control switch I43 is mounted upon the bracket 52 and arranged within the casing 22 below the top wall 45 exteriorly of the drain tub 53 and adjacent to the junction between the side wall 25 and the rear wall 23. The timer and control switch I43 is arranged selectively to control the cold water solenoid and the hot water solenoid of the inlet valve mechanism I27, as

' well as the electric drive motor 35 and the electromagnets 9i; and I09, and is provided with an upstanding operating shaft I44 that projects through a hole, not shown, provided in the righthand portion of the top wall element 43 of the. backsplash 43, a control dial or knob i435 being mounted upon the upper end of the operating shaft I44 adjacent to the right-hand side of the backsplash 42, as best shown in Figs. 5 and 6, Also an ornamental trim element or dial I i'I is mounted on the left-hand side of the backsplash 42 in order to balance in appearance the control knob I45 and to lend a pleasing and finished appearance to the backsplash 42. The timer and control switch I43 is connectable via an electric cable I48 terminating in a plug I49, as shown in Fig. 2, to a suitable source of single-phase volts A. C. supply.

Considering now the operation of the machine 20, it will be understood that when it is placed in a laundry room, the drain hose III is connected to suitable drain plumbing, not shown; the cold water hose lite and the hot water hose I35 are connected to respective sources of cold water supply and hot water supply, not shown; and the plug I49 is connected to a suitable electric supply outlet. At this time, the clothes to be washed may be placed within the spin tub TE after the top cover or door H3 is moved into its open position with respect to the top opening II3. Thereafter the top cover III; is returned to its closed position and the control knob I45 is selectively rotated or manipulated in order to bring about the filling of the spin tub ill with cold water, or hot water, or warm water as the character of the fabrics to be washed requires.

- The manual manipulation of the control knob the nozzle I38 with the charge of wash water. During the filling of the spin tub I! with the charge of wash water, operation of the electric drive motor 86 is initiated. More particularly, the drive motor 86 rotates its operating shaft 81, whereby the operatin element, not shown, of the unit 88 is rotated so as to effect rotation of the pulley SI; however, the housing 89 and the pulley 90 of the unit 88 are not rotated by virtue of the circumstance that the unit 88 normally occupies its declutched position. The rotating pulley 9| rotates the pulley I88 via the flexible drive connection including the belt I84, whereby the operating shaft 88 of the drain pump 91 is rotated. The rotating operating shaft 98 of the drain pump 97 rotates the pulley, whereby the pulley I83 is rotated via the drive connection including the flexible belt I85 effecting rotation of the drive shaft I02 of the motion-translating mechanism IBI. When the drive shaft I82 of the motion-translating mechanism IIlI is thus rotated, the driven shaft thereof, not shown, is oscillated; however, the agitator shaft, not shown, connected to the agitator 78 is not oscillated since the clutch mechanism I88 normally occupies its declutched position. Moreover since the housing 89 of the unit 88 is not rotated, the tub sleeve, not shown, connected to the spin tub I1 is not rotated. Accordingly at this time, during the filling of the spin tub TI with the charge of wash water, the spin tub I? and the agitator 78 remain stationary. However, since the drain pump 9! is operating any wash water present in the drain tub 58 would be pumped to the exterior via the inlet conduit I I8 and the drain hose I I I, whereby there is no danger of flooding of the laundry room should the spin tub ll be filled to overflowing. More particularly, should the spin tub I! be inadvertently filled to overflowing, the wash water would overflow the openings 83 provided between the open top of the spin tub I1 and the balance ring 8! and fall into the drain tub 56 where it would be pumped to the exterior via the drain hose II I since the drain pump 9'! is operating at this time.

Incident to filling the spin tub I? with the wash water, a suitable charge of detergent is normally placed in the spin tub I? prior to movement of the top cover H6 into its closed position. Thereafter the control knob I45 is manipulated to initiate the automatic timed cycle of the machine 28, whereby the machine 28 performs automatically and in predetermined timed relationship, a washing step followed by the two rinsing steps and a final centrifugal drying step. When the cycle of th machine 28 is thus completed, the timer and control switch I43 is operated into its open position arresting operation of the electric drive motor 88 and the other electrical elements. A suitable electric control circuit of the character described that may be incorporated in the machine 28 is disclosed in the copending ap plication of Walter P. McCarty, Serial No. 122,321, filed October 19, 1949, now Patent No. 2,646,673.

In passing, it is noted that when the control knob Edd occupies other than its off position, the timer and control switch I43 effects lighting of the electric lamp I24 for the purpose of illuminating the backsplash 52 and the top wall 48. During the course of the cycle of operation of the machine 28, the timer and control switch I43 selectively controls the electromagnets I09 and 96 so as to obtain the washing, rinsing and centrifugal drying steps previously noted.

More particularly, in effecting the washing step, the timer and control switch I43 governs the electromagnet I88, whereby the clutch I08 is operated into its clutched position so that the oscillating driven shaft, not shown, of the motiontranslating mechanism I8I is effectively connected to the agitator shaft, not shown, supporting the agitator I8, whereby the agitator I8 is oscillated to effect the washing step. In effecting the centrifugal drying step, the timer and control switch I43 governs the electromagnet 96, whereby the unit 88 is moved into its clutched position through the coil spring 96 and the operating member 92. When the unit 88 is moved into its clutched position, a hydraulic drive connection is established between the operating element thereof, not shown, and the housing 89, whereby the pulley 98 is rotated in order to effect rotation of the pulley IU'I through the drive connection including the flexible drive belt I06. The rotated pulley I0? effects rotation of the tub sleeve, not shown, whereby the spin tub TI is rotated or spun so as to effect the centrifugal drying step noted. In passing, it is pointed out that the eiectromagnets I89 and 96 are not simultaneously energized by the timer and control switch I83 as it is undesirable that the agitator I8 be oscillated while the spin tub I? is rotated. Of course it will be understood that following the washing step, the spin tub I! is rotated in order centrifugally to discharge the wash water therefrom; and following each rinsing step, the spin tub I? is rotated in order centrifugally to discharge the rinse water. Following the final rinsing step, the spin tub I? is rotated throughout a considerable time interval in order to obtain the centrifugal drying step mentioned. As the spin tub TI is rotated, wash water or rinse water is centrifugally discharged therefrom through the openings 83 provided between the open top of the spin tub i I and the balance ring 8| which water is caught in the drain tub 56 and pumped to the exterior by the drain pump 91 in the manner previously explained.

As more fully disclosed in the copending Hammell and Warhus application mentioned, the clutch and fluid drive unit 88 effects a very gradual acceleration of the spin tub 11 when the unit 88 is moved into its clutched position by virtue of the fluid drive coupling between the vaned elements, not shown, that are arranged within the housing 89 of the unit 88. Moreover the final spinning speed of the spin tub TI is determined by the load imposed through the drive connection including the unit 88 upon the electric drive motor 86, whereby the final spinning speed of the spin tub TI is reduced in the event of an unbalanced condition of the spin tub I1 and the load of clothes therein due to an uneven distribution of the clothes in the spin tub 11. As the rinse water is discharged from the clothes contained in the spin tub TI, the inherent unbalance mentioned is reduced, whereby the spinning speed of the spin tub I1 is automatically increased, the unit 88 serving to compensate the speed of the spin tub IT in response to the unbalance thereof. This arrangement positively prevents excessive vibration of the spin tub 11 within the drain tub 56 in the event of the unbalanced condition noted. Of course, it will be understood that the spin tub I1 is capable of gyratory movement along with the upstanding support 69 upon the supporting structure 68 by virtue of the mounting arrangement including the centering springs I2 and the snubber devices I3.

In view of the foregoing description of the construction and arrangement of the machine 20,

it will be understood that in order to remove the top wall All, it is necessary to remove the control knob M from the upper end of the operating shaft Edd of the timer and control switch H33 and then to remove the screws that are received in the threaded openings 53 and 5d respectively provided in the structures carried by the brackets 55 and After the screws mentioned have been removed, the top wall at may be moved forwardly in order to cause the inturned edge am of the front portion of the marginal flange M to disengage the slots 50a provided in the flanges 50 carried by the fixtures 37. At this time, the top wall Gil may be completely removed from the top of the casing 22 in order to render the interior thereof accessible through the top opening 21. This arrangement is very advantageous and flows from the circumstance that all of the operating apparatus provided in the casing 22 is supported directly upon the base 2| or upon the base 2I through the drain tub 56 or the structures 55 and 88. After the top wall 40 has thus been removed from the casing 22, the front wall 32 may be removed therefrom in the manner previously explained by removing the screws 35 and by disengaging the tongues 38 from the holes 39 provided in the top portion of the marginal flange 33. After both the top wall 40 and the front wall 32 have thus been removed, the interior of the casing 22 is readily exposed through the top opening 27! and the front opening 26 so that the machinery compartment 61 is readily accessible from the exterior. However in the event it is necessary to make some major repair to the machine 26, the casing 22, as a whole, may be removed from the base 2I by the removal of the screws 28, etc.

In passing, it is noted that when the top wall is removed from the top of the casing 22, the top cover or door I I5 is removed therewith since the top cover I It is directly hinged upon the top wall ill. Further it is noted that a pair of resilient pads I 48 formed of rubber, or the like, are secured to the opposite ends of the bracket 29 and arranged to engage the inturned edges lla of the side portions of the marginal flange 4! carried by the top wall 46 so as to prevent any rattling of the top wall 40 when it occupies its normal assembled position upon the top of the casing 22. In

view of the foregoing description of the manner in which the top wall :30 and the front wall 32 are disassembled from the casing 22, it will be appreciated that the front wall 32 and the top wall 40 may be readily reassembled in the order named in a substantially reverse manner to that described above. When the top wall 40 is again replaced upon the top of the casing 22, it is pressed downwardly before the screws mentioned are finally set in the threaded openings 53 and 54 respectively carried by the brackets 5i and 52 so that the sealing ring 62 is compressed by the lower surface of the top wall 40 in order positively to insure sealing of the top opening 58 and the throat 5"? of the drain tub 56 to the lower surface of the top wall l!) about the top opening I I3 provided in the top wall 40.

Finally in conjunction with the arrangement of the timer and control switch I43, it is noted that the rear portion thereof extends rearwardly from the rear wall 23 below the backsplash 42, and that a housing is provided for the rear portion of the timer and control switch I43 by an arrangement including a substantially U-shaped plate M9 that is secured in a downwardly offset depression I56 formed in the plate 49. Specifically the downwardly offset depression I50 formed in the plate 49 closes the bottom of the housing mentioned; while the U-shaped plate I 39 closes the rear of the housing mentioned; whereby the timer and control switch I43 is completely enclosed within the casing 22. The rear extremity of the plate I49 is disposed substantially flush with the rear wall element 45 of the backsplash 42 so that the housing thus provided for the timer and control switch M3 does not interfere with the placement of the machine 20 closely adjacent to the wall of a laundry room.

In view of the foregoing, it is apparent that there has been provided in a clothes washing machine of the type in which the clothes are washed, rinsed and centrifugally dried in a receptacle or tub, improved cabinet structure that includes a supporting base, removable cabinet carried by the base, and a removable front wall and a removable top wall carried by the casing.

Also there has been provided an improved top ,wall that cooperates with the rear wall of the casing to define an upstanding space disposed below the top wall and behind the rear wall of the casing, which upstanding space is adapted to receive the water supply and drain hoses for the tub of the machine. Further the top wall comprises an improved arrangement defining the backsplash adjacent to the rear thereof that mounts the control device for the machine. Further the machine comprises an improved arrangement for sealing the open top of the drain tub arranged in the casing to the top wall so as to prevent water centrifugally discharged from the drain tub from obtaining access to the interior of the casing exteriorly of the drain tub. Finally the water supply arrangement that is incorporated in the machine positively prevents backsiphoning of wash water from the drain tub in the event of the abnormal condition of a subatmospheric pressure in the water supply plumbmg.

While there has been described which is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A washing machine comprising a substantially rectangular base adapted to carry an upstanding tub provided with a top opening, an upstanding casing formed of sheet metal and carried by said base and adapted to enclose said tub and provided with integral rear and side walls defining both a front opening and a top opening, the lower portion of said rear wall joining the upper rear of said base and the lower portions of said side walls joining the upper sides of said base, a front wall formed of sheet metal and removably carried by said casing and closing the front opening in said casing, the upper portion of said front wall being disposed substantially flush with the upper portions of said side Walls and the side portions of said front wall being disposed substantially flush with said side walls, the lower portion of said front wall joining the upper front of said base, a substantially rectangular top wall formed of sheet metal and removably carried by said casing and closing the top opening in said casing, the front of said top wall being disposed substantially flush with the upper portion of said front wall and the sides of said top wall being disposed substantially flush with the upper portions of said side walls, said top wall being provided with a top opening and carrying a surrounding downwardly extending throat flange adapted to project into the top opening provided in said tub, and a top door formed of sheet metal and carried by said top wall and movable between open and closed positions with respect to the top opening in said top wall.

2. A washing machine comprising a substantially rectangular base adapted to carry an upstanding tub provided with a top opening, an upstanding casing formed of sheet metal and carried by said base and adapted to enclose said tub and provided with integral rear and side walls defining both a front opening and a top opening, the lower portion of said rear wall joining the upper rear of said base and the lower portions of said side walls joining the upper sides of said base, a front wall formed of sheet metal removably carried by said casing and closing the front opening in said casing, said front wall being provided with rearwardly directed top and bottom and side marginal flanges, said top marginal flange being disposed substantially flush with the upper portions of said side walls and said side marginal flanges being disposed substantially flush with said side walls, said bottom marginal flange joining the upper front of said base to provide a toe-receiving recess disposed below and rearwardly of said front wall and forwardly of the front of said base, a substantially rectangular top wall removably carried by said casing and closing the top opening in said casing, said top wall being provided with downwardly directed front and side marginal rims, said front marginal rim being disposed substantially flush with the upper portion of said front wall and said side marginal rims being disposed substantially flush with the upper portions of said side walls, said top wall being provided with a top opening and carrying a surrounding downwardly extending throat flange adapted to project into the top opening provided in said tub, and a top door formed of sheet metal and carried by said top wall and movable between open and closed positions with respect to the top opening in said top wall.

3. A washing machine comprising a substantially rectangular base adapted to carry an upstanding tub provided with a top opening, an upstanding casing formed of sheet metal and carried by said base and adapted to enclose said tub and provided with integral rear and side walls defining both a front opening and a top opening, the lower portion of said rear wall joining the upper rear of said base and the lower portions of said side walls joining the upper sides of said base, a bracket extending laterally between the upper front portions of said side walls and secured thereto in order to lend rigidity to said casing, a front wall formed of sheet metal and closing the front opening in said casing, the upper portion of said front wall being disposed substantially flush with the upper portions of said side walls and the side portions of said front wall being disposed substantially flush with said side walls, means removably securing the upper portion of said front wall to said bracket, the lower portion of said front wall joining the upper front of said base, means removably securing the lower portion of said front wall to the upper front of said base, a substantially rectangular top wall formed of sheet metal and closing the top opening in said casing, the front of said top ell) wall being disposed substantially flush with the upper portion of said front wall and the sides of said top wall being disposed substantially flush with the upper portions of said side walls, means removably securing the front portion of said top Wall to said bracket, means removably securing the rear portion of said top wall to said casing, said top wall being provided with a top opening and carrying a surrounding downwardly extending throat flange adapted to project into the top opening provided in said tub, and a top door formed of sheet metal, and carried by said top wall and movable between open and closed positions with respect to the top opening in said top wall.

4. A washing machine comprising a substantially rectangular base adapted to carry an upstanding tub provided with a top opening, an upstanding casing formed of sheet metal and carried by said base and adapted to enclose said tub and provided with integral rear and side Walls defining both a front opening and a top opening, the lower portion of said rear wall joining the upper rear of said base and the lower portions of said side walls joining the upper sides of said base, a bracket extending laterally between the upper front portions of said side walls and secured thereto in order to lend rigidity to said casing, a front wall closing the front opening in said casing, said front wall being provided with rearwardly directed top and bottom and side marginal flanges, said top marginal flange being disposed substantially flush with the upper portions of said side walls and said side marginal flanges being disposed substantially flush with said side walls, a pair of laterally spaced-apart fixtures carried by said bracket, means including said fixtures cooperating with said top marginal flange for removably securing the upper portion of said front wall to bracket, said bottom marginal flange joining the upper front of said base to provide a toe-receiving recess disposed below and rearwardly of said front wall and forwardly of the front of said base, means cooperating between said bottom marginal flange and the upper front of said base for removably securing the lower portion of said front wall to said base, a substantially rectangular top wall formed of sheet metal and closing the top opening in said casing, said top wall being provided with downwardly directed front and side marginal rims, said front marginal rim being disposed substantially flush with the upper portion of said front wall and said side marginal rims being disposed substantially flush with the upper portions of said side walls, means including said fixtures cooperating with said front marginal rim for removably securing the front portion of said top wall to said bracket, means removably securing the rear portion of said top wall to said casing, said top wall being provided with a top opening and carrying a surrounding downwardly extending throat flange adapted to project into the top opening provided in said tub, and a top door carried by said top wall and movable between open and closed positions with respect to the top opening in said top wall.

5. A washing machine comprising an upstanding casing formed of sheet metal and including front and rear and side walls defining a top opening, a substantially rectan ular top wall formed of sheet metal and removably carried by said casing and closing the top opening in said casing, said top wall being provided with downwardly directed front and side marginal rims, said front marginal rim being disposed substantially flush with the upper portion of said front wall and said side marginal rims being disposed substantially flush with the upper portions of said side walls, the rear of said top wall projecting behind said rear wall to define an upstanding unenclosed space disposed below the rear of said top wall and behind said rear wall and readily accessible from the exterior, an upstanding tub formed of sheet metal and arranged within said casing and provided with a top opening, said top wall being provided with a top opening arranged above and in alignment with the top opening in said tub, a top door formed of sheet metal and carried by said top wall and movable between open and closed positions with respect to the top Opening in said top wall, and a plumbing connection carried by said casing and extending through a hole provided in said rear wall and communicating with said tub, said plumbing connection including a flexible hose arranged in said upstanding space.

6. A washing machine comprising a substantially rectangular base, an upstanding casing formed of sheet metal and carried by said base and provided With integral rear and side walls defining both a front opening and a top opening, the lower portion of said rear wall joining the upper rear of said base and the lower portions of said side walls joining the upper sides of said base, a front wall formed of sheet metal and removably carried by said casing and closing the front opening in said casing, the upper portion of said front wall being disposed substantially flush with the upper portions of said side walls and the side portions of said front wall being disposed substantially flush with said side walls, the lower portion of said front wall joining the upper front of said base, a substantially rectangular top wall formed of sheet metal and removably carried by said casing and closing the top opening in said casing, the front of said top wall being disposed substantially flush with the upper portion of said front wall and the sides of said top wal1 being disposed substantially flush with the upper portions of said side walls, the rear of said top wall projecting behind said rear wall to define an upstanding unenclosed space disposed below the rear of said top wall and behind said base and said rear wall and readily accessible from the exterior, an upstanding tub formed of sheet metal and arranged within said casing and carried by said base, said tub being provided with a top opening, said top wall being provided with a top opening arranged above and in alignment with the top opening in said tub, a top door formed of sheet metal and carried by said top wall and movable between open and close'dpositions with respect to the top opening in said top wall, and a plumbing connection carried by said casing and extending through a hole provided in rear wall and communicating with said tub, said plumbing connection including a flexible hose arranged in said upstanding space.

'7. A washing machine comprising an upstanding casing formed of sheet metal and including front and rear and side walls defining a top opening, a substantially rectangular top wall formed of sheet metal and removably carried by said casing and closing the top opening in said casing, said top wall being provided with downwardly directed front and side marginal rims, said front marginal rim being disposed substantially flush with the upper portion of said front wall and said side marginal rims being disposed substantially flush with the upper portions of said side walls, the rear of said top wall terminating in an upwardly directed backsplash, said backsplash being provided with rearwardly and downwardly directed side flanges and a downwardly directed rear flange, said side marginal rims merging into said side flanges, said rear flange being disposed behind said rear wall so that said backsplash defines an upstanding unenclosed space disposed below said backsplash and behind said rear wall and readily accessible from the exterior, a wall member formed of sheet metal and cooperating between the upper portion of said rear wall and the lower portions of said side flanges and the lower portion of said rear flange to close the interior of said backsplash fromthe upper portion of said upstanding space, an upstanding tub formed of sheet metal and arranged within said casing and provided with a top opening, said top wall being provided with a top opening arranged above and in alignment with the top opening in said tub, a top door formed of sheet metal and carried by said top wall and movable between open and closed positions with respect to the top opening in said top wall, a manually operable washing cycle control device mounted upon said backsplash carried by said casing and extendin through a hole provided in said rear wall and communicating with said tube, said plumbing connection including a flexible hose arranged in said upstanding space.

8. A washing machine comprising an upstanding casing formed of sheet metal and including wall structure defining a top opening and provided with an inturned marginal flange, a top wall formed of sheet metal and including a down- Wardly directed marginal rim provided with an inturned marginal flange, said top wall being removably secured to the top of said casing to close the top opening in said casing and with said inturned marginal flange on said marginal rim overlying said inturned marginal flange on said wall structure and in close proximity thereto, an upstanding tub formed of sheet metal and arranged within said casing and provided with a top opening surrounded by an upwardly directed marginal rim terminating below and adjacent to said top wall, a flexible gasket frictionally secured to said marginal rim on said tub and provided with a hollow head compressed into engagement with the lower surface of said top Wall and sealing the top opening in said tub to said top wall, said top wall being provided with a top opening arranged above and in alignment with the top opening in said tub, a downwardly extending throat flange carried by said top wall and surrounding the top opening in said top wall and projecting into the top opening in said tub, the upper portion of said throat flange being formed integrally with said top wall and the lower portion of said throat flange terminating in an integral outturned marginal rim in order to provide a smooth throat opening between the interior of said tub and the exterior through the top opening in said top wall, and a top door formed of sheet metal and carried by the upper surface of said top wall and movable between open and closed positions with respect to the top opening in said top wall.

9. A washing machine comprising a substantially rectangular base, an upstanding casing formed of sheet metal and carried by said base and including front and rear and side walls defining a top opening and provided with inturned marginal flanges, a substantially rectangular top wall formed of sheet metal and including a down- 19 wardly directed marginal-rim provided with an inturned marginal flange, said top wall being removably secured to the-top,of said casing to close the top opening in said casing and'with said inturned marginal flange on said marginal rim-overlying said inturned marginal flanges on said front and rear and side-walls and in close proximity thereto, upstandingstructure arranged insaid casing and carried bysaid base, an upstanding substantially cylindrical tub formed of sheet metal andrarrangedin saidcasing and supported by said structure, said tub being provided with a top openingisurroundedby an upwardly directed marginal rim terminating below and adjacent to saidtop-wall, a flexible gasket frictionally secured to said marginal rim on said tub and'provided with a-hollow-head compressed into engagement with the. lower surface of said top wall and sealing the topopening in said tub to saidtop wall, saidtop-wall being provided with a top opening arrangedabove and in alignment with the top-opening-in said tub, and a top door formed of sheet metal andcarried by the upper surface of said" top wall and movable between open and closed positions withrespect to the to openingin said 'top wall.

10. A washing machine-comprising a-substantially rectangular base, an upstanding casing formed ofrsheet metal and-removably secured to said base and includingfront and rear and side walls defining a top opening, a substantially rectangular top. wall formedlof sheet metal and removably secured to the top of said casing and closing the top opening in said casing, an upstanding substantially cylindrical tub formed of sheet metal and arranged in said casing and carried by said base, said tub being provided with a top opening, said top wall being provided with a top opening arranged above and in alignment with the topopening insaid tub, a top door formed of sheet metal and carriedby said top wall and movable betweenropen and closed positions with respect to-the top opening in said top wall, a washing cycle control device arranged in said casing below said top wall and in the space between said tub and the junction between two of said cabinet.wal1s, said-control device being supported upon said tub and provided with anupwardly directed operating shaft projecting through a hole-provided insaid to wall, and

a manual control knob removably secured to the upper end of said operating shaft above and adjacent to saidtop walland accessible from the exterior. for selectively operating. said control device.

11. A washing machine comprising a substantially rectangular base, an upstanding casing formed of sheet metal and removably secured to said base and including front and rear and side walls defining a top opening, a substantially rectangular top wall formed of sheet metal and removably secured to the top of said casing and closing the top opening in said casing, the rear of said top wall. terminating adjacent to said rear wall in an upwardly directed backsp-lash, an upstanding substantially cylindrical tub formed of sheet metal and arranged in said casing and carried by said base, said tub being provided. with a top opening, saidtop wall being provided with a top opening arranged above and in alignment with the top opening in said tub, a top door formed of sheet metal and carried by said top wall and movable between open and closedpositions with respect to the top opening in said top wall, a washing cycle control device arranged in said casing below said backsplash and in the space between said tub and the junction between said rear wall and one of said side walls, said control device being supported upon said tub and provided with an upwardly directed operating shaft projecting through a hole provided in said backsplash, and-a manual control knob removably secured to the upper end of said operating shaft above and adjacent to said backsplash and accessible from the exterior for selectively operating said control device.

References Citedin the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,494,313 Lamb May 13, 1924 1,543,349 Walker June 23, 1925 1,995,332 Snyder et al. Mar. 26, 1935 2,145,599 Haumann Jan. 31, 1939 2,155,962 Visser Apr. 25, 1939 2,272,517 Frantz et a1 Feb. 10, 1942 2,380,732 Dunham July 31, 1945. 2,389,774 Haberstump Nov. 27, 1945 2,391,718 Lindenmann Dec. 25, 1945 2,417,908 Bowen Mar. 25, 1947 2,428,573 Loeb Oct. 7, 1947 2,439,469 Hueted Apr. 13, 1948 2,498,179 Oliver Feb. 21, 1950 2,523,801 Woodson Sept. 26, 1950 2,540,884 Horvath Feb. 6, 1951 2,563,738 Oliver Aug. 7, 1951

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