Drive system for clothes washer

Textiles: fluid treating apparatus – Machines – Impulsing

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C068S134000, C068S023700

Reexamination Certificate

active

06220063

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional clothes washing machines are of two basic types: a vertical axis, top loading machine and a horizontal axis front loading machine. While front loading machines are generally more economical with respect to water consumption and electrical usage, the top loading machines typically provide easier access. Both types of washing machines include a perforated basket which holds the clothes or articles being washed. In the front loading machine, the clothes are tumbled in the wash water while the basket rotates. In a top loading machines, an oscillating or rotating agitator mixes the clothes and articles in the wash water while the basket remains substantially stationary. At the completion of the wash cycle in either machine, the basket is rotated at a high RPM to extract the wash water from the basket and the clothes therein.
An objective of the present invention is the provision of an improved top loading washing machine.
A further objective is to provide a top loading washer having rotatable agitators/lifters within a washing basket.
A further objective is to provide a novel drive system for rotating the agitators/lifters within a washing basket.
A further objective is to provide a drive system for agitators within a washing basket wherein the drive system is at least partially bathed in washing fluid.
Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a top loading washing machine having low water usage, yet excellent mechanical washing action.
Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a top loading washing machine having a simple and durable construction.
A further objective of the present invention is the provision of an improved top loading, washing machine which is economical to manufacture and to operate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing objects may be achieved by a washing machine having a cabinet with a top opening. A wash basket is mounted within the cabinet for rotation about a wash basket axis. The wash basket has an upwardly facing access opening through which clothes may be loaded and unloaded. At least a first agitator/lifter is mounted in the basket for rotation about an agitator axis which is at an angle different from the angle of the wash basket axis. A drive motor is mounted to the cabinet. A drive mechanism interconnects the motor, the wash basket, and the first agitator for rotating the first agitator about the first agitator axis when the wash basket is held against rotation about its wash basket axis.
It is preferred that a second agitator also be mounted within the wash basket and that it also be driven by the drive mechanism.
A tub at least partially surrounds the wash basket and contains washing fluid. The drive mechanism preferably is at least partially submerged in and bathed by the washing fluid.
While the shape of the washing basket and tub may vary without detracting from the invention, it is preferable that the washing basket and the tub be spherical, and that the agitators each have a concave surface and a convex surface, with the convex surfaces nesting against the spherical walls of the washing basket.


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