Tub door system for a top loading horizontal axis automatic washer
US5678430A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 20, 1996 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 20, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD06F39/14
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An automatic washer having an enclosure surrounding an imperforate tub including an access opening and a perforate wash basket rotatably disposed within the tub about a horizontal axis wherein the tub access opening is provided with a flexible tub door for selectively closing the tub access opening. The flexible tub door is slidably supported by the tub for selectively closing the access opening wherein the tub door is positionable in a closed position and an open position. A spring is interconnected with the tub door for biasing the tub door toward an open position. A door catch is provided for engaging the tub door in a fully closed position against the biasing force of the spring and means are provided for selectively actuating the door catch such that the tub door may be selectively engaged in the closed position or released for movement to a fully open position. During the tub door closing operation, the rotatable wash basket is coupled to the tub door. In operation, therefore, selective movement of the catch releases the tub door to bias fully open. When the tub door is fully open, coupling between the tub door and basket is provided wherein rotation of the wash basket may dr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.