Abstract: A washing machine including a drum and a perforated container. The drum is rotatably mounted about an axis and includes a generally open front end. The perforated container is arranged to be positioned within the drum. The outer surface of the container is shaped and dimensioned to closely correspond to the inner surface of the drum when the container is positioned within the drum so the internal volume of the perforated container is only slightly smaller than that of the drum. The container is removable through the front opening of the drum. The washing machine also includes a removable closure adapted to at least partially close the front opening of the drum. If so desired, the removable closure may be an integral part of the perforated container.

Abstract: A washing machine having a generally cylindrical drum having a substantially closed back face, a front opening, and an axis inclined to the horizontal about which the drum is rotatable. The drum includes a plurality of outlets provided on the back face of the drum generally around the outer circumference of the back face. At least one of the outlets is below the height of the front opening for any angular position of the drum.