Abstract: A pump mount of the present invention is adapted to removably mount a pump to a washing machine without requiring access to the bottom of the washing machine. The pump includes a mount having a pair of feet which are adapted to be secured to the base of the washing machine using a twist lock. The feet can be inserted into holes formed in the washing machine base and the pump twisted to lock the pump in place. The wash tub outlet hose and drain hose are then attached to the pump. The hoses attached to the pump secure the pump in the locked position preventing the pump from twisting to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for laundering textiles (e.g., clean room garments) within a clean room facility. The textile laundering system may be used to launder clean room garments. The system includes a washing machine, a dryer, and means for measuring the number and sizes of particulates present within laundered textiles. The washing machine has two opposed sides, a loading side and an unloading side, and at least one portion which allows access to mechanical and/or electrical equipment (i.e., an equipment access portion). The washing machine is positioned within a sealed opening in a vertical partition separating a first laundering area from a second laundering area such that the loading side is located within the first laundering area and the unloading side is located within the second laundering area. The washing machine uses only "ultrapure" water, substantially free of ions, minerals, and organic material, to launder the textiles.

Abstract: A shelf for being positioned on a generally parallelpiped shaped appliance is provided. The appliance has a top surface and first and second side surfaces extending therefrom. The shelf includes a platform on which articles may be placed and a first leg having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first leg is connected to the platform. The second end of the first leg includes one or more interlocking members configured to securely engage one of the surfaces of the appliance. The shelf includes a second leg having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second leg is connected to the platform. The second end of the second leg includes one or more interlocking members configured to securely engage one of the surfaces of the appliance whereby the first and second legs support the platform above the top surface of the appliance.

Abstract: An improved installation system for a stacked washer and dryer appliance assembly having an exhaust vent and a gas system is provided. The exhaust vent system includes an exhaust bracket extending upwardly from the back of the washer. The exhaust bracket is adapted to be connected to a household exhaust duct, with the exhaust pipe of the dryer being automatically sealingly engaged with the exhaust bracket upon positioning of the dryer on the washer. The gas system includes a gas pipe in the washer, and having a rearward end extending out of the back of the washer for connection to a gas source. The forward end of the gas pipe has a shutoff valve, which is adapted to be connected to a gas line operatively mounted in the dryer. All of the connections for the power, water, exhaust, and gas for the stacked appliances can be quickly and easily made, without having to stand behind the appliance assembly after the dryer is mounted on the washer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for scouring wool. The method comprises differential heating of grease contaminants in the unscoured wool to at least partially liquefy the grease, absorbing the grease by the addition of a grease-absorbing material, and separating the grease-absorbing material from the wool. The method of the invention involves substantially less water consumption than current methods and is a more efficient means of producing wool.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a water tub, a spin basket mounted inside the water tub, a pulsator mounted in the spin basket, a reversible motor mounted under the water tub for driving the pulsator and spin basket, and a damping device for damping external impacts applied to the motor. The damping device is mounted to an underside of the motor and is received in a recess formed in an upper end of a cushioning member disposed beneath the machine during shipment to stabilize the motor.

Abstract: An improved installation system for a stacked washer and dryer appliance assembly having an exhaust vent and a gas system is provided. The exhaust vent system includes an exhaust bracket extending upwardly from the back of the washer. The exhaust bracket is adapted to be connected to a household exhaust duct, with the exhaust pipe of the dryer being automatically sealingly engaged with the exhaust bracket upon positioning of the dryer on the washer. The gas system includes a gas pipe in the washer, and having a rearward end extending out of the back of the washer for connection to a gas source. The forward end of the gas pipe has a shutoff valve, which is adapted to be connected to a gas line operatively mounted in the dryer. All of the connections for the power, water, exhaust, and gas for the stacked appliances can be quickly and easily made, without having to stand behind the appliance assembly after the dryer is mounted on the washer.

Abstract: An improved laundry appliance is provided wherein the door is mounted to a shroud, separate from the front and top panels of the cabinet. Therefore, during manufacturing assembly or repair work, the door can be shut and the operation of the appliance tested with the front and top panels removed from the appliance. After the operational testing is completed, the front and top panels can be installed to the remaining cabinet panels.

Abstract: A washer having a pair of offset legs. In addition to the offset legs, the washer includes a tub, a front frame and a rear frame. The tub defines a wash chamber with a front opening and includes a bottom wall and opposing side walls. The front frame has a pair of legs respectively disposed adjacent to the opposing side walls of the tub toward the front opening. The rear frame has a pair of horizontal legs with outer ends and a pair of vertical supports. The vertical supports are disposed rearward from the legs of the front frame. The horizontal legs are secured to the vertical supports and extend forward therefrom to the outer ends. The offset legs each have a neck and an upright member. The necks are offset forward of the upright members and are respectively secured to the legs of the front frame. The upright members are respectively secured to the horizontal legs toward the outer ends.

Abstract: The invention is an appliance, such as an automatic washer, having a tub in which a wash basket is mounted. The tub comprises an upper and a lower tub member, which are connected by an interference connection. The interference connection is formed by one of the tub members being provided with a peripheral channel and the other tub member being provided with a flange adapted to be received within the channel. Multiple protrusions can extend from one or both of the flange or channel side walls to abut and deflect the flange to form the interference connection.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of controlling an automatic door opening/closing apparatus for a washing machine that includes the steps of determining whether or not there is an error in an automatic door opening or closing operation carried out in response to a command to open or close the washing machine's door; determining if the erroneous operation has been repeated more than a predetermined number of times according to consecutive incoming commands to open or close the door; and when erroneous operation has repeated more than the predetermined number of times, ignoring a subsequent command to open or close the door.

Abstract: A device for storing a supply of emergency potable water includes a tank member which is especially configured to store unobtrusively in the home. The tank member is configured to connect into the domestic fresh cold water supply to an automatic clothes washer, and to sit alongside of the clothes washer, possibly in a gap defined between this washing machine and an adjacent clothes dryer machine. The tank member is configured to insure that a circulation of water occurs each time the washing machine draws fresh cold water during operation to wash clothing, and to insure that sediment does not collect in the tank member. Thus, a self-refreshing supply of potable water is provided which is of no significant inconvenience to store in the home. Further, the tank member, or a tray-like member nested atop this tank member, is configured to form a convenient adjunct and continuation of horizontal utility surfaces provided commonly at the top of clothes washers and dryers.

Abstract: A laundry appliance cabinet includes a first panel member of integral construction and at least one additional panel member joined to the first panel member to form a plurality of exterior cabinet walls and a tub within those exterior walls.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a washing machine is electrically connected to the various units of a drive mechanism of the washing machine by a plurality of single-section conductors, each of which comprises a one-piece continuous wire extending from the control mechanism to a respective drive unit. The conductors are arranged in bundles, and each bundle is disposed in its own insulative sheath. The bundles can be attached to an inside surface of an outer body of the washing machine, or to an outside surface of a washing tub disposed within the outer body.

Abstract: A top-loading washing machine including a washer assembly (1) and an appliance exterior having a front (2) and side plates (3, 4). The machine also includes an upper lid (5), an upper control panel (6), and support feet (29). The elements are assembled and supported by a bearing structure having two distinct lower and upper elements (8, 9). The lower element (8) includes a support base provided with respective columns at four corners that extend vertically from the bottom and terminate at the same height. The upper element (9) is provided with respective columns at four corners that extend vertically. The bottoms of said upper columns rest on the tops of the lower columns. The front (2) and side plates (3, 4) of said appliance are made from a single strip of sheet metal, folded so as to fit against said bearing structure in order to enclose completely the respective side and front faces. The plates are provided with extension fitting into grooves in the upper and lower elements.

Abstract: A laundry appliance cabinet includes a first panel member of integral construction and at least one additional panel member joined to the first panel member to form a plurality of exterior cabinet walls and a tub within those exterior walls.

Abstract: A clothes washer comprises a housing in which a washing tub is disposed. A noise shielding plate extends across the bottom of the housing. A first edge of the shielding plate is removably connected in a groove of the housing to permit the plate to be swung up and down within a chamber formed by the housing. A resilient securing device is retracted to allow the plate to swing up or down and then snaps back into place.

Abstract: Decontamination laundering facilities and methods are disclosed including a washer area, a filtering area automatically monitoring and controlling cleaning fluid quality discharged to the environment, a clean area, and apparatus and methods for automatically timing waste water sampling. Automatic timing includes controlling and actuating the date and time of day for taking a sample and the duration of the timing cycle, and relay means for closing and opening circuits connected electrically to timer contacts for energizing components of the waste water sampling. In one aspect, a tri-way valve passes a portion of waste water into a discharge pipe at all times and an electronic level control monitors and fills a waste water sampling container to a predetermined level. Contaminants include asbestos, and/or lead, silica dust, titanium dioxide dust, or carbon dust. Contaminated materials include woven and non-woven fabric, permeable and impermeable clothing.

Abstract: A low frequency vibration type washing machine having at least one horizontally reciprocating disk is disclosed. The disk is provided on the side wall of the washing tub and horizontally vibrates in a direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity of the multi-phase washing medium, thus to generate the resonance phenomena in the washing medium inside the washing tub while saving disk drive energy. The multi-phase washing medium is made of water, detergent and air. The washing machine also includes an actuator which is coupled to the disk for driving this disk. In an embodiment, two disks are provided on the side wall of the washing tub in such a manner that they face each other. In this case, the disks may vibrate so as to form vibrational waves of the same phase or of different phases. The vibrational waves of the disks may have a phase difference larger than -.pi./2 and less than .pi./2.

Abstract: An industrial cleaning apparatus has a conveyor with a chain, the lower part of which extends horizontally to horizontally transport objects to be washed. Washing sections and have nozzles for blowing a cleanser or ozone water onto the object. A rinsing section contains a tank which is split into two parts when opened. These parts form a box-shaped container when closed. The rinsing section also includes a mechanism for opening and closing the tank and a supply device for supplying water or ozone water into the tank.

Abstract: A dishwasher guard for protecting the control panel of a dishwasher against accidental operation, in particular by a child. The guard comprises a door and a pair of lateral brackets adapted to be installed on the sides of the dishwasher. The brackets hingedly support the door and secure door latches. The door has a pair of opposite protruding inserts, each pivotally engaging a bracket. A pair of opposite latches is also provided on the door, each latch being locked into a respective bracket for maintaining the door closed over the dishwasher control panel.

Abstract: A washing method and a washing apparatus capable of obtaining a washing or cleaning effect by mechanical energy obtained by cavitation phenomena or nonlinear oscillation of micro air bubbles generated during the resonance of a multi-phase medium using low frequency waves. The resonance phenomenon becomes accelerated and uniform by virtue of the injection of air bubbles in the tub or the provision of a sonic or ultrasonic oscillation unit, thereby enabling a superior washing performance to be obtained. Since the present invention eliminates use of any pulsator, it is possible to considerably reduce the phenomenon that clothes get twisted or tangled. As a result, few damage of clothes is generated. Moreover, the electric power consumption in washing or cleaning is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Decontamination laundering facilities and methods are disclosed including a washer area, a filtering area automatically monitoring and controlling cleaning fluid quality discharged to the environment, a clean area, automatic monitoring and controlling air quality in the washer area, in the filtering area, in the clean area, and as discharged to the outside environment, and apparatus and methods for automatically timing waste water sampling, exhaust air sampling, and containment area air sampling. Automatic timing includes controlling and actuating the date and time of day for taking a sample and the duration of the timing cycle, and relay means for closing and opening various circuits connected electrically to timer contacts for energizing components of the waste water sampling, exhaust air sampling, and containment area air sampling.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a casing having right-hand and left-hand side walls and two concave portions formed in the lower portions of the side walls, respectively. The concave portions have pipe passing openings formed in walls defining the concave portions, respectively. Each pipe passing opening is contiguous to the interior of the casing. A main feed pipe is disposed in the casing and has two ends. A water supply connecting pipe has a part located in either one of the concave portions and caused to pass through the pipe passing opening in the condition that the part has been located in either concave portion so that one of its two ends is guided into the casing and connected to the end of the main feed pipe located in the casing.

Abstract: This invention consists of a method and means for laundering clothing contaminated with asbestos fibers and/or with lead, herein called the contaminants. The method and means employed by this invention decontaminates the clothing in an environmentally contained, controlled and safe facility. The facility and the method described in association therewith permits contaminated clothing to be brought into the containment area, laundered and dried within the same contained, environmentally controlled, safe area. Clean clothing is then removed for further sorting, repairs, folding, counting and storing operations in another separated room of the facility. The facility and the method described in association therewith protect the health of the laundry operator and prevent the contaminants from being released into the atmosphere by the process itself. It also prevents contaminants from being carried from the interior of the facility by the person conducting the laundry operation.

Abstract: An electric motor (2) for a clothes washing machine including the motor and a drive, the motor having a stator (25) held outboard of a frame carrying bearings (37, 38) in which a shaft (11) rotates, the shaft carrying the rotor (21) outboard of the stator (25), and permanent magnets (17) on an inner face of the rotor. The stator (25) is formed as an annular helical yoke edgewise wound from a strip of magnetic material and having an inner face and an outer face, the strip having pole pieces (8) formed integrally therewith extending from one edge of the strip and the strip being edgewise wound whereby the pole pieces coincide in stacked groups to form a plurality of poles arranged at equally spaced intervals extending radially outwardly from the outer face of the yoke.

Abstract: A water saver for an automatic washer which has a wash and rinse water storage tank (34) and (54) attached directly onto each side of the washer (18). A two-way solenoid valve (42) along with hot and cold water solenoid valves (44) and (62) allow fresh water to be introduced into the tanks. Wash water and rinse water pumps (52) and (68) cause the water from the tanks to flow into the washer through the water mixing valve (24) upon demand of the washer controls. Suds and rinse water are returned to the respective tanks through solenoid valves (48) and (60) upon completion of the washer cycle. Succeeding loads of laundry are washed by the water stored in the tanks using the same valves and pumps employed for the initial water filling. When the last load is completed, the water from the tanks is drained into the building waste drain using the wash and rinse water pumps (52) and (68) in conjunction with a drain solenoid valve (70) forcing the water to flow into the drain.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a tub in which a basket and agitator are mounted. A transmission produces rotation of the basket and oscillation of the agitator. A shaft transmits rotary motion to the transmission from a motor via a pulley mounted on the shaft. The transmission includes a housing having heat conducting openings. Blades are mounted on the pulley for forcing air through the openings during rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A washing tub and an outer tub are inclined together by a tub posture tilting mechanism. The tub posture tilting mechanism is constituted of a link mechanism structure. One of the tub posture tilting mechanism comprises mainly a pair of beams mounted integrally on the outer tub, a pair of bases mounted turnable on the beams, a crank mounted turnable on a rear base and an arm mounted turnable on the crank and mounted on a motor. The motor is mounted integrally on the rear base and drives the tub posture tilting mechanism. Another of the tub posture tilting mechanism comprises mainly a pair bases mounted turnable on the outer tub, a crank mounted turnable on a rear base and an arm mounted turnable on the crank and mounted turnable on a motor. The motor is mounted integrally on the outer tub and drives the tub posture tilting mechanism. A delicate washing clothes is washed softly in a triangular washing region at a uniform inclined state of the washing tub.

Abstract: In a centrifugal separator which has in the top panel of its case an opening communicating with a rotor chamber and a control panel disposed behind the opening, a lid for covering the opening has a cutaway made in its lower portion for receiving the control panel and the pivot of the lid is extended laterally to the rear of the control panel. The lid is spring biased toward its open position and is opened by depression of a foot pedal that is connected to a lid lock mechanism. The control panel includes an indicator of rotor rotational frequency and rotor chamber temperature, the indicator being supplied with electrical signals produced by sensors within the case of the centrifugal separator.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a washing tub elastically supported in a body of the washing machine; a sound insulation member covering the bottom surface of the body; the sound insulation member being formed with an opening for inserting packing to prevent the washing tub from moving when the washing machine should be packed; and a lid for opening and closing the opening.

Abstract: A method and means for laundering contaminated clothing comprising a facility which is generally divided into a wash side and a dry side with several other rooms being associated therewith. The facility and the method described in association therewith permits contaminated clothing to be brought into the wash side of the facility, laundered and passed into the drying side of the facility. Once in the drying side of the facility, the clothes may be dried and then bagged for subsequent removal. The method prevents contaminants from being released into the atmosphere or carried from the interior of the facility by the person conducting the laundry operation.

Abstract: A support structure for a vertically arranged combination household appliance, more particularly a front loading dryer assembly arranged above a top loading washer assembly, includes vertical main support members, horizontal members and other members. The structure adequately supports both appliance assemblies of the combination appliance during transportation and usage, provides improved operating performance during off balance washer spin conditions or dryer tumbling, and maintains unitary appliance characteristics by being an integral part of the combination appliance design and by being located entirely interior to the appliance cabinetry.

Abstract: A washing apparatus comprises a pedestal, drive device fitted to the pedestal, a tub body provided with a washing tank, two elongate fitting legs fitted to the tub body at one end and attached to the pedestal at the other end, thereby supporting the tub body above the pedestal at a prescribed distance, and an outer casing which is detachably fitted to the fitting legs to enclose the drive device and tub body.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for pivotally connecting a closure lid to the cabinet of a top loading clothes washing machine and maintaining the lid in a releasable self-sustaining open position and out of contact with the knobs of the machine control panel. The assembly includes an integrally formed first hinge portion for attachment to the cabinet and provided with a base, a curved bearing surface terminating in a landing and a pivotal hub, and a second hinge portion for attachment to the closure lid and provided with a pivot pin disposable within a passageway formed in the hub. A pair of the assemblies are used to secure a closure lid provided with a radiused bearing section to the cabinet.

Abstract: A cabinet construction for a clothes dryer is provided wherein the top panel and the front panel are removable from the cabinet assembly from the front of the appliance for purposes of servicing the mechanisms interior of the cabinet all from the front of the dryer. A pair of brackets are attached at the top front corner of the side panels to which both the front panel and top panel are secured. The front panel screws into a projecting lip on said brackets, and the top panel slides rearwardly on the top edges of the side panels until a return flange on the top panel engages with a tab on the brackets to hold the top panel vertically. The top panel is then removably secured in place with at least one screw along the rear edge thereof which is covered by a pivotable control console.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for mounting a dryer above a washer wherein the device includes side brackets attachable to side walls of the washer to permit removal of the washer top panel without disassembly of the coupling device or removal of the dryer. A rear brace strengthens the coupling device and a front panel provides a finished look. A rear spacer bracket is used if an exhaust conduit is to be directed downwardly behind the dryer, the spacer bracket preventing crushing or dislodging of the conduit.

Abstract: A front loading cleaning machine may be operated in a normal manner by opening the front door and loading clothes to be washed. When servicing is required, the entire unit may be tipped forwardly about 90 degrees so that the front door is next to the floor. This makes the rear of the machine unit uppermost and exposes the drive mechanism mounted thereon. The drive mechanism may then be readily serviced because the mechanically moving parts are exposed on the upper portion of this machine unit. After servicing, the machine may readily be tipped back to its upright position, ready for normal operation. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Abstract: An appliance hinge having internal stop mechanisms. The hinge has a first member which provides a thin bearing surface on both sides of a formed cylindrical segment on the back lip of the door. The second hinge member is a molded block which mounts on the floor of the door recess on the appliance cabinet top, and has a cylindrical shaped guide slot for receiving the first member in sliding engagement. The first and second hinge members are snapped together to prevent disengagement during assembly. When the door is rotated about the hinge axis, the bearing surfaces of the cylindrical segment slilde along the guide slot until the door contacts the back lip of the slot and the edge of the cylindrical segment contacts the terminating surface of the guide slot. Cooperatively, these two stop mechanisms distribute the strain of a relatively strong opening force.

Abstract: In a combination appliance comprising a dryer mounted above an automatic washer wherein access to the basket of the washer is limited, the basket of the washer tilts forward automatically to improve access as the lid is opened by the user. The basket is located within a tub that in turn is mounted on a resiliently supported frame. A cable connected between the lid and a lower portion of the rear of the tub is maintained in tension by a pulley that is spring-mounted to the interior of the cabinet. As the lid is opened, the cable is pulled along the pulley to tilt the basket forward on the resiliently supported frame for improved access by the user to the interior of the basket.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a compact top loading dishwasher suitable for fitting inside furniture units or the like, comprising a tub having an openable lid, an internal rotating washing member and one or more removable baskets for carrying articles located in the tub, the tub being supported on a metal base provided to house the mechanical and plumbing parts required for the supply and the operation of the dishwasher, it being possible to position the dishwasher, in a removable way, inside a kitchen unit, or the like, from which it can be removed for use at a different location.

Abstract: A shelf assembly is disclosed for use with an appliance. The appliance has a top work surface with opposing side edges and a control panel disposed at a rear portion of and extending above the top work surface. The shelf assembly comprises a tray for providing an additional work surface and having opposite first and second ends. First and second side support panels are disposed substantially vertically and each has a top end adapted to be attached to a corresponding one of the first and second ends of said tray and a bottom end adapted for resting upon the top work surface. A bracket extends between and is attached at opposite ends to the first and second side support panels, respectively. The bracket has at least one foot disposed at a height above the top work surface and rests on the top of the control panel to steady the shelf assembly and to orient the additional work surface horizontally.

Abstract: A collapsible washing machine packing brace having three or four support arms. The support arms extend radially from a centrally disposed collar. One of the arms is formed by the interlocking engagement of two elongate members, one which carries a male latching portion and another which carries a female latching portion. The other support arms are of a unitary construction and are integral with the outer wall of the central collar.

Abstract: A bracket assembly is provided to allow for vertical mounting of a washer and dryer to form a laundry center. The assembly includes a left and right mounting bracket. The mounting brackets each have a lower mounting flange which joins a lower leg to form a lower angle. The lower angle cooperates with the top edge of the lower appliance. The brackets also have a back rib which forms a second layer angle which cooperates with the back edge of the lower appliance. The brackets also have a top mounting flange which joins an upper leg to form an upper angle which cooperates with the bottom edge of the top appliance and support means extending between the upper and lower mount flanges. An optional removable back plate extends between the mount brackets to give the assembly a unitary appearance.

Abstract: A shipping restraint system for an appliance having movable suspension components is provided which includes a plurality of locking pins engagable in apertures in the components to prevent their movement during shipping. The locking pins are held in place by cotter pins which are attached to a cord directed to the exterior of the appliance. Removal of the cotter pins will cause the locking pins to fall under gravity bias from the apertures into receiving cups thereby unlocking the movable components.

Abstract: A top loading clothes washer adapted for installation under a fixed or stationary upper structure such as a stacked dryer or countertop wherein the washer is pivotable to a forward tilt-out position providing access to its top. The bottom front of the washer is truncated and the pivot axis which is defined by a stable base is behind the truncation and in front of the center of gravity of the washer. A latch is provided to lock the washer in its upright washing position. The latch is releasable by an operator actuated control provided the water level in the tub is below a predetermined level. Accordingly, forward tilting of a full tub is prevented. Also, the operator actuable control energizes a mechanism which assists in the forward tilting of the washer thereby reducing the pull force required of the operator. More specifically, a biased hinge creates a backward torsion on the washer to provide increased stability during a spin cycle and the mechanism functions to counteract the torsion.

Abstract: A top loading clothes washer adapted for installation under a fixed or stationary upper structure such as a stacked dryer or countertop wherein the washer is pivotable to a forward tilt-out position providing access to the top and wherein a washer lid in sliding engagement with the top is automatically opened as a result of the tilt-out movement of the washer. Apparatus connected to the lid restrains its forward movement so that it is prevented from moving out from under the dryer or countertop as the top of the washer tilts forward.

Abstract: A combination appliance is provided having a washing machine and a dryer separately supported above the washing machine. The physical arrangement of the washing machine/dryer combination provides a compartment below the dryer cabinet and behind the washing machine cabinet. A recessed area in the top cover of the washing machine and below the bottom of the dryer defines a pocket which is in communication with the compartment. A sliding access door is operable within the recessed area and is manually movable to a posture partially within the compartment and partially within the pocket for providing clear access to within the washing machine.

Abstract: A top loading clothes washer pivotally supported so that it can be installed underneath a stationary structure and tilted forward for loading and unloading clothes. The pivotal support is provided by a stable base which also includes apparatus such as a hook for preventing forward tilting past a predetermined loading and unloading tilt-out position. The front of the washer is truncated and the tilt axis is backward from the truncation but forward from the washer center of gravity. In the upright washing position, rear feet on the washer provide support for the washer and also engage the base to horizontally secure the washer to the base for stability during spin dynamics. A biased hinge covering the front truncation provides backward torque about the tilt axis so that the washer feet carry a significant amount of the washer weight.

Abstract: A combination appliance is provided having a washing machine and a separately operable dryer disposed above the washing machine. The washing machine and dryer are separately supported in a generally mating relationship providing the characteristics of a unitary appliance. There is a horizontally disposed top cover associated with the washing machine which defines an access opening to within the washing machine. The top cover also includes guideways at the sides of the access opening with an access door being cooperable with the guideways for sliding movement to close the access opening in a first forward posture and to uncover the access opening in a second rearward posture. The top cover further includes structure for effectively retaining the access door in the guideways in the first forward posture and providing a housing for the access door in the second rearward posture.