Improvements in Washing Machines.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 18th Sept., 1894-Accepted, 17th Nov., 1894
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Washing Machines.
I ELIZABETH JANE HODGE of Oakley, Clinton Road, Redruth, Cornwall,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
This invention relates to an improved construction of washing machine, and is
intended to provide a simple and inexpensive arrangement which will wash the
clothes rapidly and effectively.
The apparatus consists of a tray or box of suitable size and depth, lined with
zinc to prevent leakage, having a frame fitted inside at the upper part furnished
with a set of wooden rollers. On top of this frame a sliding box placed, sliding
in guides on the frame, and furnished with a lid or cover.
The clothes to be washed are placed in this sliding box, which is then closed and
oscillated to and fro on the frame, rubbing the clothes on the rollers.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference is had to
the accompanying drawings in which
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the complete machine.
Fig. 2 is a plan with the cover of sliding box removed,
Fig. 3 a vertical longitudinal section on line xx (Fig. 2)
Fig. 4 is an end elevation,
Fig. 5 is a cross section on line y y (Fig. 2) and
Fig. 6 is a plan of the sliding box in the tray.
A is the tray or outside box of rectangular shape and carried on the support B
of any suitable construction. Within this tray is fitted the detachable frame C
having a series of transverse wooden rollers c turning in bearings in the side bars
of the frame. This frame is hinged at one end of the tray and at the upper part
with specially designed brass hinges G. The other end of the frame Crests on
two specially formed brass wings or brackets g and is fastened with the brass pins g¹
or other simple device, so that it may be opened easily for cleaning, without
detaching any of its parts excepting the brass pins, the tray when in use being filled
with water to about half an inch above the level of the rollers. The hinge employed
is formed by an angle plate screwed to the tray and provided with a boss bored to
form a socket, into which a pin on the end of a second plate, screwed to the frame,
projects.
On top of the frame the sliding box D is
clip d engaging with the guide plates or strips
to slide freely in a longitudinal direction.
The box is provided with the hinged lid
simple device.
placed, retained in position by the
on the frame C permitting the box
fastened down by buttons or other
In using the machine, the lid is raised and the clothes are placed in the box the
latter being then oscillated and the clothes rubbed over the rollers in the water.
To oscillate the box, a hand wheel E is employed, on a shaft F turning in
bearings b on the support B. The shaft is provided with the cranks f connected to
the box by the rods 'so that on turning the hand wheel the box is oscillated
continuously. A single crank and forked connecting rod may be employed instead
of the two shown. The parts are readily detached, and can be removed from the
tray when desired for cleaning purposes.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
1. An improved washing machine consisting of a tray or open box, a frame fitted
in the said tray carrying a series of transverse rollers, a box containing the
material to be washed, sliding on top of the roller frame, and means for oscillating
the said box continuously, substantially as described, and for the purposes
specified.
2. In an improved washing machine, the combination with a large tray or open
box, and a frame fitted in it furnished with a series of transverse rollers, of a box
sliding in guides on the said frame, and furnished with a hinged cover, oscillated
continuously by cranks and hand wheel, substantially as and for the purposes
specified.
3. In an improved washing machine the combination with a large tray or open
box, of a frame carrying a series of transverse rollers, hinged at one end inside the
Baid tray and supported at the other by brackets and pins, and a box oscillating
in guides on the said frame, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
4. The improved washing machine constructed and operating substantially in the
manner described and shown in the accompanying drawings, and for the purposes
specified.
Dated this 17th day of September 1894.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.