Improvements in Washboards.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Mar., 1896-Accepted, 9th May, 1896
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Washboards.
I, JAMES TAYLOR SARGENT, Manufacturer, residing at 1194 East Madison
Avenue in Cleveland, in the County of Cuyahoga, State of Ohio, and United
States of America, 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 :-
The invention described herein relates to certain improvements in washboards,
and has for its object the provision of a protector for the clothes of the operator,
and, also, for the soap, so as to prevent the wasting of the latter consequent on
being kept saturated as is the inevitable result when supported by the cross-bar of
the washboard, in the constructions of the latter now in use. It is old in the art of
washboard making to provide a soap receptacle, sometimes called a soap-box, con-
sisting of the fixed cross-bar between the upper end of the rubbing face or faces,
and the lower end of a fixed brand-board, forming, more properly, a ledge upon
which the soap is supported when not in use. In these constructions, the soap is in
no way protected from the water splashed up in the washing operation, but is
located in such proximity to the rubbing face as to be subject to constant waste,
by the flow of water over it. And, further, none of these soap supports is capable
of serving as a protector for the clothes of the operator.
The object of the present invention is to provide an integral structure, which
will serve as a soap-box or receptacle, and is so mounted on the washboard frame,
in relation to the rubbing faces, as to serve as a protector to the clothes of the
operator and the soap resting therein.
As regards general features, the washboards hereinafter described consist of side
bars 1, head-piece 2, cross-bar 3, and rubbing faces 5, arranged together in any
suitable and well known manner. In Figs. 1 and 2, which are sectional elevations,
at right angles to each other, the soap-box or receptacle, consisting of the
sides 8, 8, end-pieces 9, and supporting shaft or block 10, is provided with suitable
trunnions 11, adapted to fit in sockets 12, formed in the inner faces of the side-
bars 1. These sockets or bearings for the trunnions are so located in the side-bars
that the soap-box will pass freely through the opening between the side-bars 1,
head-piece 2, and cross-bar 3. It is preferred to construct the soap-box or
receptacle with its sides inclined slightly towards each other, in order that they
may assume proper position with relation to the other parts of the washboard, when
in position for use, i.e., the side 8 at a suitable angle above one of the rubbing
faces, so that it will serve as a protector, and the side 8 filling the space between
the head-piece and cross-bar, and serving as a brand-board, when the box is
adjusted to position for use above one of the rubbing faces, but will also serve to
perform reversed functions, when the box is over the other face. In the construc-
tions shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11, the soap receptacle or box is so
mounted as to be capable of being shifted from a position of use above one of the
rubbing faces of a double faced washboard, to a corresponding position above the
other face, and, hence, the side 8 will, in one position of the soap-receptacle or box,
serve as a protector, and, in the other position, as a brand-board, while, in the same
position of the soap-box or receptacle, side 8, will serve as a brand-board and
protector, respectively.
In order to hold the soap-box or receptacle in operative position, suitable locks
are provided. In the construction shown in Figs. 1 and 2, this lock consists of

page_text: grooves 13.
extensions of one end of the sides 8, 8, beyond the end-piece 9, so as to engage
suitably arranged grooves, 13, in the inner face of one of the side-bars. The
trunnions at the ends of the soap-box or receptacle, and the sockets in the
side-bars, are so constructed as to permit of the soap-box or receptacle being shifted
longitudinally, so that these projecting ends of the sides 8, 8, will engage the
The longitudinal movement of the soap-box or receptacle is effected
by means of springs 14, surrounding one of the trunnions 11, as clearly shown in
Fig. 1. In the construction shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the locks consist of beads
or ribs 15, formed along the lower edges of the head-piece 2, and of grooves or
notches 16, formed at the junctions of the sides and end-pieces. In order to ensure
the engagement of the ribs 15 with the notches 16, the soap-box or receptacle is
yieldingly held so that the end-pieces 5, will bear against the head-piece by means
of springs 17, arranged below the trunnions, as clearly shown in Figs. 5 and 6, or
a bearing-piece 18, may be arranged below the shafts or block 10, aud a spring 19
interposed between this block and the cross-bar, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. The
lock formed by the ribs 15 and notches 16, will prevent any accidental shifting of
the soap-box or receptacle, in either direction from position of use. The construc-
tions shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11, show the application of my improvement
to double-faced washboards, wherein it is desirable and even necessary, that a
receptacle for the soap should be provided for both faces, and, by my improvement,
the same receptacle can be, by its adjustment, used above both faces alternately.
My improvement is, also, applicable to single faced washboards, as shown in
Figs. 3, 4, 7 and 8, in which form of boards it is desirable to have the soap-box or
receptacle so mounted that it can be shifted outwardly, so as to serve as a protector,
and, also, render the soap-box or receptacle readily accessible, and that it can, also,
be folded inwardly, for the purpose of permitting a compact arrangement of a
number of the boards, one upon the other, for transportation or storage. In
Figs. 3, 4, 7 and 8, the open and folded positions of the soap-box or receptacle,
which is constructed in the same manner as the forms shown in Figs. 1, 2, &c., is
shown in dotted lines.
In the constructions shown in Figs. 9, 10 and 11, the means employed for holding
the soap-box or receptacle in operative position, consist of stops 20, arranged on
opposite sides of the head-piece, so as to engage the sides 8 and 8, when the box
is shifted, said sides being provided with notches 21, at diagonal corners, so as to
permit one of the sides being shifted past one of the stops, and the opposite side
to engage the other stop. In order to prevent an accidental return movement of
the soap-box or receptacle. rounded knobs or blocks 22, are arranged on one end
of the soap-box, which is forced longitudinally by the spring 23, around one of the
trunnions, so that the knobs or blocks 22, will project slightly beyond the inner
face of the side-bar, or rub against the same with sufficient friction to prevent a
return movement of the receptacle.
In order that the soap contained in the box or receptacle, when applied to single
faced washboards, shall be readily accessible, and, also, that the receptacle shall not
project so far beyond the side-bars as to render it liable to be broken in shipping
provision is made for applying the invention to a single faced washboard, for
rendering the soap receptacle freely accessible, when the latter is in position for
use, and, at the same time, permit of such a folding movement of the soap-box o
receptacle, that its outer corners will not project beyond the side-bars a greate
distance than the width of such bars, thereby rendering it possible to compactly
arrange a number of washboards embodying the invention for shipment, withou
exposing the soap-receptacle or box to injury, as clearly shown in Figs. 3, 4,
and 8. In order to hold the soap receptacle open to its full extent, and in position
for protector use, locks similar to that shown and described in Figs. 1 and 2
may be employed, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, or a construction of lock similar to
that shown and described in connection with Figs. 5 and 6, as will be clearly see
by reference to Figs. 7 and 8.
While preferring to use a pivotally mounted soap-box or receptacle, construction

page_text: similar to those shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14, may be used. In these emboliments
of the invention, the soap-box or receptacle is made rectangular, or approximately
so, in horizontal section, and is arranged to slide laterally back and forth in the
space between the head-piece and cross-bar. It is preferred to form the soap-box
or receptacle with a projecting ledge 24, along the ends thereof, adapted to enter
grooves formed in the inner face of the side-bars, as clearly shown in Fig. 13.
In order to prevent the removal of the soap receptacle, the sides of the box are
made of such a height as to engage shoulders 25, on the head-piece, and the
projecting ledges 24 are provided with shoulders 26, which will engage the edges
of the side-bars, at the same time that the sides of the box engage the shoulders 25.
In lieu of this construction, a centrally arranged stop 27, may be attached to the
underside of the head-piece, in such manner as to engage the sides of the box,
and a spring 28, provided with upwardly curved ends, may be so arranged on the
cross-bar as to engage the edges of the bottom, when the box is shifted to operative
position, as clearly shown in Fig. 14. While preferring to construct the soap
receptacle with the lower edges of the sides, 8, 8, attached to a block 10, as shown
in Figs. 1 to 11, inclusive, for the reason that such construction is more rigid and
durable, such shaft or block may be omitted, as shown in Fig. 15, in which case
the trunnions will be attached or formed on the end pieces 9, of the box or
receptacle.
In order to prevent an accumulation of water in the soap boxes, the latter are
provided with drainage openings 29, or, if desired, a movable plate or strip 30,
may be arranged in the soap-box or receptacle, a short distance above the bottom
of the same, which will serve as a support to the soap, and hold the same out of
any water which may collect in the receptacle.
In the construction shown in Figs. 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, the soap-box or
receptacle is constructed and arranged so that one side thereof will always
operate as a brand-board, and the other as a protector, provision being made for
the adjustment of the box so that the protector can be shifted from operative
position above one of the rubbing faces to a corresponding position above the other
face. In the construction shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the brand-board 31, is made
of such dimensions as to approximately fill the space between the head-piece,
cross-bar and side-bar, and is secured to a shaft 32, having its ends loosely mounted
in the head-piece 2 and cross-bar 3, respectively, of the frame of the washboard.
This board 31, in conjunction with the end-pieces 33, and side-piece 34, forms a
box or receptacle for the soap, said side being arranged at such an angle to the
brand-board as to project upwardly and outwardly, and serve as a protector to
prevent the splashing of the water onto the clothes of the operator and soap
contained in the receptacle. This soap-box or receptacle is made of such a size
relative to the opening in the other portion of the washboard, that it can be
rotated through said opening from a position of use above one of the rubbing
faces, to a corresponding position above the other face. In the construction shown
in Figs. 18 and 19, the soap-box or receptacle is formed by the brand-board 31,
in a concavo-convex piece 35, secured to the brand-board at an angle thereto, andl
projecting a sufficient distance from the brand-board, to serve as a protector. In
this construction, the brand-board is pivotally mounted on pins 36, projecting into
the head-piece and cross-bar, respectively, and provision is made for locking the
soap-box or receptacle in a position for use above either one of the rubbing faces
of the board, by forming a groove in the upper side of the cross-bar, for the
reception of the lower edge of the brand-board, which is yieldingly held in such
groove by a spring 37, surrounding the upper pin between the head-piece and the
upper edge of the brand-board. In the construction shown in Figs. 16 and 17,
the soap-box or receptacle is held in operative relation to the rubbing faces, by a
stop 38, attached to one of the side-bars, and against which the brand-board 31
will bear, when the soap-box is shifted to its position of use. In the construction
shown in Fig. 20, the soap-box or receptacle is made removable from the space
between the head-piece, cross-piece and side-bar, or, as it is known in the art, the

page_text: brand-board space, so that it will be taken out from its position of use above one
of the rubbing faces, and inserted in the brand-board space in proper position for
use above the other face. In order to hold the soap-receptacle in proper position,
the lower edge of the brand-board is extended below the bottom of the soap-box
or receptacle, forming a rib 39, adapted to fit in a groove 40, formed in the upper
edge of the cross-bar, and the upper portion of the brand-board is provided with
a turn button 41, adapted to be turned into engagement with the groove 42,
formed in the underside of the head-piece, as clearly shown in Figs. 20 and 21.
If desired, the soap-box or receptacle may be divided into two compartments by
a partition either transverse thereof, or longitudinal, as indicated in Fig. 23^.
In the construction shown in Figs. 22 and 23, which are front and end elevations,
respectively, the soap-box or receptacle is formed as hereinbefore described, by
the sides 8, 8, end-pieces 9, and bottom 10. This box or receptacle is attached
to the frame of the washboard by means of links 43, which are so connected to the
frame of the washboard and the soap-receptacle, respectively, as to permit the
latter to be shifted from position of use above one of the rubbing faces, to a
corresponding position above the other face, or to a position for packing and
storing, i.e., in line with the washboard frame. It will be observed that when the
soap-box or receptacle is in a position for use above one of the rubbing faces,
that one of its sides, as 8, will be in such a position relative to the rubbing face,
that it will operate to prevent the water from splashing not only on the person of
the operator, but, also, on the soap contained in the suap receptacle. When the
soap-box or receptacle is reversed, the opposite side, as 8", will operate as a
protector to the person of the operator and the soap, while the opposite side 8, will
serve as a rest or support for the person of the operator. In the construction
shown in Figs. 24 and 25, which are frout and sectional elevations, respectively, the
soap-box or receptacle is constructed substantially the same as in the form shown
in Figs. 22 and 23, and is pivotally connected to the head-piece 2, by means of a
pin 44, passing up through the head-piece, and into the side 8, of the soap-box or
receptacle. This pivotal arrangement permits of the soap-box or receptacle being
shifted from a position of use above one of the rubbing faces, to a corresponding
position above the other face. In order to hold the soap-box or receptacle in
operative relation to the rubbing faces, a rib 45, is formed along the upper side of
the head-piece, and a corresponding groove is formed in the underside 8, of the
box or receptacle. These two members of the lock are held yieldingly in engagement
with each other by means of a spring 46, arranged around the pivot pin 44, between
the head thereof and the underside of the head-piece. It will be observed that in
this construction, one side of the soap-box or receptacle will serve as a protector
to the soap and the person of the operator, and the other side as a support for the
person of the operator.
In the construction shown in Figs. 26, 27 and 28, which are sectional elevations,
the soap-box consists of the sides 8, 8, end-pieces 9, and bottom or supporting
shaft 10. The shaft or block 10 is provided at its ends with suitable trunnions,
adapted to fit in bearings or sockets formed in the inner faces of the side bars 1. As
shown in Fig. 26, the soap-box or receptacle may be pivoted just below the head-
piece 2, or it may be pivoted just above the cross-bar 3, as shown in Fig. 27. In
order to permit the soap-box or receptacle being shifted from operative position on
one side of the washboard to a corresponding position on the other side, the brand-
board 31 is movably arranged between the side-bars. By preference, the brand-
board is provided with trunnions at its ends, fitting in suitable bearings in the
side-bars, so that it can be swung in either direction, out of the path of the soap-
box or receptable, when the latter is shifted. A lock is provided for holding the
soap-box or receptacle in operative relation to either side, said lock preferably
consisting of the movable brand-board, and ribs 47, formed ou the sides of the
soap-box or receptacle. In the construction shown in Fig. 26, the trunnions are
arranged at the lower corners of the brand-board, and the free edge of the
brand-board engages the side of the soap-box receptacle, just in front of the

page_text: It
rib 47, thereby supporting the soap-box in proper position, while the rib 47,
will prevent any shifting of the brand-board. In the construction shown in
Fig. 27, the free edge of the brand-board, which, in this case, has its trunnions at
its upper corners, bears upon the rib 47, and prevents the soap-box or receptacle
from turning down to such an angle that the soap will slide out of the same.
will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, that, when the soap-box or
receptacle is pivoted to the side-bars at or near their upper ends, the head-piece 2,
may be omitted, as shown in Fig. 28, in which case the then upper side of the
soap-box or receptacle will serve as a support for the body of the operator.
When the head-piece is omitted, the soap-box or receptacle will be turned
upwardly in passing from one side to the other, and not down through the space
between the side and cross-bar, hence, the brand-board may, when the soap-box or
receptacle is pivoted at or near the upper ends of the side-bars, be made stationary.
It is characteristic of all the various forms or modifications herein shown and
described, that the side of the soap-box or receptacle which supports the soap,
serves as a protector to prevent the upward splashing of the water onto the clothes
of the operator and the soap.
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. A washboard having in combination therewith an integrally made soap-box
or receptacle having the portion which supports the soap adapted to operate
as a protector for the soap and the clothes of the operator, and movably
mounted so as to be shifted to and from position of protector use, substantially as
set forth.
2. In combination with a washboard, an integrally made soap-box or receptacle
having the portion which supports the soap adapted to operate as a protector for
the soap and the clothes of the operator, said box or receptacle being pivotally
mounted in connection with the washboard frame in manner substantially as
described, whereby, turning on its bearings, it may be swung or vibrated from one
position to another, either of use or of rest, substantially as set forth.
3. In combination with a washboard, an integrally made soap-box or receptacle
having
one side thereof adapted to support the soap and of sufficient vertical height
to form a protector for the soap and the clothes of the operator, pivotally mounted
in connection with the washboard frame in manuer substantially as described,
whereby, turning on its bearings, it may be swung or vibrated from and to a
position of protector use, substantially as set forth.
4. In combination with a washboard, an integrally made soap-box or receptacle
having the portion which supports the soap adapted to operate as a protector for
the soap and the clothes of the operator, said box or receptacle being suitably
connected to the washboard frame, and properly mounted between the side-bars
and beneath the cap-piece, and shiftable through the space so formed to and from
position of use without being necessarily detached from the frame for the
purpose of such movement, as shown in Figs. 1 to 20, inclusive, substantially as
set forth.
5. In combination with a washboard, an integrally made soap-box or receptacle
having the sides thereof adapted to support the soap and of sufficient vertical height
to form on one side a protector for the soap and the clothes of the operator, and ou
the other side a brand-board, pivotally mounted in connection with the washboard
frame, in manner substantially as described, whereby, turning on its bearings, it
may be swung or vibrated between the side-bars and between the cap-piece from
one position to another for either use or rest, as shown in Figs. 1 to 20, inclusive,
substantially as set forth.
6. In combination with a double-faced washboard, an integrally made soap-box
or receptacle, protector and brand-board pivotally mounted in connection with the
washboard frame, and having a sufficient range of swinging or vibratory action

page_text: within or on said frame, whereby the opposite sides of the soap-box or receptacle
can alternately act as soap-supports and protectors for the soap and the clothes of
the operator, as shifted from one position of use to the reverse position of use, as
shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, substantially as set forth.
7. In combination with a washboard, an integrally made soap-box or receptacle
having the portion which supports the soap adapted to operate as a protector for
the soap and the clothes of the operator, movably connected to the washboard
frame, whereby it may be shifted from a position of use through the opening
between the side-bars above the rubbing face and a stop for holding it in
such position, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, substantially as
set forth.
8. In combination with a washboard, a soap-box or receptacle having the portion
which supports the soap adapted to operate as a protector for the soap and the
clothes of the operator, pivotally mounted in connection with the washboard frame
in manner substantially as described, whereby, turning on its bearings, it may be
swung or vibrated from one position to another for use or rest, a lock for holding
it in such position of use and a spring for causing the engagement of the parts of
said lock, as shown in Figs. 1 to 10, inclusive, substantially as set forth.
9. The combination with a double-faced washboard, of a soap-box or receptacle
formed in part by the brand-board and having the portion of the box or receptacle
which supports the soap adapted to operate as a protector for the soap and the
clothes of the operator, the brand-board being movable and reversible, thereby
permitting of the adjustment of the soap-box to a position for use as a receptacle
and protector above either face of a washboard, as shown in Figs. 16 to 20,
substantially as set forth.
10. The combination with a double-faced washboard, of a soap-box or receptacle
formed in part by the brand-board and having the portion of the box or receptacle
which supports the soap adapted to operate as a protector for the soap and the
clothes of the operator, the brand-board being mounted on vertically arranged
pivots, thereby permitting of the adjustment of the soap-box through the brand-
board space to a position for use above either rubbing face, as shown in Figs. 16
to 19, substantially as set forth.
11. The combination with a double-faced washboard of a soap-box or receptacle
formed in part by the brand-board, and having the portion of the box or receptacle
which supports the soap adapted to operate as a protector for the soap and the
clothes of the operator, the brand-board being movable and reversible, thereby
permitting of the adjustment of the soap-box to a position for use as a receptacle
and protector above either rubbing face, and a lock for holding the brand-board in
its different positions, as shown in Figs. 16 to 20, substantially as set forth.
12. The combination with a double-faced washboard, of a brand-board mounted
on vertically arranged pivots, and a soap-box or receptacle attached to one side of
the brand-board and adapted to operate as a protector for the soap and the clothes
of the operator, thereby permitting the adjustment of the soap-box through the
brand-board space in the washboard to a position of use above either of the
rubbing faces, as shown in Figs. 16 to 20, substantially as set forth.
13. The combination of a double-faced washboard, a reversible brand-board, a
soap-box attached to one side of the brand-board and adapted to operate as a
protector for the soap and the clothes of the operator, and a lock for holding the
soap-box in a position for use above either of the rubbing faces of the washboard
as shown in Figs. 16 to 20, substantially as set forth.
14. In combination with a double-faced washboard, a combined protector and
soap-box or receptacle pivotally connected to the frame of the washboard and
reversible over the head-piece of the frame, from a position of use above one side
to a corresponding position above the opposite side, as shown in Figs. 22 to 25
inclusive, substantially as set forth.
15. In combination with a double-faced washboard, a soap-box having a sid
adapted to operate as a protector pivotally mounted on the head-piece thereof, and

page_text: reversible from the position of use on one side of the board to a corresponding
position above the opposite side, as shown in Figs. 24 and 25, substantially as
set forth.
16. The combiuation of a double-faced washboard, a soap-box pivotally mounted
on the side-bars of the frame and movable to operative position above either face,
and a brand-board for supporting the box in its operative position, as shown in
Figs. 26 to 28, inclusive, substantially as set forth.
17. In combination with a double-faced washboard, a soap-box pivotally mounted
between the side-bars of the frame, and movable to operative position above either
face, and a brand-board movable out of the path of the soap-box while being shifted,
as shown in Figs. 26 to 28, substantially as set forth.
18. The combination of a double-faced washboard, a soap-box pivotally mounted
in a space between the cross-bar and head-piece of the frame, and movable to a
position of use above either face, a movable brand-board adapted to be moved out of
the path of the soap-box while the latter is being shifted, and a lock for holding
the soap-box in operative position, as shown in Figs. 26 and 27, substantially as
set forth.
19. The combination of a double-faced washboard, a soap-box pivotally mounted
in the side-bars and movable to operative position above either face, and a brand-
board movable out of the path of the box while the latter is being shifted and
adapted to lock the same in either of its operative positions, as shown in Figs. 26
and 27, substantially as set forth.
Dated this Eighteenth day of February, A.D. 1896.
JAMES TAYLOR SARGENT.