SHAFT SEAL FOR USE IN WASHING MACHINES

• US 3,710,947 A
• Filed: 03/04/1971
• Issued: 01/16/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 03/04/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Frank J. Charhut
• Original Assignee: Frank J. Charhut
• Inventors: Charhut, Frank J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rothberg, Samuel B.
• Application Number:
  US05/120,877
• Time in Patent Office: 684 Days
• Field of Search: 277/25,5,12,32 68/23,23.7 233/1A 210/380
• US Class Current: 210/380.2
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 37/00 Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
• CPC Class Codes: F16J 15/164 the sealing action depending on movements; pressure difference, temperature or presence of leaking fluid

Abstract

A shaft seal for use in washing machines which includes a rigid body having an expansible skirt responsive to centrifugal force to minimize friction when the washing machine does not contain water.

Claims

1. In an automatic clothes washing machine including an outer tub, an inner perforated spin tub including an integral spin tube, an annular flange integral with the outer tub spaced from and surrounding the spin tube, means to rotate the spin tube and spin tub connected therewith, and an annular water seal between the spin tub and said annular flange, said water seal comprising a resilient annular member including a firm body in sealing contact with the spin tub and rotatable therewith, a resilient expansible skirt integral at one end with said body and having sealing contact with the annular flange when the spin tub is idle, said skirt being expansible out of sealing fit with the annular flange by action of centrifugal force when the spin tub is rotated.

2. The structure recited in claim 1 in which the body of the water seal is reinforced to resist distortion.

3. The structure recited in claim 2 in which the reinforcement comprises a metallic ring bonded to the body.

4. The structure recited in claim 1 in which the resilient expansible skirt has a internal rib at its free end.

5. The structure recited in claim 1 in which the spin tub has an annular recess to receive the body of the resilient annular member.