US3675448A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gravity overflow tube for automatic clothes washer
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-10-26
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Granted: 1972-07-11
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Expires: 1990-10-26
Abstract
Abstract A tube for routing excess liquid in an automatic clothes washer to a suitable drain. A clothes washer having an outer tub positioned around an inner tub has a drain connected to an electric pump. A hose is connected to the outlet end of the pump providing for liquid drainage. A gravity overflow tube has a top end mounted to the top portion of the outer tub at a level above the hose. Excess water in the outer tub flows through the overflow tube by the force of gravity.
Inventors
- 👤 John H Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 19:24
CPC Classifications
D; D06; D06F; D06F39/00; D06F39/08; D06F39/083
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
The combination of: a top loading automatic clothes washer having an outer tub and an inner tub, said outer tub having an opened top end and a bottom end and being positioned under and around said inner tub to receive liquid therefrom; an electric pump connected to said bottom end of said outer tub and operable to force said liquid from said outer tub; a hose connected to said pump and having an outlet end; and a gravity overflow tube having a first end connected to said hose and a second end mounted to and sealingly through said outer tub immediately adjacent said top end of said outer tub at a level higher than the level of said outlet end of said hose, said liquid flows through said overflow tube only by the force of gravity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
The combination of: a top loading automatic clothes washer having an outer tub and an inner tub, said outer tub having an opened top end and a bottom end and being positioned under and around said inner tub to receive liquid therefrom; an electric pump connected to said bottom end of said outer tub and operable to force said liquid from said outer tub; a hose connected to said pump and having an outlet end; and a gravity overflow tube having a first end connected to said hose and a second end mounted to and sealingly through said outer tub immediately adjacent said top end of said outer tub at a level higher than the level of said outlet end of said hose, said liquid flows through said overflow tube only by the force of gravity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
The combination of claim 1 and further comprising: a coupling connected to said tube and to said hose; a check flap valve mounted in said tube allowing liquid flow in said tube only from said second end of said tube to said coupling and said hose; and, a clamp sealingly embracing said second end of said tube being fixedly and sealingly mounted to said top end of said outer tub.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein: said second end of said gravity overflow tube is at a level higher than said inner tub which has an opened top end for said water to overflow into said outer tub and into said gravity overflow tube.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-11 | 1976-01-10 | 1976-07-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-11 | 1980-01-10 | 1980-07-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-11 | 1984-01-10 | 1984-07-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |