Drum

Abstract

A sliding drawer washing machine in which the drum can be moved between a retracted position within the outer dimension of the washing machine and a withdrawn position wherein access may be gained to the inside of the drum in a substantially vertical direction comprising a drum for a washing machine comprising a substantially lateral wall ( 2 ), and first and second end walls ( 3, 16 ), characterised in that the lateral wall ( 2 ) is comprised of adjacent circumferential zones, the first zone ( 4 ) having a plurality of apertures therein and the second zone ( 6 ) being substantially aperture free.

1 . A sliding drawer washing machine apparatus comprising a drum for a washing machine comprising a substantially lateral wall, and first and second end walls, characterized in that the lateral wall is comprised of adjacent circumferential zones, the first zone having a plurality of apertures therein and the second zone substantially aperture free. 
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  in which the lateral wall of the drum is substantially cylindrical. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to any preceding  claim 1  in which the second zone is generally concave. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  in which the second zone extends substantially between one third and one half of the perimeter of the drum. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  in which the drum further comprises a third circumferential zone extending around substantially the entire circumference of the lateral wall. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 5  in which the third zone has a longitudinal thickness along the lateral wall of less than one quarter of the longitudinal length of the lateral wall of the drum. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  in which the drum is arranged to be rotatably mounted in a sleeve and the drum is moveable relative to the sleeve. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  in which the drum further comprises an aperture in the first zone, and a closure means arranged to cover the aperture. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 8  wherein the closure means is slideable between a first configuration enabling access through the aperture and a second configuration wherein the aperture is covered. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the first end portion is substantially cylindrical and comprises a segment having a plurality of apertures therein.