Loading Device for a Washing Machine

Abstract

A front loading washing machine having a front loading door 14 for the washing drum is provided with a loading device 21 for attachment to the front 15 of a front loading washing machine adjacent the door 14 , the loading device 21 comprising a readily deformable textile chute 22 mounted on a collapsible frame 23 , the frame being attached to the machine by brackets 24,25 secured on the front 15 of the washing machine both sides of said door 14 and the frame 23 being opened to a raised open condition to form a taut chute 22 for directing laundry into a drum and being collapsed to permit closure of the door 14.

1 . A loading device for attachment to the front of a front loading washing machine adjacent the door of the washing drum, the loading device comprising a readily deformable textile chute mounted on a collapsible frame, the frame being attached to the machine by brackets secured on the front of the washing machine both sides of said door and the frame being opened to a raised open condition to form a taut chute for directing laundry into the drum and being collapsed to permit closure of the door. 
     
     
         2 . A loading device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a first frame part which is use is stationary relative to the washing machine front and a second frame part which is pivotable relative to the first part between said collapsed and open positions. 
     
     
         3 . A loading device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the second frame part is held in the open position by a locking means so as to hold the chute in taut condition. 
     
     
         4 . A loading device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the locking means is a strut connected at one end to the second frame part and at the other end to a location means on the front of the washing machine. 
     
     
         5 . A loading device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the strut at said one end is pivotally connected to the second frame part. 
     
     
         6 . A loading device as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the location means comprises an elongate rail, said other end of the strut being moveable to different locations along the rail such that in one location the frame is collapsed and in another location the frame is held in a raised open condition with the chute held taut. 
     
     
         7 . A loading device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said other end of the strut may be pivotally connected to a slider which is moveable along a groove formed within the elongate rail. 
     
     
         8 . A loading device as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the strut comprise two parts one part pivotally connected to the second frame part and the other part being pivotally connected to a plate mounted on the front of the washing machine, the two parts being pivotally interconnected by an over-centre locking device. 
     
     
         9 . A loading device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the door of the washing machine is circular and the first part of the frame is arcuate and extends around the lower outer periphery of the door and is held stationary by the brackets, the second part of the frame also being arcuate with a larger diameter than said first part of the frame and being pivotally mounted on said brackets. 
     
     
         10 . A loading device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the chute is formed of a suitable textile material and is formed with loops in the edge margins thereof, the first and second parts of the frame being insertable into respective loops. 
     
     
         11 . A loading device as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the loops are provided with fasteners such as zip fasteners or hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro to allow the loops to be opened for insertion of the respective first or second frame part and then closed around said part. 
     
     
         12 . A loading device as claimed in  claim 11  wherein end portions of the chute adjacent the brackets are relieved to accommodate the movement of the frame. 
     
     
         13 . A front loading washing machine having a front loading door for the washing drum provided with a loading device adjacent the door and in accordance with  claim 1 .