Apparatus and control for tilt-out washer

Abstract

A top loading clothes washer adapted for installation under a fixed or stationary upper structure such as a stacked dryer or countertop wherein the washer is pivotable to a forward tilt-out position providing access to its top. The bottom front of the washer is truncated and the pivot axis which is defined by a stable base is behind the truncation and in front of the center of gravity of the washer. A latch is provided to lock the washer in its upright washing position. The latch is releasable by an operator actuated control provided the water level in the tub is below a predetermined level. Accordingly, forward tilting of a full tub is prevented. Also, the operator actuable control energizes a mechanism which assists in the forward tilting of the washer thereby reducing the pull force required of the operator. More specifically, a biased hinge creates a backward torsion on the washer to provide increased stability during a spin cycle and the mechanism functions to counteract the torsion. Further, a washer spin cycle is delayed until at least a portion of the water has been pumped from the tub.