Movable laundry treatment apparatus

Abstract

A laundry treatment apparatus includes a plurality of swivel casters. Two of the swivel casters are braked swivel casters. One of the swivel casters other than the braked swivel casters is a vertically adjustable swivel caster. The braked swivel casters limit translational movement of the laundry treatment apparatus on a floor. The vertically adjustable swivel caster can help secure a position of the laundry treatment apparatus, thereby limiting rocking and twisting of the laundry treatment apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Portable laundry washing and processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Many urban homeowners face the challenge of performing the same household chores as suburban residents within a portion of their living space. One way urban homeowners cope with this challenge is by maintaining some flexibility in how they use their limited living space. For example, a bedroom might become a home office on days when working from home is the norm. Or the living room might become a spare bedroom when guests need to stay overnight. Or the kitchen or bathroom might become a laundry room when laundry needs to be done.

[0003] Not all urban homes have a dedicated space for laundry. For convenience, many residents do laundry in the kitchen or bathroom. Depending on the age of the house, there may or may not be dedicated plumbing or cabinet space for a washing machine. If a built-in washing machine is not available and residents do not have access to sufficient shared laundry rooms, laundromats, or laundry services, they can opt for a rollaway washing machine. These machines are often small enough to be moved to the room where they will be used and then easily moved back to storage when not in use.

[0004] A washing machine has a rotatable drum housed within a fixed tub. This drum can be mounted on a horizontal or vertical axis. During the washing machine's operating cycle, the drum rotates about this axis. When clothes are wet and unevenly distributed within the drum, the imbalance of mass within the drum can cause vibrations that generate considerable forces, potentially causing the washing machine to move.

[0005] Retractable washing machines may be equipped with one or more wheels for easier movement. In use, the washing machine rests on one or more wheels and one or more feet. To move the washing machine, the user lifts one edge to raise the feet, allowing the weight of the washing machine to be supported by the one or more wheels, and then pushes or pulls the machine. A handle or lever may be provided to facilitate lifting and pushing or pulling. The one or more wheels may have brakes to help limit the rolling of the wheels, thereby limiting the movement of the washing machine in use. Optionally, the one or more wheels may be retractable, allowing the washing machine to rest on a large covered area to further restrict its movement in use.

[0006] Many urban homes have floors that are not precisely level. This can make it difficult for residents to find a stable place to place the washing machine while it is running. If the washing machine is not level enough, it may move laterally during operation. For large washing machines designed to remain in one position within a room, they are typically leveled by adjusting four leveling feet. These leveling feet are usually attached to threaded screws that can be screwed into or out of the frame to change the position of each individual leveling foot. The leveling feet are located at the bottom of the machine. This solution is impractical for roll-up washing machines, as users find it inconvenient to adjust multiple screws to level the floor beneath the slightly heavier machine whenever it is moved to the room where it will be used.

[0007] Given these limitations, there remains an unresolved need for a mechanism that can be easily operated to level and stabilize the washing machine when it is moved into its use position. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A laundry washing apparatus (1) includes: an apparatus base (10) having four corner portions (15); a tub (40) defining a fluid containment layer (50) located above the apparatus base; a drum (60) positioned within the tub and rotatable relative to the tub about an axis of rotation (AR) within approximately 20 degrees of the apparatus base in a horizontal plane; a first pair (70) of first swivel casters (75) operably engaged with the apparatus base, wherein each first swivel caster operably supports one of the four corner portions; a second pair of... (80) Second swivel casters (85), the second pair of second swivel casters being opposite to the first pair of first swivel casters and operably engaged with the equipment base, wherein each of the second swivel casters independently supports one of the four corners; wherein one of the first swivel casters is a braked first swivel caster (77) having a first rolling brake (184); wherein one of the second swivel casters is a braked second swivel caster (87) having a second rolling brake (186); wherein one of the second swivel casters other than the braked second swivel caster is A vertically adjustable swivel caster (89) wherein the wheel (190) of the vertically adjustable swivel caster is movable in directions toward and away from the equipment base; wherein the vertically adjustable swivel caster includes a lock (230) which is engageable to restrict the movement of the vertically adjustable swivel caster in directions toward and away from the equipment base; wherein a first rolling brake is operably engaged to an actuator (90) via a first link (92), a second rolling brake is connected to the actuator via a second link (94), and the lock is connected to the actuator via a third link (96); wherein the first link, the second link, and the third link each The device has a first position in which the first and second rolling brakes are not braked and the lock is unlocked; and the first, second, and third links each have a second position in which the first and second rolling brakes are braked and the lock is locked to restrict the movement of the vertically adjustable swivel caster toward and away from the device base; and one of the first pair of swivel casters and the second swivel caster (excluding the vertically adjustable swivel caster) defines a plane on which the device base rests and which the vertically adjustable swivel caster supports the plane. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a laundry washing and processing device shown in an inverted position.

[0010] Figure 2The equipment base is shown with the front facing upwards.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a rotating caster with braking function.

[0012] Figure 4 It features vertically adjustable swivel casters. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Figure 1 The image shows a laundry washing machine 1. The laundry washing machine 1 is shown in an inverted position because some features of the laundry washing machine 1 are located at the bottom of the machine. The laundry washing machine 1 can be a front-loading or top-loading laundry washing machine 1. For user efficiency, a front-loading laundry washing machine 1 can be practical. The laundry washing machine 1 can be configured to be easily movable, allowing the user to move the laundry washing machine 1 to different locations within the residence.

[0014] The laundry washing and processing equipment 1 has several basic components. First, the laundry washing and processing equipment 1 has an equipment base 10. The equipment base 10 can be a pair of slides 20, as a non-limiting example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the internal frame of the laundry washing equipment 1 is mounted on the pair of tracks. Optionally, the equipment base 10 may be the bottom or part of the frame supporting other components of the laundry washing equipment 1, or part of the housing 30 of the laundry washing equipment 1. The equipment base 10 may have four corner portions 15. The four corner portions 15 may define a square, rectangle, trapezoid, or other quadrilateral polygon, which is useful for supporting the equipment base 10 of the laundry washing equipment 1.

[0015] Above the base 10, the laundry washing apparatus 1 may include a tub 40 defining a fluid-containing envelope 50. A drum 60 may be positioned within the tub 40. The drum 60 is rotatable relative to the tub 40 about an axis of rotation AR. The axis of rotation AR may be within approximately 20 degrees above the horizontal plane relative to the base 10. A slightly inclined axis of rotation AR relative to the horizontal plane can be ergonomic for a user to reach in and out of the laundry washing apparatus 1 and can help provide stability to the laundry washing apparatus 1 as the drum 60 accommodates and rotates. The axis of rotation AR may be within approximately 20 degrees, approximately 10 degrees, or approximately 5 degrees above the horizontal plane relative to the base 10. The axis of rotation AR may be horizontal relative to the base 10.

[0016] A tub 40 houses a drum 60. The drum 60 may have porous walls, allowing laundry treatment liquid, wetting water, and rinsing water to be added to and removed from the tub 40. The drum 60 may have a volume of approximately 20L to approximately 70L. A laundry treatment appliance 1 with such a small drum 60 can be easily moved around a user's residence by rolling on its swivel casters.

[0017] The laundry washing and processing apparatus 1 may include a first pair 70 of first swivel casters 75 operably engaged with an apparatus base 10. Each first swivel caster 75 may operably support one of the four corner portions 15. The first pair 70 of first swivel casters 75 may be positioned at the front, side, or rear of the apparatus base 10.

[0018] The second pair of second swivel casters 80 can be configured to be opposite to the first pair of first swivel casters 75 and operably engaged with the equipment base 10. Each of the second swivel casters 85 is capable of supporting one of the four corners 15 independently of the first swivel casters 75. The second pair of second swivel casters 80 can be positioned at the front, rear, or side of the equipment base 10. In describing this pair of swivel casters, a particular pair of named casters is not specified to be in a specific location, as it is not important whether the particular pair of named casters is located at the front, rear, or side of the laundry washing equipment 1. Instead, the pair of swivel casters together define two edges of the polygon defined by the four swivel casters.

[0019] Swivel casters may include polymer wheels for quiet and residue-free rolling on a variety of common flooring surfaces, such as ceramic tile, vinyl, wood, carpet, laminate, cork, etc. The wheels may be made of polypropylene, polyurethane, acetal, etc. The wheels of swivel casters may have a diameter of approximately 3 cm to approximately 8 cm. The height of the swivel casters may be approximately 4 cm to approximately 20 cm. The frame and plate of the swivel casters may be made of stamped metal (such as electroplated steel or stainless steel). Optionally, the frame and plate of the swivel casters may be injection-molded plastic.

[0020] During operation, the laundry washing equipment 1 may vibrate as the drum 60 rotates. Slight or severe imbalances in the load of clothes within the drum 60 during operation of the laundry washing equipment 1 can cause vibration. Depending on the nature of the imbalance, the laundry washing equipment 1 may tend to move translationally, back and forth by twisting, or in some combination of translation and twisting during operation. To help limit such tendency to move, it is feasible to employ one or more braked swivel casters. The brakes on the swivel casters can resist the rolling rotation of the swivel casters. The braked swivel casters resist the translational movement of the laundry washing equipment 1 through the friction between the part of the swivel caster in contact with the floor and the floor.

[0021] One of the first swivel casters 75 may be a first swivel caster 77 with a first rolling brake. Similarly, one of the second swivel casters 85 may be a second swivel caster 87 with a second rolling brake. During use, the two braked swivel casters together resist translation of the laundry washing machine 1 on the floor. The two braked swivel casters may be located at the side, front, or rear of the laundry washing machine 1. Optionally, the braked swivel casters may be located on opposite sides of the laundry washing machine 1. Optionally, one of the braked swivel casters may be located at the front of the laundry washing machine 1, while the other braked swivel caster may be located at the rear of the laundry washing machine.

[0022] Based on the assumption that, during use, each swivel caster of the laundry washing machine 1 should ideally support an equal portion of the weight of the laundry washing machine 1, swivel casters with diagonally opposite brakes offer a mechanical advantage over swivel casters with two brakes in a single pair of swivel casters. Assuming equal vertical loads and square coverage areas of swivel casters of equal size, diagonally opposite braked swivel casters can provide 1.4 times greater friction against the torsion of the laundry washing machine 1 compared to braked swivel casters in a single pair of swivel casters. The second braked swivel caster 87 can be diagonally opposite the first braked swivel caster 77.

[0023] In addition to the braked second swivel caster 87, one of the second swivel casters 85 can be a vertically adjustable swivel caster 89. The vertically adjustable swivel caster 89 is capable of moving towards and away from the equipment base 10. This mobility exceeds the movement that would occur under the weight of the laundry washing equipment 1. The vertically adjustable swivel caster 89 is capable of moving towards and away from the equipment base 10 within a range of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 50 mm. The use of a vertically adjustable swivel caster 89 is practical for helping to stabilize the laundry washing equipment 1 when the floor on which it rests is uneven. The three vertically fixed swivel casters support the base 10, and the vertically adjustable swivel caster 89 can move up or down to contact the floor, ensuring that all four swivel casters are in contact with the uneven floor. From a stability perspective, supporting the base 10 with four swivel casters is better than supporting it with only three swivel casters. If the base 10 is supported only by three swivel casters and the floor is not level, the laundry detergent unit 1 may be prone to swaying during use. Swaying can cause lateral movement of the laundry detergent unit 1 on the floor. Translation of the laundry detergent unit 1 during use is undesirable because it is connected to power, water, and drain lines during operation. Excessive movement of the laundry detergent unit 1 may apply undue stress or interfere with the operation of one or more of these connections.

[0024] To more securely stabilize the laundry washing equipment 1, the vertically adjustable swivel casters 89 may include locks that can be engaged to restrict movement of the vertically adjustable swivel casters 89 toward and away from the equipment base 10.

[0025] When the laundry equipment 1 is positioned for use, three swivel casters, excluding the vertically adjustable swivel caster 89, rest on the floor. The vertically adjustable swivel caster 89 can move downwards to contact the floor or upwards to accommodate a relatively high portion of the floor beneath it. A lock can be actuated to secure the vertical position of the vertically adjustable swivel caster 89. With the vertical position of the vertically adjustable swivel caster 89 locked, the laundry equipment 1 rests on four securely positioned swivel casters that resist translational, torsional, or swaying movements during use. One of the first pair of swivel casters 70 and the second pair of swivel casters 80, excluding the vertically adjustable swivel caster 89, defines a plane on which the equipment base 10 rests, and on which the vertically adjustable swivel caster 89 supports.

[0026] A first rolling brake is operably engaged with an actuator 90 via a first link 92. A second rolling brake is connected to the actuator 90 via a second link 94. A lock is connected to the actuator 90 via a third link 96. The link can be a mechanical connection between the actuator and the corresponding element. For example, the link can be a cable connector. The link can be a single rod. The link can be one or more rods connected to each other via a pin or cam system. The link can be a belt. The link can be a chain. The link can be an electronic link. For example, the link can transmit power to a motor or a signal from the actuator 90 to start the motor, thereby moving the brake and / or lock from a first position to a second position. The link can be a combination of mechanical and electronic links. For example, the actuator 90 can be mechanically or electronically actuated, generating a signal or connecting circuitry such that an electromechanical device at the end of the link engages or disengages the brake and / or lock. The linkage can transmit mechanical force, signals, or power, or a combination thereof, from actuator 90 to brakes and / or locks to activate or deactivate them. The actuator may be a button pressed by the user. By pressing the button, the user can activate electronic, electromechanical, or wireless devices that operate various brakes and locks. Similarly, the actuator may be a touchscreen or part of a touchscreen for operating the laundry washing equipment 1. The user can input commands to the laundry washing equipment 1 via the touchscreen to operate various brakes and locks, possibly remotely, wirelessly, or via electromechanical devices.

[0027] The linkage may be a cable linkage 97. The cable linkage 97 typically includes a cable 98 that can slide within a cable housing 99. The cable housing 99 is constrained at both ends, and the cable 98 can move within the cable housing 99, for example, by means of an actuating actuator 90. This arrangement is commonly used in braking systems, throttle systems, transmission systems for shifting gears, etc. The cable 98 carries mechanical forces for engaging or disengaging brakes and / or locks.

[0028] The end of the linkage is an element that disengages from or engages with the linkage. The starting point of the linkage is an actuator for the linkage. Disengagement and engagement define two positions, a first position and a second position. For the rolling brake, the first position is not braked while the second position is braked. For the lock, the first position is unlocked while the second position is locked. When the brake is in the unbraked state or the first position, the user can easily move the laundry treatment device 1. When the brake is in the unbraked state or the first position, the lock of the vertically adjustable swivel caster 89 can be unlocked. Once the user positions the laundry treatment device 1 in the use position, the user can operate the actuator 90 to turn the relevant linkage to the second position, in which the relevant rolling brake is braked and the lock is locked.

[0029] The laundry treatment appliance may have a front 110 through which a user can access the drum 60. The front 110 may include a hinged door 120 that can be opened and closed to provide access to the interior of the drum 60. A rear 130 may be opposite the front 110. Vertically adjustable swivel casters 89 may be positioned closer to the rear 130 than to the front 110. That is, the vertically adjustable swivel casters 89 are capable of supporting the rear of the base 10 or the rear of the laundry treatment appliance 1. Positioning the vertically adjustable swivel casters 89 toward the rear of the base may be practical because warping in the floor is typically greater near the junction between the joists and the top beam than further away from the top beam. And the top beam is typically located under the walls of a residence.

[0030] A non-limiting embodiment of the equipment base 10 is shown in Figure 2 In the middle. Equipment base 10 in Figure 2 The device is shown in an upright position. The actuator 90 can be a lever 140. The lever 140 is a simple machine that converts a small force applied by the user into a larger force capable of manipulating a mechanism or object. For ergonomic simplicity, the lever 140 can be positioned below the height of the bucket 40. "Below the height" means that the lever 140 can be lower than the bucket 40. For example, the lever 140 can be located at, near, or below the device base 10. This position allows the user to operate the actuator 90 with their foot. Furthermore, the weight of the laundry washing machine 1 provides a reaction force, ensuring the stability of the laundry washing machine 1 when the lever 140 is actuated.

[0031] The lever 140 may be positioned below the door 120 of the tub 40. This is likely desirable because, in use, the user may place the laundry detergent against a wall or cabinet in a manner that allows the user easy access to the door 120. Positioning the lever 140 below the door 120 will allow easy access to both the door 120 and the lever 140 during use of the laundry detergent 1. Optionally, the lever 140 may be recessed relative to the front 110. This can help reduce the likelihood of the user accidentally actuating the lever 140.

[0032] Foot pedal 150 can be attached to lever 140. The size and dimensions of foot pedal 150 can be configured to be operated by an adult's foot. Foot pedal 150 may have a bearing surface with an area of ​​approximately 25 cm. 2 Approximately 400cm 2 Choose any spot approximately 100cm 2 Approximately 200cm 2 The area of ​​the foot pedal 150 is the surface of the lever 140, which the user intends to push to operate the lever. Foot-operated lever 140 is desirable because the user can generate considerable force to operate actuator 90 by pushing down with their foot.

[0033] Lever 140 is movable about fulcrum 160. Fulcrum 160 can be one or more pins 170 connecting lever 140 to resistance frame 180. By pushing lever 140 to swing it toward the floor, lever 140 can move from a first position to a second position, where the first pair 70 (first swivel caster 75) and the second pair 80 (second swivel caster 85) rest on the floor. By switching actuator 90 from the first position to the second position, the first and second rolling brakes switch from an unbraked state to a braked state, and the lock of the vertically adjustable swivel caster 89 switches from an unlocked state to a locked state. Foot-operated lever 140 is practical because a user can generate considerable force with their foot, which lever 140 can amplify to apply a significant braking force to the braked swivel casters and engage the lock of the vertically adjustable swivel caster 89.

[0034] The first rotating caster 77 and the second rotating caster 87 that are braked may each have a first rolling brake 184 and a second rolling brake 186, respectively. Figure 3 A swivel caster with a rolling brake 182 is shown. For convenience, the terms first rolling brake 184 and second rolling brake 186 are used to identify the respective swivel caster having a rolling brake 182. The rolling brake 182 can brake the wheel 190 of the swivel caster. The rolling brake 182 can be within the hub of the wheel 190, for example as an internal drum rolling brake 182. Optionally, the rolling brake 182 can apply braking force to the outer surface of the wheel 190, for example through direct contact between the rolling brake 182 and the rolling surface of the wheel 190. The respective rolling brakes 184, 186 can be actuated by an actuator 90 via a corresponding link connecting the actuator 90 to the respective rolling brakes 184, 186. Optionally, multiple actuators 90 can be provided such that each rolling brake 182 can be activated independently of the other rolling brake and may be activated independently of the lock.

[0035] As a non-limiting example, the vertically adjustable swivel caster 89 can be a spring-loaded vertically adjustable swivel caster 89, such as... Figure 4As shown. This type of swivel caster allows the wheel 190 to vary in vertical position relative to the equipment base 10. A spring 200 within this type of swivel caster provides the primary force forcing the wheel 190 into contact with the floor. Specifically, the spring 200 can be preloaded to apply a force in a direction away from the equipment base 10. As a non-limiting example, preloading can be applied by pre-compressing the spring 200 such that when all the swivel casters of the laundry washing equipment 1 are not supported by a surface, the vertically adjustable swivel caster 89 protrudes further away from the equipment base 10 than the other swivel casters. The spring 200 can be configured such that when the spring-loaded swivel caster 89 is coplanar with the other swivel casters, the force moving within the spring 200 is within approximately 20%, or even within approximately 10%, or even within approximately 5%, or even equal to a quarter of the weight of the laundry washing equipment 1. The pre-compression spring 200 allows the vertically adjustable swivel casters 89 to move up and down as needed, ensuring that all four swivel casters are eventually firmly placed on the floor, making the laundry treatment equipment 1 stable during use.

[0036] When a user moves the laundry washing machine 1 within the home, the first pair of first swivel casters 75 and the second pair of second swivel casters 85 support the machine base 10 and allow it to roll freely on the floor. Once the laundry washing machine 1 is positioned in the desired location, one of the first pair of swivel casters 70 and the second pair of swivel casters 80, excluding the vertically adjustable swivel caster 89, defines a plane on which the machine base 10 rests and is supported by the vertically adjustable swivel caster 89. An actuator can then be actuated to lock the vertical position of the vertically adjustable swivel caster 89 and apply rolling brakes 184, 186 to the braked first swivel caster 77 and the braked second swivel caster 87.

[0037] The spring-loaded vertical swivel caster 89 may include a rod 210 slidably engaged with a bushing 220. The rod 210 is movable toward and away from the equipment base 10. A lock 230 is engaged with the rod 210. The movable rod 210 toward and away from the equipment base 10 guides the wheel 190 toward and away from the equipment base 10. The lock 230 is mechanically engaged with the rod 210 to restrict the movement of the rod 210, thereby fixing the position of the wheel 190 relative to the equipment base 10. Furthermore, the lock 230 can restrict the rotational movement of the rod 210. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, lock 230 restricts the rotational freedom and axial displacement of rod 210. Wheel 190 can be directly aligned with rod 210. Optionally, wheel 190 can be indirectly engaged with rod 210 via rocker arm.

[0038] combination

[0039] The following is an example:

[0040] A. A garment washing and processing device (1), the garment washing and processing device comprising:

[0041] Equipment base (10), the equipment base having four corner portions (15);

[0042] A barrel (40) defining a fluid-containing envelope (50), wherein the barrel is located above the device base;

[0043] A roller (60) is positioned inside the barrel and is rotatable relative to the barrel about an axis of rotation (AR), which is within approximately 20 degrees of the device base in the horizontal plane;

[0044] The first pair (70) of first swivel casters (75) are operably engaged with the equipment base, wherein each first swivel caster operably supports one of the four corners;

[0045] The second pair (80) of second swivel casters (85) are opposite to the first pair of first swivel casters and are operably engaged with the equipment base, wherein each second swivel caster independently supports one of the four corners of the equipment base;

[0046] One of the first rotating casters is a first rotating caster (77) with a first rolling brake (184); and one of the second rotating casters is a second rotating caster (87) with a second rolling brake (186).

[0047] One of the second rotating casters, in addition to the braked second rotating caster, is a vertically adjustable rotating caster (89), wherein the wheel (190) of the vertically adjustable rotating caster is capable of moving toward and away from the equipment base;

[0048] The vertically adjustable swivel caster includes a lock (230) that can be engaged to restrict movement of the vertically adjustable swivel caster in directions toward and away from the equipment base;

[0049] The first rolling brake is operably engaged with the actuator (90) via a first link (92), the second rolling brake is connected to the actuator via a second link (94), and the lock is connected to the actuator via a third link (96).

[0050] The first link, the second link, and the third link each have a first position, in which the first rolling brake and the second rolling brake are not braked and the lock is unlocked; and

[0051] The first link, the second link, and the third link each have a second position, in which the first rolling brake and the second rolling brake are braked and the lock is locked to restrict the movement of the vertically adjustable swivel caster toward and away from the equipment base;

[0052] The first pair of swivel casters and the second pair of swivel casters, excluding the vertically adjustable swivel caster, define a plane, the equipment base rests on the plane, and the vertically adjustable swivel caster supports the plane.

[0053] B. The laundry washing and processing equipment according to paragraph A, wherein the actuator is a lever (140).

[0054] C. The laundry washing and processing equipment according to paragraph B, wherein the lever is positioned at a height lower than the tub.

[0055] D. The laundry washing apparatus according to paragraph B or C, wherein the laundry washing apparatus further includes a door (120) leading to the tub, wherein the lever is located below the door.

[0056] E. The laundry washing apparatus according to any one of paragraphs B to D, wherein the lever includes a foot pedal (150) whose size and dimensions are set to be operable by a person's foot.

[0057] F. A laundry washing apparatus according to any one of paragraphs B to E, wherein the laundry washing apparatus has a front (110) through which a user approaches the drum, wherein the lever is recessed relative to the front.

[0058] G. The laundry washing equipment according to paragraph F, wherein the laundry washing equipment has a rear (130) opposite to the front, wherein the vertically adjustable swivel casters are closer to the rear than to the front.

[0059] H. The laundry washing and processing equipment described in any of paragraphs B to G:

[0060] The lever is movable about the fulcrum (160); and

[0061] When the lever moves from the first position to the second position, the lever swings toward the floor, and the first pair of first rotating casters and the second pair of second rotating casters rest on the floor.

[0062] I. A laundry washing apparatus according to any one of paragraphs A to H, wherein the laundry washing apparatus has a front (110) and a rear (130) opposite to the front, through which a user approaches the drum, wherein the vertically adjustable swivel casters are closer to the rear than to the front.

[0063] J. The laundry washing apparatus according to any one of paragraphs A to I, wherein the drum has a volume of about 20L to about 70L.

[0064] K. The laundry washing and processing equipment described in any of paragraphs A to J, wherein the vertically adjustable swivel casters are spring-loaded vertically adjustable swivel casters.

[0065] L. The laundry washing and processing equipment according to paragraph K, wherein the spring-loaded, vertically adjustable swivel casters include springs (200) that are preloaded to apply force in a direction away from the base of the equipment.

[0066] M. The laundry washing and processing equipment according to paragraph L, wherein the laundry washing and processing equipment has weight, wherein the force is within about 20% of one-quarter of the weight.

[0067] N. The laundry washing and processing apparatus according to any one of paragraphs K to M, wherein the spring-loaded, vertically adjustable swivel casters include a rod (210) slidably engaged with a bushing (220) and movable toward and away from the base of the apparatus, and a lock is engageable with the rod.

[0068] O. The laundry washing and processing equipment described in any of paragraphs A to N, wherein the braked second rotating caster is diagonally opposite to the braked first rotating caster.

[0069] P. The laundry washing equipment described in any of paragraphs A to O, wherein at least one of the first link, the second link and the third link is a cable link (97).

[0070] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​cited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a range around which it is functionally equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

Claims

1. A garment washing and processing device (1), the garment washing and processing device comprising: Equipment base (10), the equipment base having four corner portions (15); A barrel (40) defining a fluid-containing envelope (50), wherein the barrel is located above the device base; A roller (60) is positioned inside the barrel and is rotatable relative to the barrel about an axis of rotation (AR), the axis of rotation being within 20 degrees of the equipment base in the horizontal plane; The first pair (70) of first swivel casters (75) are operably engaged with the equipment base, wherein each first swivel caster operably supports one of the four corners; The second pair (80) of second swivel casters (85) are opposite to the first pair of first swivel casters and are operably engaged with the equipment base, wherein each second swivel caster independently supports one of the four corners of the equipment base; One of the first swivel casters is a first swivel caster (77) with a first rolling brake (184); and one of the second swivel casters is a second swivel caster (87) with a second rolling brake (186). One of the second rotating casters, in addition to the braked second rotating caster, is a vertically adjustable rotating caster (89), wherein the wheel (190) of the vertically adjustable rotating caster is capable of moving toward and away from the equipment base; The vertically adjustable swivel caster includes a lock (230) that can be engaged to restrict movement of the vertically adjustable swivel caster toward and away from the equipment base; The first rolling brake is operably engaged with the actuator (90) via a first link (92), the second rolling brake is connected to the actuator via a second link (94), and the lock is connected to the actuator via a third link (96). The first link, the second link, and the third link each have a first position, in which the first rolling brake and the second rolling brake are not braked and the lock is unlocked; and The first link, the second link, and the third link each have a second position, in which the first rolling brake and the second rolling brake are braked and the lock is locked to restrict the movement of the vertically adjustable swivel caster toward and away from the equipment base; The first pair of first swivel casters and the second pair of swivel casters, excluding the vertically adjustable swivel caster, define a plane, the equipment base rests on the plane, and the vertically adjustable swivel caster supports the plane.

2. The garment washing and processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is a lever (140).

3. The laundry washing and processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the lever is positioned at a height lower than the tub.

4. The laundry washing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the laundry washing apparatus further includes a door (120) leading to the tub, wherein the lever is located below the door.

5. The laundry washing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the lever includes a foot pedal (150) whose size and dimensions are configured to be operable by a person's foot.

6. The laundry washing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the laundry washing apparatus has a front (110) through which a user approaches the drum, wherein the lever is recessed relative to the front.

7. The laundry washing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the laundry washing apparatus has a rear (130) opposite to the front, wherein the vertically adjustable swivel casters are closer to the rear than to the front.

8. The laundry washing and processing equipment according to claim 2: The lever is movable about the fulcrum (160); and When the lever moves from the first position to the second position, the lever swings toward the floor, and the first pair of first rotating casters and the second pair of second rotating casters rest on the floor.

9. The laundry washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the laundry washing apparatus has a front (110) and a rear (130) opposite to the front, through which a user approaches the drum, wherein the vertically adjustable swivel casters are closer to the rear than to the front.

10. The laundry washing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drum has a volume of 20L to 70L.

11. The laundry washing and processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein the vertically adjustable swivel caster is a spring-loaded vertically adjustable swivel caster.

12. The laundry washing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the spring-loaded, vertically adjustable swivel caster comprises a spring (200) preloaded to apply force in a direction away from the base of the apparatus.

13. The garment washing and processing apparatus of claim 12, wherein the garment washing and processing apparatus has weight, and wherein the force is within 20% of one-quarter of the weight.

14. The laundry washing and processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein the braked second rotating caster is diagonally opposite to the braked first rotating caster.

15. The garment washing and processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first link, the second link and the third link is a cable link (97).

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