Basket positioning system for a top loading horizontal axis automatic washer

A method of positioning a rotatable basket within an automatic washer for loading and unloading clothes items into the basket, said basket having a horizontal axis and being disposed within an imperforate tub, said basket further being rotatably driven by a motor, said method comprising the steps of:

• (1) slowly rotating said basket within said tub;
• (2) actuating a holding arm, disposed adjacent said basket and having a holding end, to bias toward said rotating basket;
• (3) engaging said basket with said holding end such that said basket is rotatably fixed;
• (4) sensing said engagement of said basket with said holding end;
• and
• (5) deenergizing said motor.

An automatic washer, comprising:

• an imperforate tub;
• a perforate wash basket disposed within said tub being rotatable about a horizontal axis;
• a motor drivingly connected with said wash basket for selectively rotating said wash basket about said horizontal axis;
• a control shaft rotatably supported by said tub and having a main portion disposed adjacent said basket and an end extending external of said tub;
• a holding arm having a holding end, said holding arm being interconnected with said main portion of said control shaft and supported adjacent said basket;
• a hub rigidly attached to said externally extending end of said control shaft;
• a spring for biasing said control shaft to rotate such that said holding arm is urged toward said basket;
• and
• a latching mechanism disposed adjacent said hub for selectively engaging said hub in a predetermined angular position for resisting the urgings of said spring;
• wherein selective disengagement of said latching mechanism from said hub releases said control shaft to rotate such that said holding end is driven toward said wash basket for engaging said wash basket for positioning said wash basket relative to said tub.

An automatic washer, comprising:

• an imperforate tub having an access opening;
• a perforate wash basket disposed within said tub, being rotatable about a horizontal axis, said basket having a door for accessing the interior of said basket;
• a motor drivingly connected with said wash basket for selectively rotating said wash basket about said horizontal axis;
• and
• means extending from said tub for selectively engaging said wash basket for positioning said basket relative to said tub in a predetermined angular position for aligning said basket door with said access opening for loading and unloading clothes items into said basket.

In an automatic washer having a motor, an imperforate tub, and a basket disposed within said imperforate tub, said basket having a horizontal axis and being rotatable about said horizontal axis by said motor, said washer having a holding arm for engaging the wash basket for positioning and holding the basket, a method of initiating rotation of said basket, said method comprising:

• (1) disengaging a holding arm from the wash basket such that free basket rotation is allowed;
• (2) sensing said disengagement of said holding end from said wash basket;
• and
• (3) rotating said basket.