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Washing machine tub lock

Washing machine tub lock description/claims

1. Field of the Invention

This patent relates to appliance packaging. More particularly, this patent relates to a device that fits inside a washing machine tub to lock the tub in place during shipping.

2. Description of the Related Art

Top-loading washing machines generally comprise a spin or wash tub disposed within a washing machine cabinet or housing. Some washing machines have a central pivoting agitator extending upwardly from the bottom of the wash tub and operably connected to a motor located below the tub. Other washing machines lack this central agitator and instead have ridges located on the inside of the wash tub to assist with the agitating function. In washing machines without the central agitator the wash tub itself may oscillate up and down and/or rotate back and forth to agitate the clothes. In either type of washing machine the clearance between the wash tub and the appliance cabinet is often no more than about an inch (2.54 cm), and so the cabinet is susceptible to damage from impacts from the wash tub when the appliance is moved during shipping.

Thus there is a need for a device that locks the tub in place or otherwise prevents the tub from impacting the appliance cabinet when the washing machine is moved. Prior to the present invention, this was typically accomplished using blocks of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,620,365; 3,812,959; 3,901,385; 3,912,076; 3,913,736 and 4,700.832; or corrugated fiberboard as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,190. However, EPS braces can break apart, reducing protection.

Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved protective device made from corrugated fiberboard that prevents a washing machine wash tub from impacting and damaging the cabinet during shipping and handling.

Further and additional objects will appear from the description, accompanying drawings, and appended claims.

The present invention is a tub lock device for a washing machine that locks the wash tub into place to prevent the tub from impacting the cabinet during shipping and handling. The tub lock device preferably comprises six side panels arranged to form a six sided truncated cone having a bottom major (maximum) diameter less than the top diameter of the wash tub and a top major (maximum) diameter exceeding the top diameter of the wash tub. Alternatively, the side panels can be arranged to form a cylinder, the cylinder configured to form a friction fit with the wash tub top opening and the cabinet top opening.

Preferably the tub lock device is formed from a cut and folded blank made from corrugated board. Upon delivery, the brace can be removed from the appliance in a single piece and recycled.

FIG. 1 is a cutaway side view of a tub lock according to the present invention shown installed in a washing machine.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a washing machine shown without a tub lock.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a washing machine shown with a tub lock.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the tub lock of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a blank from which a tub lock according to the present invention can be made.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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