Fluid-filled balance ring for a washing machine

Abstract

A washing machine includes a washing machine housing, a wash unit tub, a drum and a first fluid-filled balance ring. The washing machine housing has an opening. The wash unit tub is mounted within the washing machine housing. The drum is rotatable within the wash unit tub. The drum includes a laundry compartment with an open end that is bounded by a rim of the drum. The first fluid-filled balance ring is mounted to the rim of the drum and rotates with the drum to counteract an off-balance load in the laundry compartment of the drum. The first fluid-filled balance ring has a tubular, ring-like shape with a first annular chamber that is sealed and partially filled with a fluid. The fluid in the first annular chamber has a viscosity of at least 90 centipoise.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.