Tub insert system for top loading washer
AssigneeSonoco Development, Inc.
InventorsJonathan Eugene Senn, Matthew Marrow
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A washing machine tub insert system is provided that prevents the wash tub from impacting the washing machine cabinet during shipping and handling. The tub insert system may be made from a bottom panel and an insert that lock together. The insert outwardly biases locking members against the cabinet rim and against the tub to minimize relative movement of the tub and cabinet, thereby reducing or eliminating the possibility of the wash tub damaging the washing machine cabinet.
Claims18
A tub insert system comprising:
- a bottom panel comprising a substantially planar main panel and opposing tabs foldably attached to the main panel along tab fold lines, the main panel defining a main panel opening;
- and
- a separately formed insert disposed within the main panel opening and comprising two side panels and two end panels joined together along corners, the insert having a top edge, the end panels extending downward from the top edge and slanted inwardly toward each other, the end panels contacting the tabs and biasing the tabs away from each other.
A tub insert system comprising:
- a bottom panel comprising a substantially planar main panel and opposing tabs foldably attached to the main panel along tab fold lines, the main panel defining a main panel opening, each tab having an outer facing surface;
- a locking member affixed to the outer facing surface of each tab;
- and
- an insert disposed within the main panel opening and comprising two side panels and two end panels joined together along corners, the end panels contacting the tabs and biasing the tabs away from each other,
- wherein the locking members are made from expanded foam material.
A combination washing machine and tub insert system, the washing machine comprising a wash tub located within a cabinet, the cabinet having a top surface having a rim defining a top opening, the top opening having a width, the tub insert system comprising:
- a bottom panel comprising a substantially planar main panel and opposing tabs, the main panel located adjacent the cabinet top surface and overlying the washing machine top opening, the opposing tabs foldably attached to the main panel along tab fold lines, the main panel defining a main panel opening;
- and
- a separately formed insert disposed within the main panel opening and extending into the washing machine, the insert comprising two side panels and two end panels joined together along corners, the end panels contacting the tabs and biasing the tabs away from each other.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.