CLOTHES WASHING MACHINE

• US 20080289368A1
• Filed: 05/21/2007
• Published: 11/27/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: DE OLIVEIRA MUNHOZ, ERICO, OYAMA, JORGE, MAGALHAES BARCHA, WLADIMIR ALEX, DE OLIVEIRA, ANTONIO, BRAZ, ADELCIO, BURATTO DE TOLEDO, CARLOS EDUARDO, RESENDE PEREIRA, DOUGLAS ALEX
• Application Number:
  US11/751,219
• Publication Number:
  US 20080289368A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 68/13R
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 23/04 and rotating or oscillating about a vertical axis
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 37/24 in machines with a receptacle rotating or oscillating about a vertical axis
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 37/263 assembled from at least two elements connected to each other; Connecting or sealing means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 37/264 Tubs provided with reinforcing structures, e.g. ribs, inserts, braces
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 37/268 for suspension devices
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 37/269 for the bearing of the rotary receptacle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clothes washing machine of the top loading type having a base structure provided with at least one opening for housing other elements of the washing machine and a tub coupled with the base structure. The base structure and tub are aesthetically matched and when coupled, form an exterior of the washing machine, thereby eliminating the need for a cabinet enclosing the base structure and tub.

Claims

1. A top loading clothes washing machine comprising:

a base structure having at least one opening for housing other elements of the washing machine; and

a tub coupled with the base structure,

wherein the base structure and tub are aesthetically matched and when coupled, form an exterior of the washing machine, thereby eliminating the need for a cabinet enclosing the base structure and tub.

2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the base structure comprises a tubular body having a front wall portion and two lateral wall portions.

3. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the base structure further comprises an upper wall portion coupled with the front wall portion and lateral wall portions.

4. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the base structure is formed as a single piece.

5. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein the tub comprises a cylindrical wall and lateral wall portions that are vertically aligned with the wall portions of the base structure.

6. The washing machine of claim 5, wherein the tub further comprises a bottom wall for coupling the tub to the upper wall portion of the base structure.

7. The washing machine of claim 6, wherein the bottom wall of the tub comprises a plurality of internally threaded projections to be aligned with bores provided in the upper wall portion of the base structure and through which are inserted screws for coupling the tub with the base structure.

8. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the tub and base structure are formed as a single piece.

9. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the base structure further comprises at least two ribs, which are inserted into slots provided in the bottom wall of the tub to facilitate coupling of the tub and base structure.

10. The washing machine of claim 1, further comprising at least one suspension mechanism disposed within an opening of the base structure for absorbing vibration transmitted to the tub during operation.

11. A top loading clothes washing machine comprising:

a base structure provided with at least one opening;

a tub coupled with the base structure;

a support frame provided in the base structure;

at least one suspension mechanism connecting the support frame to the base structure and disposed within an opening in the base structure;

a motor unit attached to the support frame and supporting a rotatable drive shaft; and

a rotatable basket disposed in the tub and selectively rotated by the drive shaft,

wherein the base structure functions as an exterior housing of at least a portion of the washing machine and the tub functions as an exterior housing of at least a portion of the washing machine.

12. The washing machine of claim 11, wherein the support frame comprises radial arms angularly spaced from each other and each arm is provided with a bore.

13. The washing machine of claim 12, wherein the suspension mechanism comprises:

a rod having an upper end coupled with the base structure, a middle portion disposed through the bore in the support frame, and a lower end having a stop mechanism; and

a support spring provided around the rod having an end connected to the stop mechanism and an opposite end connected to the support frame.

14. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein there is a suspension mechanism coupled with each arm of the support frame.

15. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein the suspension mechanism further comprises a dampening spring provided around the upper end of the rod to further absorb vibration during operation.

16. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein an upper end of the support spring abuts a pad provided in the radial arm of the support frame.

17. The washing machine of claim 13, further comprising a spacer pad attached to the upper end of the rod.

18. The washing machine of claim 11, wherein the base structure comprises a tubular body having a front wall portion, two lateral wall portions, and an upper wall portion.

19. The washing machine of claim 18, wherein the tub comprises a tubular body having a front wall portion, two lateral wall portions, and a bottom wall portion.

20. The washing machine of claim 19, wherein the wall portions of the base structure are shaped to match the contour of the wall portions of the tub when the tub is coupled with the base structure.