U.S. patent application number 10/765107 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-09 for washing machine pedestal.
Invention is credited to Cho, Han Ki.
Application Number | 20040245899 10/765107 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36385544 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040245899 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cho, Han Ki |
December 9, 2004 |
Washing machine pedestal
Abstract
Pedestal including a pedestal body for supporting a bottom of a
washing machine or a laundry dryer to a height, and at least one
coupling means provided both to a side of the washing machine or
the laundry dryer and a side of the pedestal body for coupling the
washing machine or the laundry dryer with the pedestal body,
wherein the coupling means includes a coupling member provided both
to a side of the washing machine or the laundry dryer, and a side
of the pedestal body under the washing machine or the laundry
dryer, and fastening members for fastening the coupling member to
the side of the washing machine or the laundry dryer and the side
of the pedestal body, respectively.
Inventors: |
Cho, Han Ki; (Changwon-si,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Song K. Jung
MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE LLP
1900 K Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
36385544 |
Appl. No.: |
10/765107 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/351.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/125 20130101;
A47B 91/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/351.2 |
International
Class: |
A47B 091/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 5, 2003 |
KR |
P 2003-0036242 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pedestal comprising: a pedestal body for supporting a bottom
of a washing machine or a laundry dryer to a height; and at least
one coupling means provided both to a side of the washing machine
or the laundry dryer and a side of the pedestal body for coupling
the washing machine or the laundry dryer with the pedestal
body.
2. The pedestal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling means
includes; a coupling member provided both to a side of the washing
machine or the laundry dryer, and a side of the pedestal body under
the washing machine or the laundry dryer, and fastening members for
fastening the coupling member to the side of the washing machine or
the laundry dryer and the side of the pedestal body,
respectively.
3. The pedestal as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fastening member
includes; first fastening members for fastening an upper part of
the coupling member to the side of a lower part of the washing
machine or the laundry dryer, and second fastening members for
fastening a lower part of the coupling member to the side of an
upper part of the pedestal.
4. The pedestal as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of the
first fastening member and the second fastening member has an
adhesive material coated on both sides thereof.
5. The pedestal as claimed in claim 4, wherein the fastening member
having the adhesive material coated on both sides thereof is double
sided tape.
6. The pedestal as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of the
first fastening member or the second fastening member is screw.
7. The pedestal as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of the
first fastening member or the second fastening member has an
adhesive material coated on both sides thereof, and rest one is a
screw.
8. The pedestal as claimed in claim 7, wherein the fastening member
having the adhesive material coated on both sides thereof is double
sided tape.
9. The pedestal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pedestal body
further includes; a receiving part for putting things therein.
10. The pedestal as claimed in claim 9, wherein the receiving part
is a drawer for opening a front part of the pedestal body.
11. The pedestal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling means
is designed to adjust a height of the washing machine or the
laundry dryer.
12. The pedestal as claimed in claim 11, wherein the coupling means
includes; a coupling member provided both to a side of the washing
machine or the laundry dryer, and a side of the pedestal body under
the washing machine or the laundry dryer, detachable gap adjusting
members having different thicknesses to be fitted to the coupling
member for maintaining a preset gap between a bottom of the washing
machine or the laundry dryer, and a top of the pedestal body, and
fastening members for fastening the coupling member to the side of
the washing machine or the laundry dryer and the side of the
pedestal body, respectively.
13. A pedestal comprising: a pedestal body for supporting a bottom
of a washing machine or a laundry dryer to a height; a corner
supporting member fitted to a lower corner of the washing machine
or the laundry; and coupling means provided to a side of the corner
supporting member and a side of the pedestal body for fastening the
corner supporting member to the pedestal body.
14. The pedestal as claimed in claim 13, wherein the coupling means
includes; a coupling member in contact with a side of the corner
supporting member and a side of the pedestal body, and a fastening
member for fastening the coupling member to the side of the washing
machine or the laundry dryer and the side of the pedestal body.
15. The pedestal as claimed in claim 14, wherein the fastening
member includes; a first fastening member for fastening an upper
part of the coupling member to a side of the corner supporting
member, and a second fastening member for fastening a lower part of
the fastening member to an upper part of a side of the
pedestal.
16. The pedestal as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one of
the first fastening member and the second fastening member has an
adhesive material coated on both sides thereof.
17. The pedestal as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fastening
member having the adhesive material coated on both sides thereof is
double sided tape.
18. The pedestal as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one of
the first fastening member or the second fastening member is
screw.
19. The pedestal as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one of
the first fastening member or the second fastening member has an
adhesive material coated on both sides thereof, and rest one is a
screw.
20. The pedestal as claimed in claim 19, wherein the fastening
member having the adhesive material coated on both sides thereof is
double sided tape.
21. The pedestal as claimed in claim 13, wherein the corner
supporting member includes; a horizontal panel held horizontal to,
and supporting a bottom of the washing machine or the laundry
dryer, and a vertical bent part bent vertically from one end of the
horizontal panel and in contact with an upper part of the pedestal
body.
22. The pedestal as claimed in claim 13, wherein the pedestal body
further includes a receiving part for receiving things.
23. A pedestal comprising: a pedestal body for supporting a bottom
of a washing machine or a laundry dryer to a height; and leg
supporters on top of the pedestal body, for supporting sides of the
lower legs of the washing machine or a laundry dryer, and fastening
the washing machine or the laundry dryer to the pedestal body.
24. The pedestal as claimed in claim 23, wherein the leg supporter
includes; a first seating hole for seating a leg of the washing
machine, and a second seating hole for seating a leg of the laundry
dryer.
25. The pedestal as claimed in claim 24, wherein the leg supporters
are fixed to four points of a top of the pedestal body.
26. The pedestal as claimed in claim 25, wherein the four points
are four corners of the top of the pedestal body.
27. The pedestal as claimed in claim 26, wherein the first seating
hole and the second seating hole are connected to each other in
each of the leg supporters fixed to front corners of the pedestal
body respectively, and the first seating hole and the second
seating hole are separated from each other in each of the leg
supporters fixed to rear corners of the pedestal body,
respectively.
28. The pedestal as claimed in claim 27, wherein the two leg
supporters fixed to the front corners of the pedestal body are
fastened to support a bottom of a front part of the washing
machine.
29. The pedestal as claimed in claim 28, wherein each of the leg
supporters fixed to one of the front corners of the pedestal body
further includes a supporting part projected forward of the
pedestal for supporting a bottom of a front part of the washing
machine.
30. The pedestal as claimed in claim 27, wherein the two leg
supporters fixed to rear corners of the pedestal body are fastened
to a lower part of rear side of the washing machine.
31. The pedestal as claimed in claim 23, wherein the pedestal body
further includes a receiving part for putting things therein.
32. A pedestal comprising: a pedestal body for supporting a bottom
of a washing machine or a laundry dryer to a height, leg supporters
on top of the pedestal body for supporting sides of lower legs of
the washing machine or the laundry dryer, and at least one coupling
means at a side of the washing machine or the laundry dryer, and a
side of the pedestal body, for coupling the washing machine or the
laundry dryer with the pedestal body.
33. The pedestal as claimed in claim 32, wherein the leg supporter
includes; a panel having a first seating hole for seating a washing
machine leg, and a second seating hole for seating a laundry dryer
leg.
34. The pedestal as claimed in claim 33, wherein the leg supporters
are fixed to corners of the top of the pedestal body.
35. The pedestal as claimed in claim 34, wherein the first seating
hole and the second seating hole are connected to each other in
each of the leg supporters fixed to front corners of the pedestal
body respectively, and the first seating hole and the second
seating hole are separated from each other in each of the leg
supporters fixed to rear corners of the pedestal body,
respectively.
36. The pedestal as claimed in claim 35, wherein the leg supporter
is fastened to a top of the pedestal body with a screw.
37. The pedestal as claimed in claim 32, wherein the coupling means
includes; a coupling member provided so as to be in contact both
with a side of the washing machine or the laundry dryer, and a side
of the pedestal body under the washing machine or the laundry
dryer, and fastening members for fastening the coupling member to
the side of the washing machine or the laundry dryer and the side
of the pedestal body, respectively.
38. The pedestal as claimed in claim 37, wherein the fastening
member includes; first fastening members for fastening an upper
part of the coupling member to the side of a lower part of the
washing machine or the laundry dryer, and second fastening members
for fastening a lower part of the coupling member to the side of an
upper part of the pedestal.
39. The pedestal as claimed in claim 38, wherein at least one of
the first fastening member and the second fastening member has an
adhesive material coated on both sides thereof.
40. The pedestal as claimed in claim 39, wherein the fastening
member having the adhesive material coated on both sides thereof is
double sided tape.
41. The pedestal as claimed in claim 38, wherein at least one of
the first fastening member or the second fastening member is
screw.
42. The pedestal as claimed in claim 38, wherein at least one of
the first fastening member or the second fastening member has an
adhesive material coated on both sides thereof, and rest one is a
screw.
43. The pedestal as claimed in claim 42, wherein the fastening
member having the adhesive material coated on both sides thereof is
double sided tape.
44. The pedestal as claimed in claim 37, wherein the coupling means
is designed to couple the washing machine or the laundry dryer to
the pedestal body according to a height variation of legs of the
washing machine or the laundry dryer.
45. The pedestal as claimed in claim 44, wherein the fastening
member is screw.
46. The pedestal as claimed in claim 45, wherein the coupling
member includes fastening holes at preset intervals from a bottom
to a top thereof.
47. The pedestal as claimed in claim 32, wherein the pedestal body
further includes a receiving part for putting things therein.
48. The pedestal as claimed in claim 47, wherein the receiving part
is a drawer for opening a front part of the pedestal body.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the Korean
Application No. P2003-0036242 filed on Jun. 5, 2003, which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to washing machines, and more
particularly, to a pedestal for a washing machine fastening of the
washing machine thereto is easy.
[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0005] In general, the washing machine washes laundry by using
washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles to remove contaminants stuck
to clothes and beddings in a drum rotated inside of a tub, together
with actions of detergent and water in the tub.
[0006] In the washing machines, there are a top loading type
washing machine which has a laundry opening in a top part of the
washing machine, and a front loading type washing machine which has
a laundry opening in a front part of the washing machine.
[0007] The front loading type washing machine is, in general,
called as a drum type washing machine, which, as described, has a
laundry opening in a front part of the washing machine.
[0008] However, since the drum type washing machine has the laundry
opening formed in a low part, to require the user to bend forward
for introduction/taking laundry into/out of the washing machine.
For eliminating the inconvenience, the washing machine pedestal has
been developed and used placed under the washing machine for
supporting the washing machine to a required height. FIG. 1
illustrates a related art washing machine and the washing machine
pedestal.
[0009] Referring to FIG. 1, the related art washing machine is
provided with a hexahedral cabinet 11 forming an outer appearance
of the washing machine, a washing tub in the cabinet, and various
electronic components (not shown). There is a pedestal 20 under the
washing machine 10 for positioning the laundry opening 13 of the
washing machine to a required height.
[0010] The pedestal 20 is provided with a body 21 for seating the
washing machine thereon, and a drawer 22 in a front part of the
body 21 for keeping various things therein, such as detergent and
tool for maintenance of the washing machine.
[0011] The pedestal has a top panel 21a in contact with a bottom of
the washing machine directly, both of which are fastened with
screws (not shown) passed through from an underside of the top
panel 21a toward the bottom of the cabinet.
[0012] As a fastening structure of the washing machine 10 and the
pedestal 20 is such, workers are required to lay down the washing
machine on a floor, tilt the pedestal, fasten the pedestal to the
bottom of the washing machine, brings the washing machine having
the pedestal fastened thereto into a stand position, and install
the washing machine on a desired place, that requires a long time,
and is liable to injure the worker's waist, arm, or the like
because the worker requires to support weight of the washing
machine.
[0013] Moreover, the pedestal has failed in dampening vibration
generated when the washing machine is in operation, such that the
washing machine and the pedestal vibrate heavily, to generate loud
noise.
[0014] Therefore, to cope with this, development of a washing
machine pedestal is required, which permits an easy fastening of
the washing machine thereto, attenuation of the vibration, and
reduction of the noise.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a washing
machine pedestal that substantially obviates one or more of the
problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related
art.
[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a pedestal
which enables convenient, and fast fastening to a washing machine
or a laundry dryer.
[0017] Other object of the present invention is to provide a
pedestal which can attenuate vibration generated during operation
of the washing machine.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
pedestal which can be used, not only for a washing machine, but
also for a laundry dryer.
[0019] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination
of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention.
The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be
realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in
the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended
drawings.
[0020] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied
and broadly described herein, the pedestal includes a pedestal body
for supporting a bottom of a washing machine or a laundry dryer to
a height, and at least one coupling means provided both to a side
of the washing machine or the laundry dryer and a side of the
pedestal body for coupling the washing machine or the laundry dryer
with the pedestal body.
[0021] The coupling means includes a coupling member provided both
to a side of the washing machine or the laundry dryer, and a side
of the pedestal body under the washing machine or the laundry
dryer, and fastening members for fastening the coupling member to
the side of the washing machine or the laundry dryer and the side
of the pedestal body, respectively.
[0022] The fastening member includes first fastening members for
fastening an upper part of the coupling member to the side of a
lower part of the washing machine or the laundry dryer, and second
fastening members for fastening a lower part of the coupling member
to the side of an upper part of the pedestal.
[0023] The pedestal body further includes a receiving part for
putting things therein.
[0024] The receiving part is a drawer for opening a front part of
the pedestal body.
[0025] In other aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a pedestal including a pedestal body for supporting a bottom of a
washing machine or a laundry dryer to a height, a corner supporting
member fitted to a lower corner of the washing machine or the
laundry, and coupling means provided to a side of the corner
supporting member and a side of the pedestal body for fastening the
corner supporting member to the pedestal body.
[0026] The coupling means includes a coupling member in contact
with a side of the corner supporting member and a side of the
pedestal body, and a fastening member for fastening the coupling
member to the side of the washing machine or the laundry dryer and
the side of the pedestal body.
[0027] In another aspect of the present invention there is provided
a pedestal including a pedestal body for supporting a bottom of a
washing machine or a laundry dryer to a height, and leg supporters
on top of the pedestal body, for supporting sides of the lower legs
of the washing machine or a laundry dryer, and fastening the
washing machine or the laundry dryer to the pedestal body.
[0028] The leg supporter includes a first seating hole for seating
a leg of the washing machine, and a second seating hole for seating
a leg of the laundry dryer.
[0029] The leg supporters are fixed to four points of a top of the
pedestal body, wherein the four points are four corners of the top
of the pedestal body.
[0030] The first seating hole and the second seating hole are
connected to each other in each of the leg supporters fixed to
front corners of the pedestal body respectively, and the first
seating hole and the second seating hole are separated from each
other in each of the leg supporters fixed to rear corners of the
pedestal body, respectively.
[0031] The two leg supporters fixed to the front corners of the
pedestal body are fastened to support a bottom of a front part of
the washing machine.
[0032] Each of the leg supporters fixed to one of the front corners
of the pedestal body further includes a supporting part projected
forward of the pedestal for supporting a bottom of a front part of
the washing machine.
[0033] The two leg supporters fixed to rear corners of the pedestal
body are fastened to a lower part of rear side of the washing
machine.
[0034] In further aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a pedestal including a pedestal body for supporting a
bottom of a washing machine or a laundry dryer to a height, leg
supporters on top of the pedestal body for supporting sides of
lower legs of the washing machine or the laundry dryer, and at
least one coupling means at a side of the washing machine or the
laundry dryer, and a side of the pedestal body, for coupling the
washing machine or the laundry dryer with the pedestal body.
[0035] The leg supporter includes a panel having a first seating
hole for seating a washing machine leg, and a second seating hole
for seating a laundry dryer leg.
[0036] The leg supporters are fixed to corners of the top of the
pedestal body.
[0037] The first seating hole and the second seating hole are
connected to each other in each of the leg supporters fixed to
front corners of the pedestal body respectively, and the first
seating hole and the second seating hole are separated from each
other in each of the leg supporters fixed to rear corners of the
pedestal body, respectively.
[0038] The coupling means is designed to couple the washing machine
or the laundry dryer to the pedestal body according to a height
variation of legs of the washing machine or the laundry dryer.
[0039] The fastening member is screw, and the coupling member
includes fastening holes at preset intervals from a bottom to a top
thereof.
[0040] Thus, the pedestal for a washing machine or a laundry dryer
of the present invention permits easy and fast installation of the
washing machine or the laundry dryer, to reduce vibration occurred
in operation of the washing machine, and to apply not only to the
washing machine, but also to the laundry dryer.
[0041] It is to be understood that both the foregoing description
and the following detailed description of the present invention are
exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further
explanation of the invention claimed.
BRIEF DESCRITPION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the invention. In the drawings;
[0043] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a disassembled perspective view
of a related art drum type washing machine and a pedestal therefor,
and a table showing vibrations on a washing machine cabinet,
respectively;
[0044] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a disassembled perspective view
showing coupling a drum type washing machine with a pedestal
therefor in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the
present invention, and a table showing vibrations on a washing
machine cabinet thereof, respectively;
[0045] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a section of coupling means
including a gap adjusting member, and a front view of coupling
member provided to the coupling means, respectively;
[0046] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a disassembled perspective view
showing coupling a drum type washing machine with a pedestal
therefor in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the
present invention, and a table showing vibrations on a washing
machine cabinet thereof, respectively;
[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a disassembled perspective view showing
coupling a drum type washing machine with a pedestal therefor in
accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a disassembled perspective view showing a
pedestal in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0049] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a perspective view and a section
each showing a coupling part in a pedestal in accordance with a
fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates a disassembled perspective view showing a
pedestal in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0051] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate sections showing a front coupling
part and a rear coupling part in a pedestal in accordance with a
fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention,
respectively;
[0052] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of coupled state of a
drum type washing machine with a pedestal therefor in accordance
with a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[0053] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a disassembled perspective view
and a section showing a pedestal in accordance with a sixth
preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a coupling part
therein, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0054] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In describing the
embodiments, same parts will be given the same names and reference
symbols, and repetitive description of which will be omitted. FIG.
2A illustrates a disassembled perspective view showing fastening a
drum type washing machine to a pedestal therefor in accordance with
a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 2A, the pedestal includes a body 210 for
supporting a bottom of a washing machine to a height, and coupling
means 230 for coupling the washing machine with the body 210.
[0056] At least one coupling means 230 is provided to a side of a
cabinet of the washing machine and a side of the body of the
pedestal. In more detail, the coupling means 230 includes a
coupling member 240 in contact both with the side of the washing
machine or the dryer, and the side of the pedestal body under the
washing machine or the dryer, and fastening members 250 for
fastening the coupling member to the side of the washing machine or
the dryer and the side of the pedestal body, respectively.
[0057] The coupling member 240 may be an unitary coupling member
with a `` section to surround three side boundaries of the
hexahedral pedestal and the hexahedral washing machine. Or, as
shown in FIG. 2, the coupling member 240 may couple sides of the
hexahedral pedestal and the hexahedral washing machine at opposite
two sides where the hexahedral pedestal and the hexahedral washing
machine are in contact. In addition to this, the coupling member
240 may further include a third coupling member (not shown) for
coupling rear sides of the pedestal and the washing machine,
together.
[0058] It is preferable that the fastening member 250 includes a
first fastening member 251 for fastening an upper part 241 of the
coupling member to a lower part of a side of the washing machine or
the laundry dryer, and a second fastening member 252 for fastening
a lower part 242 of the coupling member to an upper part of a side
of the pedestal.
[0059] At least one of the first, or second fastening member may
have an adhesive coated on both sides, for an example, double sided
tape 251a and 252a. Different from above, at least one of the first
fastening member, or the second fastening member may be fastening
means, such as a screw 252b, or 252b.
[0060] In the meantime, referring to FIG. 3A, the coupling means
230 may be fabricated to enable to adjust a height of the washing
machine or the laundry dryer.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 3A, the coupling means 230 may have a
structure which can adjust a height of the washing machine or the
laundry dryer.
[0062] To do this, the coupling means 230 includes a coupling
member 240 in contact with sides both of the washing machine 100 or
the laundry dryer, and the pedestal body 210 under the washing
machine 100 or the laundry dryer, fastening members for fastening
the coupling member to the sides both of the washing machine 100 or
the laundry dryer, and the pedestal body 210, and gap adjusting
members 260 for maintaining a space between a bottom of the washing
machine 100 or the laundry dryer, and a top of the pedestal body
210 at a preset gap.
[0063] It is preferable that the gap adjusting members 260 include
a plurality of members having a variety of thickness for adjusting
the height of the washing machine 100 or the laundry dryer to a
required height. The gap adjusting member 260 is placed between the
bottom of the washing machine or the laundry dryer and the top of
the pedestal body in adjustment of the height.
[0064] Moreover, for easy assembly, it is preferable that the gap
adjusting member 260 is detachable from the coupling member. The
gap adjusting member 260 has one end held at an opening in the
middle of the coupling member perpendicular thereto, and rest of
the part inserted between the bottom of the washing machine and the
top of the pedestal.
[0065] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of the pedestal in accordance
with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein
both the first fastening member 251, and the second fastening
member 252 are the double sided tape pieces 251a, and 252a. FIG. 4
illustrates a diagram of the pedestal in accordance with a second
preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the first
fastening member 251 is the double sided tape 251a, and the second
fastening member 252 is a screw 252b.
[0066] Different from this, FIG. 5 illustrates the pedestal in
accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present
invention, wherein both the first fastening member and the second
fastening member are screws 251a and 251b.
[0067] In a case the first fastening member 251 is screw 251b, as
shown in FIG. 3B, the fastening member has fastening holes at
regular intervals in the upper part for putting screws therethrough
according to a thickness of the gap adjusting member 260 selected
from the different thickness of the gap adjusting member 260.
[0068] Though not shown, the coupling member may be adhered with a
bond. The pedestal body may include a receiving part, such as a
drawer 220, for putting things therein, such as tools for repairing
the washing machine, or detergent.
[0069] Tables 1B, 2B, and 4B show vibrations of the cabinet which
forms an outer appearance of the washing machine during operation
of the washing machine. FIG. 1B illustrates a table showing
vibrations of a cabinet for a washing machine having a related art
pedestal, FIG. 2B illustrates a table showing vibrations of a
cabinet for a washing machine having a pedestal in accordance with
a first preferred embodiment of the present invention coupled
thereto, and FIG. 4B illustrates a table showing vibrations of a
cabinet for a washing machine having a pedestal in accordance with
a second preferred embodiment of the present invention coupled
thereto.
[0070] The vibration is measured at a center, top and bottom, and
left and right sides of the washing water cabinet 110.
[0071] The tables are compared, to find a more than 50% reduction
of vibration of the cabinet 110 from the related art in the first
embodiment, and a more than 20% reduction of vibration from the
related art in the second embodiment. This is because the coupling
member 240 to the pedestal 200 dampens vibration from the washing
machine. According to the tables, it is expected that the third
embodiment also has a vibration damping effect.
[0072] Though the pedestal is described only in light of washing
machine, the pedestal is applicable, not only to the washing
machine, but also to any product that requires adjustment of
height, such as the laundry dryer.
[0073] A pedestal in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment
of the present invention will be described, with reference to FIG.
6.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 6, the pedestal 300 includes a pedestal
body 310 for supporting a bottom of a washing machine 100 or a
laundry dryer (not shown) to a height, corner supporting members
320 each fitted to a lower corner of the washing machine or the
laundry dryer, and coupling means 330 fastened to a side of the
corner supporting member and a side of the pedestal body for
fitting the corner supporting member 320 to the pedestal body.
[0075] The corner supporting member 320 is fitted to the lower
corner of the washing machine or the laundry dryer with screws (not
shown) or double sided tape (not shown).
[0076] The corner supporting member 320 includes a triangular or
rectangular horizontal panel 321, and a vertical bent part 322 bent
vertically from one end of the horizontal panel in contact with an
upper part of a side of the pedestal body.
[0077] The vertical bent part 322 may be formed at adjoining two
vertical sides of the horizontal panel.
[0078] The coupling means 330 includes a coupling member 340 in
contact with a side of the corner supporting member and a side of
the pedestal body, and fastening members 350 for fastening the
coupling member to the side of the washing machine or the laundry
dryer, and the side of the pedestal body.
[0079] The fastening member includes a first fastening member 351
for fastening an upper part of the coupling member to a side of the
corner supporting member, and a second fastening member 352 for
fastening a lower part 342 of the coupling member to an upper part
of a side of the pedestal.
[0080] The first fastening member, or the second fastening member
is screws 351a, or 352a, and the screw is fastened to the corner
supporting member through a through hole (not shown) in the
coupling member.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 2, though not shown, the fastening member
may be double sided tape having adhesive applied to both sides
thereof, and the pedestal body further includes a receiving part,
such as a drawer 360, for putting things therein.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 6, reference numeral 140 denotes a leg on
a bottom of the washing machine or the laundry dryer, having a
threaded upper part 141, and a lower part 142 in contact with a
floor or a top of the pedestal body.
[0083] The lower part 142 of the leg may have a circular or square
section, and a step between the lower part and the upper part such
that a section of the lower part has an area larger than a section
of the upper part in which the thread is formed.
[0084] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate enlarged detailed view of the
foregoing pedestal.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 7A, the corner supporting member 320
includes a horizontal panel 321 having a square with an arc cut
away from a corner thereof, and a vertical bent part 322 bent
downward from two side of the horizontal panel that form a right
angle.
[0086] There is the leg 140 of the washing machine or the laundry
dryer in contact with the arc of the horizontal panel 321. The
horizontal panel 321 has a bottom supported on the step between the
lower part and the upper part of the leg 140.
[0087] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the coupling member 340 is
fastened to the vertical bent part 322 of the corner supporting
part, and the side of the upper part of the pedestal body 310 with
screws.
[0088] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 8.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 8, the pedestal 400 includes a pedestal
body 410 for supporting a bottom of a washing machine or a laundry
dryer to a height, and leg supporters 420 on the pedestal body for
supporting side surfaces of the lower legs, and coupling the
washing machine or the laundry dryer with the pedestal body.
[0090] The leg supporter 420 provides a structure for seating the
leg of the washing machine or the laundry dryer on the top of the
pedestal.
[0091] For this, the leg supporter 420 includes a horizontal panel
421 having a first seating hole 421a for seating the leg 140 of the
washing machine, and a second seating hole 421b for seating the leg
150 of the laundry dryer.
[0092] The leg supporters 420 are fitted to the top of the pedestal
body as many as a number of legs. The legs, in general four in
number, the leg supporters 420 are provided to four points, such as
four corners of the pedestal body 410, respectively.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 8, a horizontal panel 421 of the leg
supporter at each of the four corners of the top of the pedestal
body is fastened with fastening means, such as screws.
[0094] It is preferable that the first seating hole and the second
seating hole in each of the two leg supporters at front corners of
the pedestal body are connected to each other, and the first
seating hole and the second seating hole in each of the two leg
supporters at rear corners of the pedestal body are separated from
each other, for easy seating of the washing machine legs 140.
[0095] With reference to a diagonal line of a bottom of the washing
machine, the first seating hole is positioned on an outer side of
the second seating hole, because in general a cabinet of the
washing machine is larger than a cabinet of the laundry dryer.
[0096] In the meantime, the leg supporter further includes a
vertical bent 422 vertically bent from one end of the horizontal
panel 421 having the seating holes formed therein.
[0097] The leg supporter 420 may be fitted to a lower part of a
side of the washing machine, or to a corner of the lower part of
the washing machine.
[0098] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, each of the two leg supporters
420a and 420b fastened to the front part of the pedestal body 410
further includes a supporting part 423 projected forward from an
end of the vertical bent for fastening to a bottom of a front part
111 of the washing machine, for fastening with screws 424 from the
bottom of the front part of the washing machine. Of course, double
sided tape may be attached between the bottom of the front part of
the washing machine and a top surface of the supporting part. To do
this, as shown in FIG. 8, a width between front and rear sides of
the washing machine is greater than a width between front and rear
sides of the pedestal.
[0099] Each of the two leg supporters 420c and 420d fastened to
rear part the pedestal body has the vertical bent 422 fastened to a
lower part of rear part of the washing machine with screws 425.
[0100] In this embodiment too, the pedestal body has a receiving
part, such as a drawer 430.
[0101] A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11A, and 11B.
[0102] The pedestal 500 includes a pedestal body 510 for supporting
a bottom of a washing machine or a laundry dryer to a height, leg
supporters 520 on a top of the pedestal body for supporting side
surfaces of lower legs of the washing machine or the laundry dryer,
and at least one coupling means 530 at sides of the washing machine
or the laundry dryer and the pedestal body for coupling the washing
machine of the laundry dryer to the pedestal body.
[0103] The leg supporter 520 has a first seating hole 521 for
seating the washing machine leg 140, and a second seating hole 522
for seating a laundry dryer leg 150, and is fastened to the top of
the pedestal body with fastening means, such as screws.
[0104] The leg supporters 520 are fastened to upper corners of the
pedestal body, wherein the first seating hole 521a and the second
seating hole 522a in each of the two leg supporters at the front
corners of the pedestal body are connected to each other, and the
first seating hole 521b and the second seating hole 522b in each of
the two leg supporters at the rear corners of the pedestal body are
separated from each other, for, as described in the fifth
embodiment, easy seating of the washing water legs.
[0105] With reference to a diagonal line on a bottom of the washing
machine, the first seating hole 521 is positioned on an outer side
of the second seating hole 522, because a cabinet of the washing
machine is in general greater than a cabinet of the laundry
dryer.
[0106] The coupling means 530 includes a coupling means 540
provided both to side of the washing machine or the laundry dryer,
and a side of the pedestal body, and fastening members 550 for
fastening the coupling means to the side of the washing machine or
the laundry dryer and the side of the pedestal body.
[0107] The coupling member 540 may be one coupling member (not
shown) with a `` section to surround three side boundaries of the
hexahedral pedestal and the hexahedral washing machine. Or, as
shown in FIG. 10, the coupling member 240 may be two or more than
two coupling members for coupling the sides of the hexahedral
pedestal and the hexahedral washing machine at opposite sides
thereof. In addition to this, the coupling member may further
include a third coupling member (not shown) for coupling rear sides
of the pedestal and the washing machine, together.
[0108] The coupling member may be designed to cope with height
variation of the legs of the washing machine 140 or the laundry
dryer.
[0109] The fastening member 550 includes first fastening members
551 for fastening an upper part of the coupling member to a lower
part of a side of the washing machine or the laundry dryer, and
second fastening members 552 for fastening a lower part of the
coupling member to an upper part of a side of the pedestal.
[0110] At least one of the first fastening member 551 and the
second fastening member 552 may be one having an adhesive material
coated on both sides, for an example, double sided tape.
[0111] Different from above, at least one of the first fastening
member 551 and the second fastening member 552 may be a fastening
means, such as a screw. When the fastening member is screw, it is
preferable that the upper part of the coupling member has fastening
hole formed at regular intervals.
[0112] In FIGS. 11A and 11B, the first fastening members 551 are
double sided tapes 551a, and the second fastening members are
screws 552a.
[0113] Though not shown, the coupling member may be bonded with a
bond.
[0114] It is preferable that the pedestal body includes a receiving
part, such as a drawer 560 for putting things therein.
[0115] Alike the first to third embodiments, in the fourth or fifth
embodiment too, vibration occurred when the washing machine is
operated can be dampened by the leg supporter in the fourth
embodiment, or the coupling member in the fifth embodiment.
[0116] The present invention has the following advantages.
[0117] First, installation of the washing machine, or the laundry
dryer becomes easy and fast.
[0118] Vibration and noise occurred during operation of the washing
machine or the laundry dryer can be reduced.
[0119] Third, a pedestal can be provided, which can be applicable
not only to the washing machine, but also to the laundry dryer.
[0120] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *