U.S. patent application number 11/183944 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-02 for leveling pedestal usable with washing machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Beon Jun Kim, Ho Cheol Kwon, Hack Chai Song, II Hyeok Yim.
Application Number | 20060021391 11/183944 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35730626 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060021391 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yim; II Hyeok ; et
al. |
February 2, 2006 |
Leveling pedestal usable with washing machine
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a leveling pedestal usable with a washing
machine. The leveling pedestal includes a plurality of pedestal
sections configured to place the washing machine thereon. The
plurality of pedestal sections are connected to each other to
adjust the overall length of the leveling pedestal depending on the
size of the washing machine or a distance between a plurality of
legs of the washing machine. With such a length adjustable
configuration, the leveling pedestal is recyclable so as to
correspond to different washing machine sizes, achieving
commonality in use.
Inventors: |
Yim; II Hyeok; (Kyungki-do,
KR) ; Kwon; Ho Cheol; (Kyungsangnam-do, KR) ;
Song; Hack Chai; (Kyungsangnam-do, KR) ; Kim; Beon
Jun; (Kyungsangnam-do, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
35730626 |
Appl. No.: |
11/183944 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/3R ; 68/140;
68/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
068/003.00R ;
068/024; 068/140 |
International
Class: |
D06F 37/20 20060101
D06F037/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 20, 2004 |
KR |
2004-56265 |
Claims
1. A leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine comprising: a
plurality of pedestal sections connected to each other in a length
adjustable manner, the washing machine being placed on the
connected pedestal sections.
2. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 1, wherein one of
the plurality of pedestal sections is internally formed with a
space, and the other one of the plurality of pedestal sections is
formed with an insert to be partially or entirely inserted into the
space.
3. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 2, wherein the space
opens part of a lower surface and a lateral end surface of one of
the plurality of pedestal sections.
4. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 2, wherein a
vibration-proof member is mounted at a lower surface of the
insert.
5. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 2, wherein holding
pieces are formed at one of the insert and the space, and holding
grooves are formed at the other one of the insert and the space,
whereby the holding pieces are slidably inserted into and engaged
in the holding grooves.
6. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 5, wherein the
holding pieces and the holding grooves are vertically elongated,
and are spaced apart from one another, respectively, in a
longitudinal direction of the pedestal.
7. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 1, wherein hooks are
formed at one of the plurality of pedestal sections, and hook holes
are formed at the other one of the plurality of pedestal sections
for the engagement of the hooks.
8. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 7, wherein the hooks
and the hook holes are spaced apart from one another by a
predetermined distance, respectively, in a longitudinal direction
of the pedestal.
9. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of
the pedestal sections is formed at an upper surface thereof with a
leg seating recess to firmly fix a respective one of legs of the
washing machine.
10. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of
the pedestal sections is formed at a lower surface thereof with a
vibration-proof member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a leveling pedestal usable
with a washing machine, and, more particularly, to a leveling
pedestal usable with a washing machine, which serves to adjust the
level of the washing machine placed thereon when the washing
machine is mounted on a stepped or inclined ground surface.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In general, washing machines are classified into a washing
machine to wash laundry using detergent and water, a drying machine
to dry laundry using hot air, and a combination drying and washing
machine.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional
washing machine mounted on a stepped ground surface.
[0006] As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional washing machine 1
comprises a casing 2 forming the outer appearance of the washing
machine 1, a tub mounted in the casing 2 to contain wash water, a
drum to receive laundry, a drive unit to rotate the drum, and legs
4 mounted at four corners of a lower surface of the casing 2 to
support the casing 2 at a certain height spaced apart from the
ground surface.
[0007] At the lower surface of the casing 2 are formed female-screw
portions (not shown).
[0008] Each of the legs 4 consists of a male-screw portion 5 to be
fastened into one of the female-screw portions in a
height-adjustable manner, and an elastic member 6 configured to
surround a lower end of the male-screw portion 5.
[0009] When the conventional washing machine 1 is mounted on a
stepped or inclined ground surface, it is adjusted in level by
adjusting the height of the legs 4 or by placing the legs 4 on
separate leveling pedestals 7, respectively.
[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
conventional leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine.
[0011] The conventional leveling pedestal 7 consists of a plurality
of pedestal members 8, 9, and 10 vertically stacked one above
another. Depending on the height difference of the stepped ground
surface or the tilting angle of the inclined ground surface, the
plurality of pedestal members 8, 9 and 10 may be used either alone
or in combination.
[0012] However, the conventional leveling pedestal 7 usable with a
washing machine has the following problem. When the height
difference of the stepped ground surface or the tilting angle of
the inclined ground surface exceeds a predetermined limit value,
the number of the pedestal members 8, 9 and 10 must be increased.
Such an increase in the number of the pedestal members 8, 9 and 10
beyond a certain range makes it difficult to firmly support the
washing machine.
[0013] To solve the above problem, it may be tried to place the
plurality of legs 4 of the washing machine on a longitudinally or
transversely extending elongated single leveling pedestal. However,
this has a problem in that various sizes of leveling pedestals
corresponding to various washing machine sizes have to be
prepared.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of
the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to
provide a leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine, which
can compensate a considerable height difference between stepped
ground surfaces and is adjustable in length to thereby be commonly
used in all kinds of washing machines regardless of the size of the
washing machine.
[0015] In accordance with the present invention, the above and
other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a leveling
pedestal usable with a washing machine comprising: a plurality of
pedestal sections connected to each other in a length adjustable
manner, the washing machine being placed on the connected pedestal
sections.
[0016] Preferably, one of the plurality of pedestal sections may be
internally formed with a space, and the other one of the plurality
of pedestal sections may be formed with an insert to be partially
or entirely inserted into the space.
[0017] Preferably, the space may open part of a lower surface and a
lateral end surface of one of the plurality of pedestal
sections.
[0018] Preferably, a vibration-proof member may be mounted at a
lower surface of the insert.
[0019] Preferably, holding pieces may be formed at one of the
insert and the space, and holding grooves may be formed at the
other one of the insert and the space, whereby the holding pieces
are slidably inserted into and engaged in the holding grooves.
[0020] Preferably, the holding pieces and the holding grooves may
be vertically elongated, and may be spaced apart from one another,
respectively, in a longitudinal direction of the pedestal.
[0021] Preferably, hooks may be formed at one of the plurality of
pedestal sections, and hook holes may be formed at the other one of
the plurality of pedestal sections for the engagement of the
hooks.
[0022] Preferably, the hooks and the hook holes may be spaced apart
from one another by a predetermined distance, respectively, in a
longitudinal direction of the pedestal.
[0023] Preferably, each of the pedestal sections may be formed at
an upper surface thereof with a leg seating recess to firmly fix a
respective one of legs of the washing machine.
[0024] Preferably, each of the pedestal sections may be formed at a
lower surface thereof with a vibration-proof member.
[0025] In the leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine
according to the present invention as stated above, since the
plurality of pedestal sections are connected to each other so that
the overall length of the leveling pedestal can be adjusted
depending on the size of the washing machine or a distance between
a plurality of legs of the washing machine, the leveling pedestal
is recyclable so as to correspond to different washing machine
sizes, achieving commonality in use.
[0026] Further, according to the present invention, one of the
pedestal sections is integrally formed with the space, and the
other pedestal section is formed with the insert to be partially or
entirely inserted into the space. Thereby, the overall length of
the leveling pedestal can be easily adjusted, resulting in
convenient use thereof.
[0027] Furthermore, as a result of forming holding pieces at one of
the insert and the space, and holding grooves at the other one of
the insert and the space to allow the holding pieces to be inserted
thereinto in a sliding manner, it is possible to prevent
unintentional length change or separation of the insert from the
space while ensuring easy connection between the plurality of
pedestal sections.
[0028] Finally, the plurality of pedestal sections are hooked to
one another so as not to be easily separated from each other by
vibration, resulting in improved product reliability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The above and other objects, features and other advantages
of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional
washing machine mounted on a stepped ground surface;
[0031] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
conventional leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a leveling
pedestal usable with a washing machine according to a first
embodiment of the present invention, which is mounted on a stepped
ground surface;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the leveling
pedestal of FIG. 3 prior to placing the washing machine
thereon;
[0034] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the leveling
pedestal of FIGS. 3 and 4;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state
of the leveling pedestal of FIG. 5 having the shortest length;
[0036] FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating the shortest
leveling pedestal of FIG. 6;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another assembled
state of the leveling pedestal of FIG. 5 having the longest
length;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating a leveling pedestal
usable with a washing machine according to a second embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0039] FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating a leveling pedestal
usable with a washing machine according to a third embodiment of
the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a leveling
pedestal usable with a washing machine according to a first
embodiment of the present invention, which is mounted on a stepped
ground surface. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the
leveling pedestal of FIG. 3 prior to placing the washing machine
thereon.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the leveling pedestal 60 usable
with the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the
present invention is designed so that a plurality of legs 4 of the
washing machine 1 is placed thereon when the washing machine 1 is
mounted on a stepped or inclined ground surface, thereby serving to
level the washing machine 1 entirely.
[0043] The leveling pedestal 60 includes a plurality of elongated
pedestal sections 62 and 64, which are connected to each other to
adjust the overall length of the leveling pedestal 60. The
plurality of legs 4 of the washing machine 1 is placed on the
pedestal sections 62 and 64, respectively.
[0044] To allow the legs 4 of the washing machine 1 to be firmly
fixed in place, the pedestal sections 62 and 64 are indented at
upper surfaces thereof with leg seating recesses 56 and 58,
respectively.
[0045] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the
leveling pedestal 60 is located beneath a front side of the washing
machine 1 so that a pair of front legs 4 of the washing machine 1
is placed on opposite ends thereof. Otherwise, the leveling
pedestal 60 may be located beneath a rear side of the washing
machine 1 so that a pair of rear legs 4 of the washing machine 1 is
placed on the opposite ends thereof.
[0046] Admittedly, it should be understood that the leveling
pedestal 60 may be located beneath one of opposite lateral sides of
the washing machine 1 so that the respective front and rear legs,
located at one of the lateral sides of the washing machine 1, are
placed on the opposite ends thereof.
[0047] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the
leveling pedestal 60 is limited to be arranged beneath the front
side of the washing machine 1 to extend throughout the front
side.
[0048] Also, the leveling pedestal 60 may be formed by connecting
two pedestal sections 62 and 64 to each other in a length
adjustable manner, or by connecting three or more pedestal sections
to one another in a length adjustable manner. Hereinafter, for the
convenience of explanation, the leveling pedestal 60 is limited to
the length adjustable connection of the two pedestal sections 62
and 64.
[0049] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the leveling
pedestal of FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view
illustrating an assembled state of the leveling pedestal of FIG. 5
having the shortest length. FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating
the shortest leveling pedestal of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective
view illustrating another assembled state of the leveling pedestal
of FIG. 5 having the longest length.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, one of the pedestal sections, i.e. a
first pedestal section 62, is internally formed with a space 66,
and the other pedestal section, i.e. a second pedestal section 64,
is formed with an insert 67 to be partially or entirely inserted
into the space 66.
[0051] The space 66 opens part of a lower surface and a lateral end
surface of the first pedestal section 62.
[0052] The overall length of the leveling pedestal 60 is determined
depending on the length of a portion of the insert 67 inserted into
the space 66.
[0053] If the insert 67 is inserted deep into the space 66, the
overall length of the leveling pedestal 60 is shortened.
Conversely, if the insert 67 is only slightly inserted into the
space 66, the overall length of the leveling pedestal 60 is
lengthened.
[0054] Meanwhile, in order to prevent the insert 67, inserted in
the space 66, from being pushed in a longitudinal direction of the
leveling pedestal 60, holding pieces 68 are formed at one of the
insert 67 and the space 66, and holding grooves 70 are formed at
the other one of the insert 67 and the space 66, so that the
holding pieces 68 are slidably inserted into and engaged in the
holding grooves 70.
[0055] For the convenience of explanation, the following
description is limited to that the holding pieces 68 are formed at
the first pedestal section 62 having the space 66, and the holding
grooves 70 are formed at the insert 67 of the second pedestal
section 64.
[0056] Each of the holding pieces 68 has an elongated rib shape
protruding along an inner wall surface of the first pedestal
section 62 defining the space 66. Each of the holding grooves 70 is
indented along an outer wall surface of the insert 67 to have the
same shape as the holding piece 68.
[0057] The holding groove 70 is slightly wider than the holding
piece 68, so that the holding piece 68 is able to be vertically
slidably inserted into the holding groove 70, but is not moved
after being inserted in the holding groove 70.
[0058] Here, both the holding piece 68 and the holding groove 70
have a vertically elongated shape. With this configuration, when
the insert 67, formed with the holding groove 70, is inserted into
the space 66 from a lower side of the space 66, the holding piece
68 vertically slides along the holding groove 70 to thereby be
inserted into the holding groove 70 so as not to move in a
longitudinal direction of the leveling pedestal 60.
[0059] Respective two holding pieces 68 form a pair, and similarly,
respective two holding grooves 70 form a pair.
[0060] The two holding pieces 68 of each pair are spaced apart from
each other by the same distance as that between the two holding
grooves 70 of each pair.
[0061] In the present invention, a plurality of pairs of the
holding pieces 68 and a plurality of pairs of the holding grooves
70 are longitudinally spaced apart from one another, respectively,
so that the overall length of the leveling pedestal 60 is able to
be adjusted in a multistage manner.
[0062] For the convenience of explanation, the following
description is limited to that the length of the leveling pedestal
60 is adjustable in three stages.
[0063] That is, the leveling pedestal 60 is provided with three
holding pieces, i.e. leftmost holding piece 68, middle holding
piece 68', and rightmost holding piece 68'', and three holding
grooves, i.e. leftmost holding groove 70, middle holding groove
70', and rightmost holding groove 70''.
[0064] When the leftmost holding piece 68 is inserted into the
leftmost holding groove 70, the middle holding piece 68' is
inserted into the middle holding groove 70', and the rightmost
holding piece 68'' is inserted into the rightmost holding groove
70'', as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the leveling pedestal 60 has the
shortest length. On the other hand, when only the leftmost holding
piece 68 is inserted into the rightmost holding groove 70'', as
shown in FIG. 8, the leveling pedestal 60 has the longest length.
Also, when the leftmost holding piece 68 is inserted into the
middle holding groove 70' and the middle holding piece 68' is
inserted into the rightmost holding groove 70'', the leveling
pedestal 60 has the medium length.
[0065] The leftmost, middle, and rightmost holding pieces 68, 68',
and 68'' are spaced apart from one another by the same distance as
that between the leftmost, middle, and rightmost holding grooves
70, 70', and 70''.
[0066] In the leveling pedestal 60 of the present invention,
further, hooks 72 are formed at one of the plurality of pedestal
sections 62 and 64, and, correspondingly, hook holes 74 are formed
at the other one of the pedestal sections 62 and 64 for the
engagement of the hooks 72.
[0067] Both the hooks 72 and the hook holes 74 serve as fasteners
to maintain the engaged state between the insert 67 and the space
66 without the risk of vertical separation therebetween. The hooks
72 are formed at appropriately selected positions near the
respective holding pieces 68, 68', and 68'', and the hook holes 74
are formed at appropriately selected positions near the respective
holding grooves 70, 70', and 70'' to correspond to the hooks
72.
[0068] The hooks 72 protrude from a lower end of the inner wall
surface of the first pedestal section 62 having the space 66, and
the hooks holes 74 are formed at a lower end of the insert 67.
[0069] The leveling pedestal 60 is also provided with
vibration-proof members 76 and 78 at lower surfaces of the
respective pedestal sections 62 and 64.
[0070] Preferably, the vibration-proof members 76 and 78 are
positioned immediately below the leg seating recesses 56 and 58 to
prevent bending or drooping of the pedestal sections 62 and 64.
[0071] Now, the operation of the present invention configured as
stated above will be explained.
[0072] First, based on a measured result related to a distance
between the plurality of legs 4 of the washing machine 1, the
plurality of pedestal sections 62 and 64 are assembled so that a
distance between the leg seating grooves 56 and 58 thereof is equal
to the measured distance of the plurality of legs 4.
[0073] If the distance between the legs 4 is short, the insert 67
is mostly or entirely inserted into the space 66 so that all the
holding pieces 68, 68', and 68'' are inserted into the holding
grooves 70, 70', and 70'', respectively. Conversely, if the
distance between the legs 4 is long, the insert 67 is only
partially inserted into the space 66 so that only the leftmost
holding piece 68 is inserted into the rightmost holding groove
70''.
[0074] When the insert 67 is inserted deep into the space 66, the
insert 67 is locked so as not to be separated in an opposite
direction of an insertion direction thereof as the hook holes 74
are downwardly caught by the hooks 72.
[0075] That is, the leveling pedestal 60 is restricted in
longitudinal separation thereof by virtue of the holding pieces
caught by the holding grooves, and is also restricted in vertical
separation thereof by virtue of the hook holes 74 caught by the
hooks 72.
[0076] After completing the assembly of the plurality of pedestal
sections 62 and 64, the respective legs 4 of the washing machine 1
are inserted and fixed in the leg seating recesses 56 and 58 of the
pedestal sections 62 and 64. Thereby, the leveling pedestal 60 acts
to level the washing machine 1.
[0077] Meanwhile, when it is desired to use the leveling pedestal
60 according to the embodiment of the present invention with
another washing machine (not shown) having a different distance
between the plurality of legs 4, the pedestal sections 62 and 64 of
the leveling pedestal 60 are reassembled so that the distance
between the leg seating recesses 56 and 58 thereof corresponds to
the different distance of the plurality of legs 4.
[0078] That is, first, opposite walls of the first pedestal section
62 defining the space 66 are sufficiently separated to allow the
insert 67 to be separated from the space 66. After separation of
the insert 67, the plurality of pedestal sections 62 and 64 are
able to be reassembled so that the distance between the leg seating
recesses 56 and 58 thereof is adjusted to correspond to the
distance between the plurality of legs 4.
[0079] Thereby, if the plurality of legs 4 of the washing machine
are inserted and fixed in the leg seating recesses 56 and 68 of the
pedestal sections 62 and 64, the length adjusted leveling pedestal
60 can be used to level the washing machine (not shown).
[0080] FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating a leveling pedestal
usable with a washing machine according to a second embodiment of
the present invention.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 9, in the second embodiment of the present
invention, an additional vibration-proof member 78' is mounted at a
lower surface of the insert 67 to prevent vibrational separation
between the insert 67 and the space 66 and to more stably support
the washing machine 1.
[0082] FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating a leveling pedestal
usable with a washing machine according to a third embodiment of
the present invention.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 10, in the third embodiment of the present
invention, a plurality of holding pieces 68 are spaced apart from
one another by an equal distance t1, and the plurality of holding
grooves 70 are spaced apart from one another by an equal distance
t2 to allow the overall length of the pedestal section 60 to be
adjusted in an increased multistage manner as compared to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0084] As is apparent from the above description, the present
invention provides a leveling pedestal usable with a washing
machine having the following advantages.
[0085] Firstly, according to the present invention, the leveling
pedestal is formed by connecting a plurality of pedestal sections
to each other so that the overall length thereof can be adjusted
depending on the size of the washing machine or a distance between
a plurality of legs of the washing machine. With this
configuration, the leveling pedestal is variable in size so as to
correspond to different washing machine sizes, achieving
commonality in use.
[0086] Secondly, one of the pedestal sections is integrally formed
with a space, and the other pedestal section is formed with an
insert to be partially or entirely inserted into the space.
Thereby, the overall length of the leveling pedestal can be easily
adjusted, resulting in convenient use thereof.
[0087] Thirdly, according to the present invention, holding pieces
are formed at one of the insert and the space, and holding grooves
are formed at the other one of the insert and the space to allow
the holding pieces to be inserted thereinto in a sliding manner.
Using the holding pieces and the holding grooves is effective to
prevent unintentional length change or separation of the insert
from the space while ensuring easy connection between the plurality
of pedestal sections.
[0088] Fourthly, the plurality of pedestal sections are hooked to
one another so as not to be easily separated from each other by
vibration, resulting in improved product reliability.
[0089] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying
claims.
* * * * *