U.S. patent application number 16/488481 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-19 for clothes processing apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Sangyong LEE.
Application Number | 20190382938 16/488481 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63252840 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-19 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190382938 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Sangyong |
December 19, 2019 |
CLOTHES PROCESSING APPARATUS
Abstract
The present invention relates a package assembly comprising: a
support unit which can seat any one of a first cabinet and a second
cabinet on the other one of the first cabinet and the second
cabinet to carry the first cabinet and the second cabinet as one
set.
Inventors: |
LEE; Sangyong; (Seoul,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG Electronics Inc. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
63252840 |
Appl. No.: |
16/488481 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
February 23, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2018/002229 |
371 Date: |
August 23, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/113 20130101;
D06F 39/001 20130101; B65D 81/107 20130101; D06F 39/00 20130101;
B65D 85/64 20130101; B65D 25/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/00 20060101
D06F039/00; B65D 81/113 20060101 B65D081/113; B65D 85/64 20060101
B65D085/64 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 24, 2017 |
KR |
10-2017-0024931 |
Claims
1. A packaging assembly comprising: a support part configured to
seat one of the first cabinet and a second cabinet on top of the
other one of the first cabinet and the second cabinet first cabinet
and the second cabinet on top of the other one of the first cabinet
and the second cabinet to transport the first cabinet and the
second cabinet as one set.
2. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the support part
comprises a support frame configured to accommodate the first
cabinet therein and support the second cabinet placed thereon.
3. The packaging assembly of claim 2, wherein the support frame
comprises: an upper frame spaced apart from each corner of a top
surface of the first cabinet; and a plurality of side frames
extending downward from each vertex of the upper frame.
4. The packaging assembly of claim 3, further comprising: an upper
shock absorption member detachably provided to a corner of a top
surface of the first cabinet to support the upper frame; and a side
shock absorption member detachably provided to side corners of the
first cabinet to contact the side frames.
5. The packaging assembly of claim 4, further comprising: a lower
shock absorption member detachably arranged on a bottom surface of
the first cabinet to support the first cabinet and the side shock
absorption member.
6. The packaging assembly of claim 5, wherein the upper shock
absorption member is provided with an upper groove at a corner of
the upper shock absorption member, the upper groove accommodating
at least one of the upper frame and the side frame.
7. The packaging assembly of claim 6, wherein the upper groove
comprises: a first groove defined by one stepped corner of the
upper shock absorption member to accommodate the upper frame; and a
second groove defined by a stepped corner adjacent to opposite ends
of the one corner to accommodate the side frame.
8. The packaging assembly of claim 4, wherein the side shock
absorption member comprises: a side groove defined by a stepped
corner of the side shock absorption member positioned farthest from
the first cabinet, the side groove accommodating the side
frame.
9. The packaging assembly of claim 5, wherein the side frame
extends from the upper frame to a lower end of the lower shock
absorption member, wherein the lower shock absorption member
comprises a lower groove formed at each vertex thereof to
accommodate the side frame.
10. The packaging assembly of claim 9, wherein the lower shock
absorption member comprises an accommodation groove formed in a top
surface thereof to accommodate a lower portion of the first
cabinet.
11. The packaging assembly of claim 10, further comprising: a lower
accommodation part configured to accommodate a lower portion of the
lower shock absorption member and fix lower ends of the plurality
of side frames.
12. The packaging assembly of claim 11, wherein the lower
accommodation part is formed of a material having high
brittleness.
13. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the first cabinet
comprises a first clothes accommodation part configured to
accommodate clothes therein, wherein the support part comprises a
fixing part arranged on the second cabinet to support the first
clothes accommodation part.
14. The packaging assembly of claim 13, wherein the second cabinet
comprises a second clothes accommodation part configured to
accommodate clothes therein, wherein the fixing part is supported
by the second clothes accommodation part to support the first
clothes accommodation part.
15. The packaging assembly of claim 14, wherein the fixing part is
supported by the second clothes accommodation part and arranged
through a top surface of the second cabinet and a bottom surface of
the first cabinet to support the first clothes accommodation
part.
16. The packaging assembly of claim 15, wherein the fixing part
comprises: a closing fixing part arranged on an top surface of the
second clothes accommodation part so as to be parallel to the top
surface of the second cabinet; and a supporting fixing part coupled
to an upper portion of the closing fixing part to support the first
clothes accommodation part.
17. The packaging assembly of claim 16, wherein the closing fixing
part comprises: a closing body supported on the top surface of the
second clothes accommodation part to close a penetrated portion of
the second cabinet; a slide groove formed in a top surface of the
closing body to guide a coupling position of the supporting fixing
part; and a coupling groove formed the top surface of the closing
body and coupled with the supporting fixing part to fix the
supporting fixing part.
18. The packaging assembly of claim 17, wherein the supporting
fixing part comprises: a fixing body fixed to the closing fixing
part to support the first clothes accommodation part; a slide rib
protruding from the fixing body so as to slide in the slide groove;
and a coupling protrusion protruding from the fixing body so as to
be inserted into the coupling groove and coupled thereto.
19. The packaging assembly of claim 18, wherein one of the coupling
protrusion and the coupling groove is provided with a magnetic
force generator configured to generate a magnetic field, and the
other one of the coupling protrusion and the coupling groove is
provided with a magnetic member magnetized by the magnetic field of
the magnetic force generator.
20. The packaging assembly of claim 13, wherein the first cabinet
further comprises a rear panel defining a rear surface of the first
cabinet and detachably provided to the first cabinet, wherein the
fixing part is removed from the second cabinet by separating the
rear panel from the first cabinet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a National Stage application under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 371 of International Application No.
PCT/KR2018/002229, filed on Feb. 23, 2018, which claims the benefit
of Korean Application No. 10-2017-0024931, filed on Feb. 24, 2017.
The disclosures of the prior applications are incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a packaging assembly of a
laundry treating apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In general, the term "laundry treating apparatus" refers to
an apparatus capable of performing washing and drying or either
washing or drying of clothes and the like. Here, the laundry
treating apparatus may perform only the washing or drying function,
or both the washing function and the drying function. Recently,
washing machines provided with a steam supply device to perform a
refresh function of removing wrinkles, odors, static electricity,
and the like from clothes have been used.
[0004] Conventional laundry treating apparatuses are divided into a
front loading type and a top loading type according to a retrieval
direction of clothes. A typical example of this horizontal type is
a drum washing machine or a drum dryer.
[0005] The front load type laundry treating apparatus refers to a
laundry treating apparatus that has an opening formed in the front
and a rotary shaft of the drum parallel to the ground or inclined
with respect to the ground at a constant angle. The top load type
laundry treating apparatus has an opening formed at the top and a
rotary shaft of the drum vertically with respect to the ground.
[0006] These laundry treating apparatuses are gradually increasing
in size in response to the demand of users in recent years. In
other words, the size of the washing machine used for home use is
gradually increasing.
[0007] Generally, each household is equipped with one high-capacity
laundry treating apparatus. Accordingly, when the laundry is to be
washed by classifying the clothes according to the types of the
clothes, the laundry treating apparatus is used many times. For
example, when laundry such as adult clothes and laundry such as
underwear or baby clothes need to be separately washed, the laundry
treating apparatus will be used to wash the latter laundry after
washing of the former laundry is completed. As a result, a long
time and large energy consumption are required to perform the
washing operation.
[0008] Further, it is not desirable in terms of energy saving to
use a large laundry treating apparatus in washing a small amount of
clothing as in the conventional cases. Most washing phases provided
in large laundry treating apparatuses assume a large amount of
laundry, and thus consume a large amount of water. In addition,
they cause large power consumption as they need to rotate a large
drum or inner tub.
[0009] In addition, since the washing phase assumes a large amount
of laundry, a relatively long time is taken for washing.
[0010] In addition, since the large laundry treating apparatus is
provided with a washing phase assuming typical clothes, it may not
be suitable for washing of delicate fabrics such as underwear or
baby clothes.
[0011] Further, a large laundry treating apparatus is not suitable
for a case where a small amount of laundry needs to be frequently
washed. Consumers collect laundry for a few days or a longer period
to wash the laundry at a time. It is not good in terms of
cleanliness to leave underwear and baby clothes unwashed for a long
time. When the laundry is left unwashed for a long time, stains are
likely to stick to the fabrics and thus the laundry is not
thoroughly washed.
[0012] Accordingly, there is a need for a small laundry treating
apparatus which has a much smaller capacity than the conventional
large laundry treating apparatus.
[0013] However, even when small-size laundry treating apparatuses
are used, it is not desirable in terms of space utilization and
aesthetics to install two laundry treating apparatuses side by side
in the same house.
[0014] In recent years, in order to address the issues described
above, a laundry treating apparatus combining a small laundry
treating apparatus and a large laundry treating apparatus has
emerged.
[0015] Accordingly, a small amount of clothing can be washed in the
small laundry treating apparatus, and a large amount of clothing or
bulky clothing can be washed in the large laundry treating
apparatus. As a result, space utilization may be improved, and
water, energy, and time may be saved.
[0016] However, the large laundry treating apparatus and the small
laundry treating apparatus need to be individually packed and
transported, thereby causing inconvenience.
[0017] In particular, in the case where the large laundry treating
apparatus and the small laundry treating apparatus constitute one
set, the large laundry treating apparatus and the small laundry
treating apparatus need to be packed separately and then
transported, which causes inconvenience.
[0018] Manufacturers undergo inconvenience as they are required to
pack or transport large laundry treating apparatuses and small
laundry treating apparatuses separately rather than packing a large
laundry treating apparatus and a small laundry treating apparatuses
together as a set.
[0019] Sellers also undergo inconvenience as they are required to
display the large laundry treating apparatuses and the small
laundry treating apparatuses separately, or to rearrange and
classify each pair of the large laundry treating apparatus and the
small laundry treating apparatus.
[0020] As the large laundry treating apparatus and the small
laundry treating apparatus are separately packed and arranged,
consumers may not recognize that the large laundry treating
apparatus and the small laundry treating apparatus are configured
in pair.
[0021] In addition, since the packed large laundry treating
apparatus and the packed small laundry treating apparatus are not
arranged in position for actual use, consumers may not have a clear
understanding of the layout and structure of the pair.
[0022] Further, when the large laundry treating apparatus and the
small laundry treating apparatus are stacked and transported, the
laundry treating apparatuses may be damaged by an impact.
[0023] In addition, the internal components of the large laundry
treating apparatus and the small laundry treating apparatus are
likely to be shaken and damaged during the transportation, and thus
each of the laundry treating apparatuses needs a separate member
for preventing shaking.
DISCLOSURE
Technical Problem
[0024] An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging
assembly for packaging and transporting the large laundry treating
apparatus and the small laundry treating apparatus as a pair.
[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
packaging assembly for packaging and transporting the large laundry
treating apparatus and the small laundry treating apparatus
together at a time.
[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
packaging assembly for preventing breakage and damage in packaging
and transporting the large laundry treating apparatus and the small
laundry treating apparatus.
[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
packaging assembly capable of preventing internal components of the
large laundry treating apparatus and the small laundry treating
apparatus from shaking as one device.
[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
packaging assembly for packaging and transporting the large laundry
treating apparatus and the small laundry treating apparatus as one
package such that consumers recognize the laundry treating
apparatuses as one pair.
[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
packaging assembly for packaging the large laundry treating
apparatus and the small laundry treating apparatus arranged in
position for actual use.
Technical Solution
[0030] In one aspect of the present invention, provided herein is a
packaging assembly including a support part configured to seat one
of the first cabinet and a second cabinet on top of the other one
of the first cabinet and the second cabinet first cabinet and the
second cabinet on top of the other one of the first cabinet and the
second cabinet to transport the first cabinet and the second
cabinet as one set.
[0031] The support part may include a support frame configured to
accommodate the first cabinet therein and support the second
cabinet placed thereon.
[0032] The support frame may include an upper frame spaced apart
from each corner of a top surface of the first cabinet, and a
plurality of side frames extending downward from each vertex of the
upper frame.
[0033] The packaging assembly may further include an upper shock
absorption member detachably provided to a corner of a top surface
of the first cabinet to support the upper frame, and a side shock
absorption member detachably provided to side corners of the first
cabinet to contact the side frames.
[0034] The packaging assembly may further include a lower shock
absorption member detachably arranged on a bottom surface of the
first cabinet to support the first cabinet and the side shock
absorption member.
[0035] The upper shock absorption member may be provided with an
upper groove at a corner of the upper shock absorption member, the
upper groove accommodating at least one of the upper frame and the
side frame.
[0036] The upper groove may include a first groove defined by one
stepped corner of the upper shock absorption member to accommodate
the upper frame, and a second groove defined by a stepped corner
adjacent to opposite ends of the one corner to accommodate the side
frame.
[0037] The side shock absorption member may include a side groove
defined by a stepped corner of the side shock absorption member
positioned farthest from the first cabinet, the side groove
accommodating the side frame.
[0038] The side frame may extend from the upper frame to a lower
end of the lower shock absorption member, wherein the lower shock
absorption member may include a lower groove formed at each vertex
thereof to accommodate the side frame.
[0039] The lower shock absorption member may include an
accommodation groove formed in a top surface thereof to accommodate
a lower portion of the first cabinet.
[0040] The packaging assembly may further include a lower
accommodation part configured to accommodate a lower portion of the
lower shock absorption member and fix lower ends of the plurality
of side frames.
[0041] The lower accommodation part may be formed of a material
having high brittleness.
[0042] The first cabinet may include a first clothes accommodation
part configured to accommodate clothes therein, wherein the support
part may include a fixing part arranged on the second cabinet to
support the first clothes accommodation part.
[0043] The second cabinet may include a second clothes
accommodation part configured to accommodate clothes therein,
wherein the fixing part may be supported by the second clothes
accommodation part to support the first clothes accommodation
part.
[0044] The fixing part may be supported by the second clothes
accommodation part and arranged through a top surface of the second
cabinet and a bottom surface of the first cabinet to support the
first clothes accommodation part.
[0045] The fixing part may include a closing fixing part arranged
on an top surface of the second clothes accommodation part so as to
be parallel to the top surface of the second cabinet, and a
supporting fixing part coupled to an upper portion of the closing
fixing part to support the first clothes accommodation part.
[0046] The closing fixing part may include a closing body supported
on the top surface of the second clothes accommodation part to
close a penetrated portion of the second cabinet, a slide groove
formed in a top surface of the closing body to guide a coupling
position of the supporting fixing part, and a coupling groove
formed the top surface of the closing body and coupled with the
supporting fixing part to fix the supporting fixing part.
[0047] The supporting fixing part may include a fixing body fixed
to the closing fixing part to support the first clothes
accommodation part, a slide rib protruding from the fixing body so
as to slide in the slide groove, and a coupling protrusion
protruding from the fixing body so as to be inserted into the
coupling groove and coupled thereto.
[0048] One of the coupling protrusion and the coupling groove may
be provided with a magnetic force generator configured to generate
a magnetic field, and the other one of the coupling protrusion and
the coupling groove may be provided with a magnetic member
magnetized by the magnetic field of the magnetic force
generator.
[0049] The first cabinet may further include a rear panel defining
a rear surface of the first cabinet and detachably provided to the
first cabinet, wherein the fixing part may be removed from the
second cabinet by separating the rear panel from the first
cabinet.
Advantageous Effects
[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
packaging assembly may enable the large laundry treating apparatus
and the small laundry treating apparatus to be packaged and
transported as a pair.
[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
packaging assembly may enable the large laundry treating apparatus
and the small laundry treating apparatus to be packaged and
transported together at a time.
[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
packaging assembly may prevent breakage and damage in packaging and
transporting the large laundry treating apparatus and the small
laundry treating apparatus.
[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
packaging assembly may prevent internal components of the large
laundry treating apparatus and the small laundry treating apparatus
from shaking as one apparatus. The packaging assembly may enable
the large laundry treating apparatus and the small laundry treating
apparatus to be packaged and transported as one package. Thereby,
consumers may recognize the laundry treating apparatuses as one
pair.
[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
packaging assembly may enable the large laundry treating apparatus
and the small laundry treating apparatus to be arranged in position
for actual use and packaged.
[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
packaging assembly may enable sellers and consumers to clearly
recognize that the large laundry treating apparatus and the small
laundry treating apparatus constitute one pair.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0056] FIG. 1 shows the structure of a laundry treating apparatus
packaged in a packaging assembly according to the present
invention.
[0057] FIG. 2 shows the structure of a second laundry treating
apparatus.
[0058] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the packaging assembly
according to the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 4 shows the structure of a shock absorption member.
[0060] FIG. 5 shows a structure of the packaging assembly capable
of carrying a first cabinet and a second cabinet
simultaneously.
[0061] FIG. 6 shows completeness of the packaging assembly.
[0062] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the packaging assembly
according to the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 8 shows the second laundry treating apparatus provided
with a fixing part.
[0064] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a detailed structure of the fixing
part.
[0065] FIG. 11 illustrates installation and release of the fixing
part.
BEST MODE
[0066] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings. The configuration or control method of the apparatus
described below is not intended to limit the scope of the present
invention, but to describe the embodiments of the present
invention. The same reference numerals will be used throughout the
specification to refer to the same or like parts.
[0067] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings. The configuration or control method of the apparatus
described below is not intended to limit the scope of the present
invention, but to describe the embodiments of the present
invention. The same reference numerals will be used throughout the
specification to refer to the same or like parts.
[0068] The present invention is directed to a packaging assembly
capable of packaging a first cabinet 110 defining the appearance of
the first laundry treating apparatus 100 and a second cabinet 210
defining the appearance of the second laundry treating apparatus
200 as a pair (a set).
[0069] FIG. 1 shows the basic structure of a first laundry treating
apparatus 100 and a second laundry treating apparatus 200 which are
to be packaged by the packaging assembly of the present
invention.
[0070] The first laundry treating apparatus 100 may be larger than
the second laundry treating apparatus 200. Both the first laundry
treating apparatus 100 and the second laundry treating apparatus
200 may be provided as washing apparatuses.
[0071] The first laundry treating apparatus 100 may have a larger
washing capacity than the second laundry treating apparatus 200,
and the second laundry treating apparatus 200 may be provided as an
auxiliary laundry treating apparatus for the first laundry treating
apparatus 100.
[0072] The second laundry treating apparatus 200 may be arranged
under the first laundry treating apparatus 100.
[0073] However, unlike the illustrated example, the second laundry
treating apparatus 200 may be arranged at the top of or on a side
of the first laundry treating apparatus 100.
[0074] When the second laundry treating apparatus 200 is arranged
under the first laundry treating apparatus 100, the second laundry
treating apparatus 200 may be provided a drawer type laundry
treating apparatus in order to avoid interference with the first
laundry treating apparatus 100.
[0075] The first laundry treating apparatus 100 may be provided as
a front load type laundry treating apparatus, which has an opening
in the front thereof, and the second laundry treating apparatus 200
may be provided as a top load type laundry treating apparatus,
which has an opening at the top thereof.
[0076] The first laundry treating apparatus 100 may include a first
cabinet 110 defining the appearance thereof, a first tub 120
arranged inside the cabinet 110 to store water, a first drum 130
rotatably arranged in the first tub 120 to accommodate clothes, a
first drive unit 140 coupled to the first tub 120 to rotate the
first drum 130, a first damper 150 configured to fix the first tub
120 to the first cabinet 110, a first water supply unit 160
configured to supply water to the first tub 120, and a first
drainage unit 170 configured to drain water from the first tub
120.
[0077] The first laundry treating apparatus 110 may be provided as
a dryer. In this case, the first tub 120 may be omitted and only
the first drum 130 may be provided in the first cabinet 110.
[0078] The first cabinet 110 may be provided with an opening in the
front thereof, and the first laundry treating apparatus 100 may
include a first door 122 configure to open and close an
introduction port of the first tub 110 and the opening.
[0079] The first laundry treating apparatus 100 may also include a
first gasket 123 configured to seal a gap between the first cabinet
110 and the first tub 120.
[0080] The first water supply unit 160 may include a water supply
pipe and a detergent box. The first drainage unit 170 may include a
drain pump and a drain pipe. The first water supply unit 160 and
the first drainage unit 170 may be formed in any structure as long
as they can supply water to the first tub 120 and drain water.
[0081] The first drive unit 140 may include a first stator 141
arranged on the rear surface of the first tub 120 to generate a
rotating magnetic field, a first rotor 142 rotated by the first
stator 141, a rotary shaft 143 configured to rotate together with
the first rotor 142 to rotate the first drum 130.
[0082] The second laundry treating apparatus 200 may be provided as
an auxiliary laundry treating apparatus for the first laundry
treating apparatus 100 to constitute one set together with the
first laundry treating apparatus 100. The second laundry treating
apparatus 200 may be formed to have a smaller volume than the first
laundry treating apparatus to wash a small amount of clothes.
[0083] The second laundry treating apparatus 200 may include a
second cabinet 210 configured to support the first laundry treating
apparatus 100 and defining the appearance of the second laundry
treating apparatus 200, the second cabinet being provided with a
second opening 211 in the front thereof, a drawer 220 arranged
inside the second cabinet 210 so as to be drawn out of or inserted
into the second opening 211, a second tub 230 arranged inside the
drawer 220 to store water, a second drum 240 rotatably arranged
inside the second tub 230 to accommodate clothes, a second drive
unit 240 coupled to the second tub 230 to rotate the second drum
240, and a second damper 260 configured to fix the second tub 230
to the drawer 220.
[0084] The second laundry treating apparatus 200 may include a
second water supply unit 270 configured to supply water to the
second tub 230, and a second drainage unit 280 configured to drain
water from the second tub 230. The second water supply unit 270 and
the second drainage unit 280 may be provided with a flexible tube
consider that the drawer 220 is drawn out forward.
[0085] On the other hand, the second laundry treating apparatus 200
may be provided as a dryer. In this case, the second tub 230 may be
omitted.
[0086] The second drive unit 240 may include a second stator 241
arranged on a bottom surface of the second tub 230 to generate a
rotating magnetic field, a second rotor 242 rotated by the second
stator 241, and a second rotary shaft 243 configured to rotate
together with the second rotor 242 to rotate the second drum
240.
[0087] The second damper 260 may include a first bracket 261
protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the drawer 220, a
second bracket 262 protruding from the outer circumferential
surface of the second tub 230 and positioned lower than the first
bracket 261, and a connection bar 265 connecting the first bracket
261 and the second bracket 262.
[0088] Hereinafter, at least one of the first tub 120 and the first
drum 130 is referred to as a first clothes accommodation part 121,
and at least one of the second tub 230 and the second drum 240 is
referred to as a second clothes accommodation part 231.
[0089] This is because the same packaging method and structure are
used regardless of whether the first cabinet 110 and the second
cabinet 210 are provided as washing apparatuses or dryers.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 2, the drawer 220 may be drawn out of the
second opening 211 of the second cabinet 210. The drawer 220 may
include a drawer panel 222 arranged at the front thereof and formed
to be larger than the second opening 211.
[0091] The drawer 220 may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped
shape and provided with an open surface 221 at the top thereof to
allow the outside of the drawer 220 to communicate with the second
tub 230.
[0092] The second tub 230 may be provided with an introduction port
at the top thereof so as to communicate with the open surface 221.
The introduction port may be opened and closed by the second door
232.
[0093] The second door 232 may be provided to any one of the drawer
220 or the second tub 230 to open and close the introduction port
of the second tub 230.
[0094] The second door 232 may include a frame 232a defining the
appearance of the second door 232, a hinge 232c provided at the
rear of the frame 232a and having an axis of rotation of the second
door 232, and a window 232b provided on an inner surface of the
second frame 232a to allow the inside of the second tub 230 to be
seen therethrough.
[0095] The second door 232 may be arranged to rotate upward from
the second drawer 220 and not to be introduced into the second tub
230.
[0096] That is, the second door 232 may have a larger diameter than
the introduction port of the second tub 230.
[0097] FIG. 3 shows a structure of a packaging assembly capable of
packaging the first laundry treating apparatus and the second
laundry treating apparatus as a pair so as to be transported
together.
[0098] The packaging assembly of the present invention include a
support part 300 configured to seat and support one of the first
cabinet 110 and the second cabinet 210 on the other one of the
first cabinet 110 and the first cabinet 110. The packaging assembly
may be configured to transport the first cabinet 110 and the second
cabinet 210 at a time.
[0099] The support part 300 may include a support frame 310
configured to accommodate the first cabinet 110 and support the
second cabinet 210 arranged thereon.
[0100] The support frame 310 may be provided as a rigid body
capable of maintaining a certain shape.
[0101] The second cabinet 210 may be disposed on the support frame
310 (see FIG. 5). The first cabinet 110 may be disposed inside the
support frame 310 so as not to collide with or contact the second
cabinet 210.
[0102] Since the support frame 310 has its own thickness, the
second cabinet 210 is unlikely to collide with or contact the first
cabinet 110 even when it is brought into contact with or seated on
the top surface of the first cabinet 110.
[0103] In addition, even if the packaging assembly 300 overturns or
falls while the first cabinet 110 and the second cabinet 210 are
transported together with the support frame 310, most of the shock
may be absorbed by the support frame 310, and the support frame 310
may prevent the first cabinet 110 and the second cabinet 210 from
colliding with each other.
[0104] The support frame 310 may be formed of a brittle material in
consideration of shock absorption.
[0105] Thus, the support frame 310 may be formed of a wood
material. When the support frame 310 is provided with a material
such as wood, it may have rigidity high enough to support the
second frame 210 and may be broken when subjected to impact.
Accordingly, the support frame may minimize damage to the first
cabinet 110 and the second cabinet 210 when the assembly is dropped
or overturned.
[0106] In order to prevent shock applied to the support frame 310
from being transmitted to the first cabinet 110, the support frame
310 may be formed to occupy a larger volume than the first cabinet
110.
[0107] The support frame 310 may include an upper frame 311 spaced
apart from a top surface of the first cabinet 110 by a
predetermined distance, and a plurality of side frames 312
extending from each vertex of the upper frame 110 toward the bottom
surface of the first cabinet 110.
[0108] The upper frame 311 may be formed to correspond to the shape
of the upper surface of the first cabinet 110. For example, the
upper frame 310 may have a rectangular shape.
[0109] The side frames 312 may be integrated with the upper frame
311, and may be longer than the height of the first cabinet 110.
Accordingly, the side frames 312 may keep the upper frame 311
spaced apart from the top surface of the first cabinet 110.
[0110] The support frame 310 may have a shape obtained by enlarging
the shape of the first cabinet 110 at a predetermined ratio.
[0111] Accordingly, when the assembly overturns or falls, the
support frame 310 may not transmit a shock applied directly thereto
to the first cabinet 110.
[0112] In addition, the support frame 310 may not have a separate
frame at the bottom thereof. The side frame 312 have an upper end
connected to the upper frame 311, and a lower end configured as a
free end. Accordingly, when the packaging assembly 300 overturns or
falls, the side frame 312 may be spread or broken in all
directions, thereby absorbing most of the shock applied
thereto.
[0113] The packaging assembly 300 of the present invention may
further include a shock absorption member 320 detachably provided
at a corner of the first cabinet 110 to absorb shock.
[0114] The shock absorption member 320 may be arranged to fill the
space between the support frame 310 and the first cabinet 110 and
to support the support frame 310 to maintain the shape of the
support frame 310.
[0115] In addition, when the support frame 310 overturns or falls,
or when external shock is transmitted to the support frame 310, the
shock absorption member may absorb shock to protect the first
cabinet 110.
[0116] The shock absorption member 320 may be formed of a material
capable of absorbing external shock. For example, it may be formed
of polystyrene or a porous material.
[0117] The shock absorption member 320 may include an upper shock
absorption member 321 detachably provided to a corner of the top
surface of the first cabinet 110 to support the upper frame 311,
and a side shock absorption member 322 detachably provided to a
corner of side surfaces of the first cabinet 110 so as to contact
the side frames.
[0118] Since the side shock absorption member is detachably
provided to the first cabinet 110, the side shock absorption member
may include a plurality of side shock absorption members, and the
upper shock absorption member 321 may be detachably arranged on the
top surface of the first cabinet 110.
[0119] However, the upper shock absorption members 321 may be
provided to one corner of the first cabinet 110 and an opposite
corner facing the one corner of the first cabinet 110, rather than
covering the entire top surface of the first cabinet 110. That is,
the upper shock absorption member 321 may be detachably arranged
only at corners of the first cabinet 110 facing each other such the
top surface of the first cabinet 110 is exposed as much as
possible.
[0120] Thereby, the load of the second cabinet 210 is transferred
to the top surface of the first cabinet 110, the top surface of the
first cabinet 110 may be bent downward. In addition, since the top
surface of the first cabinet 110 is supported by a side panel
defining the side surface of the first cabinet 110, it has
sufficient rigidity and thus may withstand the load of the second
cabinet 210 applied thereto.
[0121] The side shock absorption members 322 may be separated from
each other and provided to the respective corners of the first
cabinet 110. Accordingly, the side shock absorption members 322 may
be easily detached from the first cabinet 110.
[0122] At least a part of the second cabinet 210 may be seated on
the top surface of the upper shock absorption member 321. In the
case where the second cabinet 210 is packaged in a separate
packaging member 301, a part of the packaging member 301 of the
second cabinet 210 may be seated on the top surface.
[0123] As a result, the load of the second cabinet 210 may be
distributed by the support frame 310 and the shock absorption
member 320.
[0124] The shock absorption member 320 may further include a lower
shock absorption member 323 arranged on the bottom surface of the
first cabinet 110 to support the first cabinet 110 and the side
shock absorption members 322.
[0125] The side shock absorption member 322 may be arranged between
the upper shock absorption member 312 and the lower shock
absorption member 323. The lower shock absorption member 323 by
supporting the side shock absorption member 322 the upper shock
absorption member 312 by supporting the side shock absorption
member 322.
[0126] The lower shock absorption member 323 may include an
accommodation groove 323b formed on the top surface thereof to
accommodate a lower portion of the first cabinet 110 (see FIG.
4).
[0127] The accommodation groove 323b may be formed such that the
depth thereof is less than the thickness of the lower shock
absorption member 323. This is intended to prevent the bottom
surface of the first cabinet 110 from directly contacting the
ground.
[0128] At least a part of the first cabinet 110 may be press-fitted
into the accommodation groove 323b.
[0129] Even when the entire packaging assembly 300 falls with the
first cabinet 110 and the second cabinet 210 packaged therein, the
lower shock absorption member 323 may absorb shock, thereby
protecting the second cabinet 210 as well as the first cabinet
110.
[0130] FIG. 4 shows a specific configuration of the shock
absorption member 320.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 4(a), the upper shock absorption member
321 may include an upper groove 321a, 321b to accommodate one of
the upper frame 311 and the side frame 312 at each corner.
[0132] The upper groove may include a first groove 321a defined by
one stepped corner of the upper shock absorption member to
accommodate the upper frame 311, and a second groove 321b defined
by a stepped corner adjacent to opposite ends of the one corner to
accommodate the side frame 312.
[0133] The support frame 310 may be seated and supported in the
first groove 321a and the second groove 321b of the upper shock
absorption member 321. In addition, the support frame 310 may be
press-fitted into the upper shock absorption member 321.
[0134] Thereby, adhesion or close contact between the support frame
310 and the upper shock absorption member 321 may be maximized, and
the upper shock absorption member 321 may be prevented from being
separated from the support frame 310 even when an external shock is
applied thereto.
[0135] In addition, the other portion of the upper shock absorption
member 321 than the first groove 321a and the second groove 321b
may be parallel to the support frame 310 or protrude to the outside
of the support frame 310.
[0136] Accordingly, even when another packaging assembly or other
home appliance outside the support frame 310 collides with the
packaging assembly in which the first packaging 110 and the second
cabinet 210 are packaged, the upper shock absorption member 321 may
absorb the shock.
[0137] In addition, the top surface of the upper shock absorption
member 321 may be arranged parallel to the upper end of the support
frame 310, and accordingly it may support the second cabinet
210.
[0138] Referring to FIG. 4(b), the side shock absorption member 322
may include a side groove 322a defined by a stepped corner of the
side shock absorption member positioned farthest from the first
cabinet, the side groove accommodating the side frame 312.
[0139] That is, the side shock absorption member 322 may be fixed
to the side frame 312 and thus may not be separated. Thus, coupling
or close contact with the side frame 312 may be maximized.
[0140] In addition, the side shock absorption member 322 may be
arranged parallel to the outermost surface of the side frame 312 or
protrude from the outermost surface to absorb any external
shock.
[0141] The side frame 312 may extend up to the lower end of the
packaging assembly 300. The side frame 312 may extend from the
upper frame 311 to the lower end of the lower shock absorption
member 323 beyond the bottom of the first cabinet 110.
[0142] This is intended to make the side frame 312 positioned as
close to the ground as possible to maximize supportability.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 4(c), the lower shock absorption member
323 may include a lower groove 323a for accommodating the side
frame 312 at each corner.
[0144] The lower groove 323a may not only prevent the side frame
312 and the lower shock absorption member 323 from interfering with
each other, but also improve close contact with the lower shock
absorption member 323, thereby enhancing durability of the side
frame 312.
[0145] FIG. 5 shows a packaging assembly 300 arranging to be
integrally package and transport the first cabinet 110 and the
second cabinet 210, which is seated on the support part 300.
[0146] The second cabinet 210 may be supported by at least one of
the upper frame 311 or the upper shock absorption member 321.
Accordingly, even when the packaging assembly 300 is dropped, shock
may not be transmitted to the second cabinet 210, and the second
cabinet 210 may be prevented from colliding with the first cabinet
110.
[0147] Since the side frame 312 is connected only to the upper
frame 311, the lower end of the side frame 312 is provided as a
free end.
[0148] Thereby, the side frame 312 is allowed to move relatively
freely. Accordingly, when the assembly overturns or falls, the side
frame 312 may absorb the shock applied to the packaging assembly
300 as it spreads out, is separated from the upper frame 311, or is
broken.
[0149] However, since the side frame 312 is not fixed, the lower
shock absorption member 323 may be damaged, and it may be difficult
to transport and store the packaging assembly 300.
[0150] To address this issue, the packaging assembly 300 of the
present invention may further include a lower accommodation part
350 configured to accommodate a lower portion of the first cabinet
110 and to support the lower ends of the plurality of side
frames.
[0151] When the lower shock absorption member 323 is not provided,
the lower accommodation part 350 may accommodate the lower portion
of the first cabinet 110. When the lower shock absorption member
323 is provided, the lower accommodation part may accommodate the
lower shock absorption member 323, thereby accommodating the lower
portion of the first cabinet 110.
[0152] The lower accommodation part 350 may be formed as a recess.
The lower shock absorption member 323 may be press-fitted into the
recess. The lower accommodation part 350 may serve to fix the lower
ends of the side frames 312 in cooperation with the lower grooves
323a to fix the side frames 312.
[0153] The lower accommodation part 350 may be formed of a material
having higher brittleness than the support frame 310. For example,
the lower accommodation part 350 may be formed of plastics, and may
be arranged in a corrugated cardboard shape to absorb external
shock.
[0154] Accordingly, when the packaging assembly 300 falls, the
lower accommodation part 350 may be damaged such that the side
frames 312 can be freely deformed or broken to absorb shock.
[0155] The second cabinet 210 may be separately packaged with a
separate packaging member 301 and a packing band 302 for fixing the
packaging member to prevent damage to the appearance of the second
cabinet.
[0156] FIG. 6 shows 6 the final form of the packaging assembly
300.
[0157] The first cabinet 110 and the shock absorption part 320 may
be accommodated in the support frame 310, and the second cabinet
210 may be seated on the support frame 310. Then, the packaging
assembly 300 may be wrapped with the packaging member 303 as a
whole.
[0158] Thereafter, the packaging member 323 may be fixed by a
plurality of bands 304 for fixing the same. Thereby, the second
cabinet 210 may be prevented from being separated from the support
frame 310.
[0159] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the packaging assembly
according to the present invention.
[0160] Since the first cabinet 110 is larger and heavier than the
second cabinet 210, the first cabinet 110 may be arranged in a
lower portion of the support frame 310.
[0161] However, in the case where the support part 300 is provided
with the support frame 310, the user or seller may need to remove
the package and switch the positions of the second cabinet 210 and
the first cabinet 110.
[0162] Therefore, arranging the first cabinet 110 and the second
cabinet 210 in position for actual use and packaging the same at a
time may be considered. That is, the first cabinet 110 and the
second cabinet 210 need to be packaged or transported with the
second cabinet 210 seated on the first cabinet 110.
[0163] However, when the first cabinet 110 and the second cabinet
210 are integrally arranged and transported, the overall center of
gravity thereof may be shifted upward because the first cabinet 110
may has a larger volume. When vibration is caused during
transportation of the packaging assembly in which the second
cabinet 210 and the first cabinet 110 seated thereon are packaged,
the first clothes accommodation part 121 will vibrate. When the
first clothes accommodation part 121 vibrates, the overall
amplitude may severely increase because most of the vibration
occurs at a high position where the center of gravity is
placed.
[0164] As a result, there is a risk that the first cabinet 110 is
dropped or is separated from the second cabinet 210.
[0165] In addition, when the second clothes accommodation part 231
provided in the second cabinet 210 vibrates, the vibration may be
transmitted to the first cabinet 110, and the first clothes
accommodation part 121 may vibrate, increasing the overall
amplitude.
[0166] Therefore, the first clothes accommodation part 121 and the
second clothes accommodation part 231 need to be prevented from
being vibrated during transportation.
[0167] Referring to FIG. 7, the support part 300 of the packaging
assembly of the present invention may include a fixing part 330
configured to support the first clothes accommodation part 121
seated on the top surface of the second cabinet 210 and arranged
inside the first cabinet 110.
[0168] The packaging assembly may further include a shock
absorption member (see FIG. 9), a packaging member (not shown) and
a band (not shown), which are arranged outside the first cabinet
110 and the second cabinet 210, as well as the fixing part 330.
[0169] The fixing part 330 may support the first clothes
accommodation part 121 arranged inside the first cabinet 110 to
prevent the first clothes accommodation part 121 from vibrating.
Even when the first clothes accommodation part 121 vibrates, the
fixing part 330 may dampen or attenuate the vibration.
[0170] To this end, the first cabinet 110 may include a lower
through hole 112 through which the fixing part 330 is inserted into
the bottom surface. The second cabinet 210 may include an upper
through hole 212 formed in the top surface thereof, and the fixing
part 330 may be supported on the top surface of the second clothes
accommodation part 231.
[0171] That is, the fixing part 330 may be supported on the top
surface of the second clothes accommodation part 231 to support the
bottom surface of the first clothes accommodation part 121.
[0172] Thereby, the fixing part 330 may prevent the second clothes
accommodation part 231 from vibrating or being displaced, and also
prevent the first clothes accommodation part 121 from
vibrating.
[0173] Therefore, the first cabinet 110 may be prevented from
overturning even when the second cabinet 210 and the first cabinet
110 seated on the top surface thereof are packaged and
transported.
[0174] In addition, the fixing part 330 may prevent the first
clothes accommodation part 121 and the second clothes accommodation
part 231 from colliding with the first cabinet 110 and the second
cabinet 210.
[0175] The fixing part 330 may ensure that the second cabinet 210
and the first cabinet 110 seated on the top surface thereof are
stably packaged or transported.
[0176] FIG. 8 illustrates coupling between the second cabinet 210
and the fixing part 330.
[0177] Referring to FIG. 8, a lower end of the fixing part 330 may
be seated on and supported by the top surface of the second door
232 of the second clothes accommodation part 231. Specifically, the
lower end of the fixing part 330 may be supported by the window
232b of the second door 232.
[0178] Since the fixing part 330 can push the second clothes
accommodation part 231 downward, the first bracket 261 and the
second bracket 263 may be maintained from the connection bar 265 as
far from each other as possible.
[0179] Thereby, the second clothes accommodation part 231 may be
prevented from being displaced or vibrating in the drawer 220 or
the second cabinet 210.
[0180] When the fixing part 330 is arranged to protrude from the
second cabinet 210, it may be difficult to seat the first cabinet
110 on the second cabinet 210.
[0181] Therefore, in order to address this issue, the fixing part
330 may include a closing fixing part 331 arranged on the top
surface of the second clothes accommodation part 231 so as to be
parallel to the upper through hole 212 to close the upper through
hole 212, and a supporting fixing part 332 separately coupled to an
upper portion of the closing fixing part 331 to support the first
clothes accommodation part 121.
[0182] Thus, as the closing fixing part 331 is first installed on
the second cabinet 210, the first cabinet 110 is seated, and then
the supporting fixing part 332 is additionally coupled to an upper
portion of the closing fixing part 331, the packaging assembly may
be completed.
[0183] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate coupling between the closing
fixing part 331 and the supporting fixing part 332.
[0184] The closing fixing part 331 may include a closing body 331a
supported on the top surface of the second clothes accommodation
part 231 to close the upper through-hole 212, a slide groove 331b
formed in the top surface of the closing body 331a to guide a
coupling position of the supporting fixing part 332, and a coupling
groove 331c formed in the top surface of the closing body 331a and
coupled with the supporting fixing part 332 to fix the supporting
fixing part 332.
[0185] The supporting fixing part 332 may include a fixing body
332a fixed to the closing fixing part 331 to support the first
clothes accommodation part 121, a slide rib 332b protruding from
the fixing body 332a so as to slide in the slide groove 331b, and a
coupling protrusion 332c protruding from the fixing body 332a so as
to be inserted into the coupling groove 331c and coupled
thereto.
[0186] One of the coupling protrusion 332c and the coupling groove
331c may be provided as a magnetic force generator for generating a
magnetic field, and the other of the coupling protrusion 332c and
the coupling groove 331c may be provided as a magnetic member to be
magnetized by the magnetic field of the magnetic force
generator.
[0187] Thus, even when the supporting fixing part 332 is subjected
to external force or vibration, it may be prevented from being
separated from the closing fixing part 331.
[0188] FIG. 11 illustrates a method and procedure of removing the
fixing part 300 from the packaging assembly.
[0189] The first cabinet 110 may further include a rear panel 111
defining a rear surface of the first cabinet 110 and detachably
provided to the first cabinet 110.
[0190] Referring to FIG. 11(a), when transportation of the first
cabinet 110 and the second cabinet 210 is completed, the rear panel
111 of the first cabinet 110 is separated.
[0191] Referring to FIG. 11(b), the supporting fixing part 332 is
separated from the closing fixing part 331 and drawn out through
the rear of the first cabinet 110.
[0192] Referring to FIG. 11(c), the closing fixing part 331 may be
drawn out through the rear of the first cabinet 110 via the upper
through hole 212.
[0193] Referring to FIG. 11(d), since the fixing part 330 is
completely removed, the rear panel 111 may be coupled to the first
cabinet 110 again.
[0194] When the first cabinet 110 and the second cabinet 210 are
transported or packaging again, the operations described above may
be performed in reverse order.
[0195] The present invention may be embodied in various forms
without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, 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.
* * * * *