CN111350051A

CN111350051A - Coupling structure for laundry treating apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN111350051A
Application number: CN201911317540.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马尔科·科斯坦廷
Original assignee: Electrolux Appliances AB
Current assignee: Electrolux Appliances AB
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2019-12-19
Publication date: 2020-06-30
Anticipated expiration: 2039-12-19
Also published as: CN111350051B; EP3670727B1; AU2019279934A1; EP3670727A1

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to the field of apparatuses, in particular household apparatuses, more particularly laundry treatment apparatuses. According to the invention, the coupling structure (3) for receiving the laundry treatment apparatus (1) thereon comprises one or more coupling elements (5, 6, 10, 11) to be coupled to the apparatus (1). The coupling structure is characterized by comprising a connecting device (30) having a shape elongated in one direction, the connecting device having a first end (31) connected or adapted to be connected to the coupling structure (3) and a second end (32) provided with an attachment member (100) for attaching the connecting device to a holding element (70) available in a position where the device is to be placed, in order to prevent movement of the device (1) increasing the distance between the holding element and the coupling structure to which the holding element is attached. The invention also relates to a method for arranging a laundry treatment apparatus on top of a coupling structure and a laundry treatment apparatus having said coupling structure (3).

Description

Coupling structure for laundry treating apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of appliances, in particular household appliances, and more particularly to laundry (linen, clothes, garments, etc.) treatment appliances (hereinafter simply referred to as laundry appliances).

The present invention relates to a coupling structure for receiving equipment thereon, said coupling structure comprising connecting means for improving the stability of the coupling structure and thereby of the equipment carried on the coupling structure.

The appliance is preferably a tumble dryer and the coupling structure preferably comprises a frame element designed to be fixed on top of the second appliance, preferably the washing machine, such that the coupling structure is placed between the two appliances. The coupling structure may also be arranged on the support base, for example on a piece of furniture preferably designed to provide a container for storing laundry items, detergents and/or washing additives or the like.

The invention also relates to a method for arranging an apparatus on top of a coupling structure and for coupling a connecting device to a coupling structure.

The invention also relates to an apparatus comprising a cabinet and a coupling structure integral with or forming an integral part of one wall of the cabinet.

Background

It is often necessary to save space at the location where the device is to be placed. A possible known solution is to arrange the device on top of another device or on a supporting base, for example a piece of furniture. For safety reasons, in case the two apparatuses, i.e. the laundry washing machine and the laundry dryer, are arranged one on top of the other, the laundry washing machine is placed under the dryer and supports the same.

It is always desirable to use coupling structures between two devices or between a device and a support base to ensure safety stability and a more reliable fixing structure. Laundry appliances equipped with coupling structures to arrange them one on top of the other are known.

EP2703536a1 discloses an apparatus for connecting a first device with a second device, wherein the second device is arranged on top of the first device, wherein the apparatus comprises a frame element designed to be fixed on top of the first device, wherein the frame element comprises two receptacles for feet arranged at the shanks of the second device, wherein the receptacles are arranged in a front region of the frame element, wherein the frame element comprises two receptacles for feet arranged at the shanks of the second device, wherein the receptacles are arranged in a rear region of the frame element, wherein each receptacle has a bearing surface for a foot, which is defined by a side wall and an upper wall with at least one recess for the shank of the foot to pass through. In order to allow a secure connection between two devices having different depths, the invention is characterized in that the device comprises two adapter elements, wherein each adapter element comprises a receiving portion for a foot portion arranged at the shank portion, wherein the receiving portion has an upper wall with at least one recess for the passage of the shank portion of the foot portion, wherein the recess is arranged at a front end of the adapter element, wherein the adapter element is designed to fit with a rear end into the receiving portion in the rear region of the frame element.

DE102005026134 a1 discloses a device for connecting two domestic units, in particular washing machines with a dryer on top, comprising a frame or panel that can be fixed to a lower unit. The frame or panel has at least two shoe portions for securing the foot of the upper unit. The foot of the upper unit may be placed in the shoe portion and secured with horizontal force. The frame or panel is made of plastic or metal, as are the positioning elements and spacers. The frame or panel is fixed to the lower unit using screws or an adhesive.

The apparatus is raised to a predetermined height above the ground, either on top of another apparatus or on top of a support base. The higher the device is positioned, the greater the risk of dropping a device placed on top due to user interaction with the device that may cause instability problems. There are a number of situations that may cause a device placed on top to fall, such as: the user may pull the laundry loading door of the apparatus with excessive strength; an excessive vertical load may be exerted on the opened laundry loading door; clothing may become lodged in the equipment elements; vibration of the device during the treatment cycle can result in excessive displacement motion.

It should be noted that once a device placed on top of the coupling falls, the coupling will also fall.

None of the above cited documents discloses means for ensuring improved stability of the coupling structure and of the equipment positioned on top.

Therefore, in order to overcome the above problems, it is necessary to increase the stability of the coupling structure and the stability of the apparatus placed on the top. In other words, the invention provides a solution that increases the force to be exerted on a part of the assembly consisting of the coupling structure and the equipment thereon to an increased safety level that greatly reduces the risk that the entire assembly may fall off.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a coupling structure for receiving a laundry treatment apparatus on the coupling structure, said coupling structure comprising one or more coupling elements to be coupled to the apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a connecting device having a shape elongated in one direction, having a first end connected or adapted to be connected to said coupling structure and a second end provided with an attachment member for attaching said connecting device to a holding element available in a position where the apparatus is to be placed, such that a movement of the apparatus is prevented that increases the distance between the holding element and the coupling structure to which the holding element is attached.

Preferably, the apparatus is a washing machine, a washing and drying machine, or a laundry drying machine, in particular a tumble dryer.

The apparatus comprises a cabinet, preferably parallelepiped-shaped. The cabinet has a plurality of walls, namely a front wall, two side walls, a rear wall, a top wall and a bottom wall.

The device preferably has a plurality of feet, more preferably four feet. Preferably, two forefoot portions and two rearfoot portions. Preferably, the foot is arranged at the stem, which is preferably designed as a threaded rod, to allow adjustment of the footprint of the device relative to the surface on which the device is located.

The connecting device has a shape elongated in one direction and has a first end connected or adapted to be connected to the coupling structure and a second end provided with attachment means for attaching said connecting device to a holding element available in a position where the device is to be placed.

The holding element available in the location where the device is to be placed may be a wall of the location, a column, a tube or a pipe available in the location.

The attachment member may have different configurations: in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment member is a threaded element, such as a bolt having a nut for receiving the bolt or a screw having an expandable member receiving the screw therein and arranged to be received in a hole drilled in the fixation element. The attachment member is adapted to engage a second end of the connecting device and attach the second end to a holding element, such as a wall of a location where a device is to be placed. The attachment member may also be a nail.

Alternatively, the attachment member may be a hook to be fixed to the holding element and adapted to engage the second end of the connecting device.

In another embodiment, the attachment member may be integrally formed in the second end of the connection device, for example in the form of a hook, and adapted to be connected to the holding element or fixed to an eyelet of the holding element.

In other embodiments, the attachment member may comprise a snap connection, a portion of which is to be fixed to the holding element and a portion of which forms or is attached to the second end of the connecting device.

In another embodiment, the attachment element may be a tie strap associated with the second free end of the connection device and adapted to be wrapped around a retaining element, such as a post, a tube or a pipe.

By preventing movement of the device which increases the distance between the holding element and the coupling structure to which the holding element is attached, the connecting means contribute to improving user safety by stably fixing the coupling structure to the holding element available at the location where the device is to be placed, preventing the risk that the device may fall off.

The coupling structure comprises a seat for receiving a first end of the connecting device or for receiving a fixing member connecting the connecting device to the coupling structure.

The seat preferably has an elongated shape adapted to receive the first end portion of the connecting device or the fixing member in a plurality of positions. The elongated shape allows for a certain tolerance of the distance between the coupling structure and the holding element available in the position where the device is to be placed. The device on top of the coupling structure may e.g. be positioned at a distance from the wall of the location, and the adjustable position of the connecting means may facilitate the installation of the connecting means.

Preferably, the connecting means are connected to the seat of the coupling structure by means of a fixing member. Preferably, the fixing member is a threaded element, such as a screw or bolt. In one embodiment, the coupling structure further comprises a hook member to hook the top wall of the equipment housing such that the coupling member is secured to the top of the equipment housing by means of a fastening member received in a hole provided in the hook member. In another embodiment, the fastening member may be a fixing member that simultaneously connects the connecting device and the hook member to the coupling structure. The hook member is preferably placed below the seat of the coupling structure.

In other embodiments, the connection means is directly received within the seat of the coupling structure. In this embodiment, the first end of the connecting device preferably has a T-shape, so that the first end of the connecting device can be inserted into the seat of the coupling structure and slide therein.

The coupling structure comprises a frame element designed to be fixed on top of the second device or on the support base to raise the coupling structure to a predetermined height such that the second device or the support base is arranged below the device, wherein the coupling structure is located between the device and the second device or the support base.

Preferably, the frame element has a substantially U-shaped form. Preferably, the frame element comprises the above-mentioned coupling element. More preferably, the frame element comprises four coupling elements, namely two for the front foot of the device and two for the rear foot of the device. Preferably, the coupling elements are arranged in the side regions of the frame elements of the coupling structure.

Preferably, each coupling element has a bearing surface substantially formed by an upper surface of the frame element. Preferably, each coupling element is formed by a side wall and an upper wall to form a receiving chamber. Preferably, the upper wall has a recess in order to allow the foot of the device and its stem to be pushed into the receptacle.

Preferably, the coupling structure comprises an adapter element. A more detailed description of an adapter element of this type is provided in application EP2703536a1, to which the same applicant refers in the present specification.

Preferably, the position of the first end of the connection device is adjustable in a plurality of positions relative to the coupling arrangement.

Preferably, the connecting means is slidably and/or rotatably coupled to the coupling structure. Preferably, the connecting means can be slid into a seat of the coupling structure to facilitate mounting of the connecting means to the holding element available in the position of the device to be placed by adjusting the position of the connecting means relative to the coupling structure in dependence on the distance between the coupling structure and the holding element.

Preferably, the connecting means are rotatably coupled to the coupling structure to ensure that the holding elements available at the location where the device is to be placed are accessible even if available in different positions relative to the coupling structure.

Preferably, the connecting means is made of a resiliently flexible material which is elastically deformable when subjected to shear forces and is substantially inextensible when subjected to a traction force acting in a direction parallel to the elongate direction of the elongate shaped connecting means. Otherwise, the connection device will not improve the stability of the coupling structure: stretching in the direction of the elongated shape may cause movement of the coupling structure, which has the risk of the equipment placed on top of the coupling structure falling off. Preferably, the connecting means is made of plastic, i.e. a polymer material.

Preferably, the connecting means comprises a plurality of holes or slots and there is at least one hole or slot at each end. In general, the at least one hole or slot is alternatively embodied as an opening of any desired shape. The hole or slot or aperture of the first end is adapted to couple to a coupling structure. The hole or slot or opening of the second end is adapted to be attached to a holding element available in the location where the device is to be placed.

In some embodiments, the attachment means has a plurality of holes, slots or openings distributed along its length. Said holes, slots or apertures have the function of allowing to some extent the adjustment of the distance between the coupling structure and the retaining element available in the position where the device is to be placed. Preferably, the holes, slots or openings are distributed at the same distance from each other along the elongated direction of the elongated shaped connecting means.

The second appliance is preferably a domestic appliance, preferably a laundry treatment appliance, more preferably a washing machine.

Preferably, the support base is a piece of furniture. The piece of furniture may be, for example, a box adapted to contain a garment or a garment treatment product.

Preferably, the coupling structure comprises a movable rack and/or a drawer. The movable shelf is a panel element that can be extracted from/inserted into the coupling structure. The movable shelf and/or the drawer preferably includes a handle. The movable rack and/or drawer may be used, for example, as a support for clothing or laundry treatment products.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for arranging a laundry treating apparatus on top of a coupling structure, wherein the method comprises:

a) coupling the device to the coupling structure by means of one or more coupling elements;

b) providing a connection between the first end of the connection device and the coupling structure;

c) providing a holding element at a location where a device is to be placed;

d) the connecting device is attached to the holding element by means of an attachment member.

Steps a) to d) may be performed in a different order. For example, the user may first set the holding element in the position where the device is to be placed, and then he/she may connect the first end of the connecting means to the coupling structure. The connection device is then attached to the holding element by means of an attachment member, such as a screw and an expandable member receiving the screw therein and arranged to be received in a hole drilled in the holding element. Obviously, the connecting device may be attached to the holding element before connecting the coupling structure with the first end of the connecting device, as explained below. The distance between the retaining element and the coupling structure must not exceed the maximum length of the connecting device so that the connecting device can be connected to both the coupling structure and the retaining element. Thereafter, the user may couple the device on top of the coupling structure by means of one or more coupling elements. Preferably, the coupling element of the coupling structure is connected to the foot of the device.

Preferably, the method further comprises:

e) providing a second device or support base;

f) the coupling structure is arranged on top of the second device.

The second appliance is preferably a domestic appliance, preferably a laundry treatment appliance, more preferably a washing machine. The user places the coupling structure on top of the second device. In other embodiments, the coupling structure may be placed on top of the support base, for example on top of a piece of furniture.

Preferably, step c), step e), step f) are performed before step b), step d). Preferably, the user first places the second device in the vicinity of the holding element located in the position where the device is to be placed. Thereafter, the user places the coupling structure on top of the second device. Preferably, step a), step b) and step d) are then performed.

Preferably, step a) is performed after step b), step d) are completed. Step b) and step d) may be performed in a different order. In one embodiment, the user first connects the first end of the connection device to the coupling structure and then connects the second end of the connection device to the holding element using the attachment member. This may be advantageous because, as previously mentioned, the first end of the connecting device may be adjusted in a plurality of positions. In another embodiment, the user may attach the second end to the retaining element before connecting the first end to the coupling structure. This would be useful when there are already means in the holding element adapted to receive the attachment member, such as a hook or and an eyelet in the wall of the space where the device is to be placed. Step a) is preferably performed after b) or d) to facilitate the user's connection of the connecting device to the coupling structure. Having positioned the apparatus on top of the coupling structure increases the difficulty of connecting the first end of the connecting device to the coupling structure, as the user will have less space available.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a laundry treating apparatus comprising a cabinet having a plurality of walls, and a coupling structure which is integral with or forms an integral part of one wall of the cabinet, preferably the top or bottom wall of the cabinet. This solution may be advantageous because it reduces the number of parts to be assembled by the user.

Preferably, the position of the connecting means is adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the holding member. This allows a certain tolerance of the distance between the coupling structure and the holding element available in the location where the device is to be placed.

Drawings

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of two devices connected by a linkage;

figure 2 shows a perspective view of the coupling structure, the foot of the first device, the connecting means and the fixing member;

fig. 3 shows a coupling structure arranged on top of a second device;

fig. 4, 5, 6 show an embodiment of a process of mounting a connection device to a coupling structure;

fig. 7, 8 show examples of attaching the connecting device to the holding element.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1, a first apparatus 1, which in this embodiment is a dryer, and a second apparatus 2, which in this embodiment is a washer, are shown. The first apparatus 1, i.e. the dryer, has to be arranged in a stable manner on the second apparatus 2. For this purpose, a coupling structure 3 is used.

In other embodiments, not shown, the first device 1 may be arranged on top of a support base, for example on top of a piece of furniture. The piece of furniture may for example be a box adapted to contain a garment or a laundry treatment product.

The apparatus 1 comprises a cabinet 1a and the apparatus 2 comprises a cabinet 2a, the

cabinets

1a and 2a preferably being parallelepiped-shaped. The cabinet has a plurality of walls, preferably a front wall, two side walls, a rear wall and a top wall (1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1 f).

The upper device, i.e. the first device 1, has four feet (one of which is schematically shown in fig. 2 with reference numeral 7) arranged at a rod 8 in fig. 2, which rod 8 is typically designed as a threaded rod.

As can be seen in fig. 2, the coupling structure 3 has a frame element 4. The frame element 4 has a substantially U-shaped form. Thus, a receiving space for the movable rack 25 is formed. The movable frame 25 is preferably a panel element that can be extracted/inserted from/into the coupling structure. The movable frame 25 preferably includes a handle 26. The movable rack 25 may for example be used as a support for garments or laundry treatment products during laundry preparation and/or as a support for an apparatus for performing a laundry treatment process. In other embodiments, the movable rack 25 may be replaced by a drawer. In other embodiments, both drawers and shelves may be employed.

The coupling structure 3 comprises a seat 40 preferably having an elongated shape.

The coupling 3 has four

coupling elements

5, 6, 10, 11, namely two

coupling elements

5, 6 for the forefoot 7 of the first device 1 and two

coupling elements

10, 11 for the heel 7 of the first device 1.

Preferably, the coupling structure 3 comprises an adapter element 17. A more detailed description of this type of adapter element is provided in application EP2703536a1, to which the same applicant is referred in the present specification.

The coupling structure 3 comprises a connecting means 30. The connecting device 30 has a shape that is elongated in one direction, and has a first end 31 and a second end 32.

The first end 31 is adapted to be connected to the coupling structure 3, preferably to the seat 40, the seat 40 being adapted to receive the first end 31 of the connection device 30 or a fixing member 51 connecting the connection device 30 to the coupling structure 3 in a plurality of positions. Preferably, the fixing member 51 is a threaded element, such as a screw or bolt.

In an embodiment not shown, the coupling structure is integral with or forms an integral part of one

wall

1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f of the cabinet 1 a. Preferably, the coupling structure 3 is integral with or forms an integral part of the bottom wall 1g of the cabinet 1a of the first apparatus 1. Alternatively, with reference to the second device 2, the coupling structure 3 may be integral with or form an integral part of the top wall of the second device.

The second end 32 is provided with an attachment member 100 for attaching the connecting means to a holding element 70 available in the position where the device 1 is to be placed.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 7, the attachment member 100 is a screw 60 and an expandable member 80, the expandable member 80 receiving the screw 60 therein and being arranged to be received in a hole drilled in the holding element 70. The screw 60 is adapted to engage the second end 32 of the connecting device 30, which second end 32 remains free after the first end has been connected to the coupling structure 3, and the screw 60 is adapted to attach this second end 32 to the holding element 70. The attachment member 100 may have different configurations as described above.

In the example shown, the holding element 70 is a wall which is available in the location where the device is to be placed. In other embodiments not shown, the holding element 70 may be, for example, a post available in the location where the device is to be placed.

The connecting means 30 is preferably made of a resiliently flexible material which is elastically deformed when subjected to shear forces and is substantially inextensible when subjected to traction forces acting in a direction parallel to the elongated direction of the elongated shaped connecting means 30. Preferably, the connecting means 30 are made of plastic, i.e. a polymer material.

The connecting device 30 has at least one aperture (33, 34) at each of its ends (31, 32). Preferably, the openings are holes or slots. In other embodiments, the apertures may also have different shapes, such as rectangular or oval.

In the embodiment shown, the apertures 33 are holes, while the apertures 34 have a slot-like shape. The hole 33 of the first end 31 is adapted to be coupled to the coupling structure 3. The slot 34 of the second end 32 is adapted to be attached to a holding element 70 available in the location where the device is to be placed.

In some embodiments, not shown, the connection means 30 has a plurality of holes over its length. Said holes have the function of allowing to compensate to some extent the distance of the coupling structure 3 from the retaining element 70 available in the position where the device is to be placed. Preferably, the holes are distributed at the same distance from each other along the elongated direction of the elongated shaped connecting means.

With reference to fig. 3 to 8, different steps of the method for arranging the device 1 on top of the coupling structure 3 are disclosed, in particular the following steps:

a) coupling the first device 1 to the coupling structure 3 by means of one or

more coupling elements

5, 6, 10, 11;

b) a connection is provided between the first end 31 of the connecting device 30 and the coupling 3;

c) the holding element 70 is arranged in the position where the first device 1 is to be placed;

d) attaching the connecting device 30 to the holding element 70 by means of the attachment member 100;

e) setting a second device 2;

f) the coupling structure is arranged on top of the second device 2.

In fig. 3, the user places the second device 2 in the vicinity of the holding element 70. The distance to the holding element 70 must be sufficiently close to enable the connection device 30 to be connected both to the coupling structure 3 and to the holding element 70. The user arranges the coupling structure 3 on top of the second device 2. In other embodiments not shown, the coupling structure 3 may be placed on top of a support base, for example a piece of furniture, as an alternative to being placed on top of the second device.

In fig. 4, 5, 6, the user connects the first end 31 of the connecting device 30 to the coupling structure 3. Preferably, the connection means is connected to the coupling structure 3 by a fixing member (see reference numeral 51 in fig. 5). Preferably, the coupling structure further comprises a hook member (see reference numeral 50 in fig. 4). Preferably, the hook member 50 comprises a hole 50a adapted to receive the fixing member 51, so that the connection device 30 can be fixed on the seat 40 of the coupling structure 30. However, other connections between the first end 31 of the connecting device 30 and the coupling structure 3 are also possible.

In fig. 7, 8, the user attaches the connection device 30 to the holding member 70 by means of the attachment member 100. The user attaches the second end 32 of the connection device 30 to the holding element 70 using the attachment member 100. However, other possible coupling solutions may be used.

The user may couple the first device 1 to the coupling structure 3 by means of one or

more coupling elements

5, 6, 10, 11. Preferably, the

coupling elements

5, 6, 10, 11 of the coupling structure 3 are connected to the foot 7 of the first device 1.

The final configuration is that shown in fig. 1.

Preferably, step a) is performed after step b), step d) are completed. Step b) may be performed before step d) or may be performed after step d).

In one embodiment, the user first connects the first end 31 of the connection device 30 to the coupling structure 3, and then connects the second end 32 of the connection device 30 to the holding element 70 using the attachment member 100. In another embodiment, the user may attach the second end 32 to the holding element 70 before connecting the first end 31 to the coupling structure 3.

Step a) is preferably carried out after b) or d) in order to facilitate the user to connect the connecting device 30 to the coupling structure 3.

Claims

1. A coupling structure (3) for receiving a laundry treatment apparatus (1) on the coupling structure (3), the coupling structure (3) comprising one or more coupling elements (5, 6, 10, 11) to be coupled to the apparatus (1), characterized in that the coupling structure (3) comprises a connecting device (30) having a shape elongated in one direction, the connecting device (30) having a first end (31) and a second end (32), the first end (31) being connected or adapted to be connected to the coupling structure (3), the second end (32) being provided with an attachment member (100), the attachment member (100) being for attaching the connecting device (30) to a holding element (70) available in a position where the apparatus (1) is to be placed, so as to prevent having the holding element (70) in between the coupling structure (3) to which it is attached and the holding element (70) Movement of the device (1) with increasing distance.

2. Coupling structure (3) according to claim 1, comprising a seat (40), said seat (40) being for receiving said first end (31) of said connection device (30) or for receiving a fixing member (51) connecting said connection device (30) to said coupling structure (3).

3. The coupling structure (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling structure (3) comprises a frame element (4), which frame element (4) is designed to be fixed on top of a second device (2) or on a supporting base to raise the coupling structure (3) to a predetermined height such that the second device (2) or the supporting base is arranged below the device (1), wherein the coupling structure (3) is located between the device (1) and the second device (2) or the supporting base.

4. Coupling structure (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a movable rack (25) and/or a drawer.

5. Coupling structure (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the position of the first end (31) of the connection device (30) is adjustable in a plurality of positions with respect to the coupling structure (3).

6. Coupling structure (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means (30) is slidably and/or rotatably coupled to the coupling structure (3).

7. The coupling structure (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means (30) is made of a resiliently flexible material that elastically deforms when subjected to shear forces and is substantially inextensible when subjected to traction forces in a direction parallel to the elongated direction of the elongated shaped connecting means (30).

8. Coupling structure (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection means (30) comprise a plurality of holes or slots (33, 34) and at least one hole or slot at each end (31, 32).

9. The coupling structure (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment member (100) comprises a nail or a threaded element (60) with a nut or an expandable member (80).

10. A method for arranging a laundry treatment apparatus (1) on top of a coupling structure (3), wherein the method comprises:

a) -coupling the device (1) to the coupling structure (3) by means of one or more coupling elements (5, 6, 10, 11);

b) -providing a connection between a first end (31) of a connection device (30) and the coupling structure (3);

c) -providing a holding element (70) at a location where the device (1) is to be placed;

d) -attaching the connecting device (30) to the holding element (70) by means of an attachment member (100).

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

e) -providing a second device (2) or support base;

f) -arranging the coupling structure (3) on top of the second device (2) or on top of the support base.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein steps c), e), f) are performed before steps b), d).

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein step a) is performed after completion of step b), step d).

14. Laundry treatment apparatus (1), comprising a cabinet (1a) having a plurality of walls (1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) and a coupling structure (3) according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the coupling structure (3) is integral with or forms an integral part of one wall (1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) of the cabinet (1 a).

15. Laundry treatment apparatus (1) according to claim 14, wherein the position of said connection device (30) is adjustable in a direction perpendicular to said holding member (70).