MXPA00002583A - Appliance base pad - Google Patents

Abstract

A base pad (10) for supporting an appliance during assembly and shipping is provided. The pad has a pair of endpieces (24), each having portions for supporting the weight of an appliance, a pair of crosspieces (22) connected to the endpieces to form a substantially rectangular base, and wrapping (26) substantially covering the weight supporting portions of the endpieces. In addition to providing strength, the wrapping may also help hold the crosspieces and endpieces together. The endpieces are formed of a low density material, such as expanded polystyrene and the wrapping is formed of a medium to high density material such as kraft paper. The combination of the crosspieces formed of a low density material and the medium to high density wrapping material provides an optimum combination of strength and cushioning.

Description

BASE SUPPORT PLATFORM FOR APPLIANCES BACKGROUND FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to support platforms for supporting products such as large appliances, and the like. More specifically, this patent relates to a support platform having sufficient strength and damping so that it can be used to assemble products, as well as during storage and shipping.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNIQUE Support platforms, sometimes referred to as carriers, slides or paddles, are used to support and dampen large appliances (such as washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers and stoves) during assembly, storage and transportation. Conventional assembly vanes are usually made of wood to withstand the rigors of the assembly line. However, wooden pallets by themselves are usually not used for boarding, as they lack adequate damping to protect the apparatus. This problem can be mitigated by placing a cloth mat with a thickness of 1.27 cm between the wooden base and the appliance. Alternatively, the appliance can be transferred onto a specialized shipping platform for transport. Both solutions involve extra costly and extra unwanted steps. during the assembly and shipping of the device. Base support platforms made of other materials have been treated with varying degrees of success. For example, base support platforms made of hard plastic, such as wooden pallets, provide adequate support, but less adequate cushioning. Conversely, base support platforms made of foam or corrugated board layers can provide adequate damping but do not provide sufficient strength to withstand the forces to which the platforms are frequently subjected, in particular during the assembly phase. To meet the need for a base support platform having both strength and damping, a novel base support platform made of multiple pieces of variable densities and a novel means of assembling it have been developed. The base support platform comprises a low density material such as a resin-based foam, an expanded paper-based material, a foamed material or a molded paper pulp material maintained within a combined space through a medium to high density wrapping material such as paper or cardboard to provide a strong structure, , AÉB «- £ * MMfaahA * - - • * rigid having an optimal combination of strength and damping. In this way, it is an object of the present invention to provide a base support platform for apparatus that provides support for a wooden pallet but with better damping. A further object of the present invention is to provide a base support platform that can be used during the assembly, storage and shipping of large appliances or other 10 products. A further object of the present invention is to provide a base support platform for apparatus that provides an optimum combination of strength and damping. Another object of the present invention is to provide a base support platform that will not crack, twist, dry or shrink during use. Others and additional objects will be apparent from the description, accompanying drawings, and appended claims.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a base support platform for supporting an apparatus during assembly and shipping, comprising a pair of end pieces having portions to support the weight of the apparatus, two cross pieces connected to each other. • my ?? ßg & Aya? s? t ^ saki and? ^ s? The most extreme pieces to form a substantially rectangular base, and a wrapper substantially covering at least the weight bearing portions of the end pieces. In addition to providing strength, the wrap can also help keep the cross pieces and the end pieces together. Preferably, the end pieces are formed of a low density material, the wrap is formed of a medium to high density material, and the cross pieces are formed of a medium to high density material. For example, the end pieces may be formed from resin-based foams such as expanded polystyrene, polyethylene or urethane.; extended paper-based materials such as cellulose-based foam or paper-based foam; alveolar material; molded paper pulp materials; cork, bubble wrap; or fiber. The wrap can be formed of medium to high density materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic wrap, or ordinary gray cardboard. The cross pieces can be formed from medium to high density materials such as paper, cardboard, paper and cardboard mixes, and corrugated cardboard. Single or multiple wrapping layers can be used. The envelope may enclose some or part of the end pieces and some or part of the cross pieces. The combination of end pieces formed of a low density material and the cross pieces of a medium to high density material in a medium to high density wrapping material provides an optimal combination of strength and damping.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention as it can be secured to an apparatus; Figure 2 is a top plan view of the base support platform of Figure 1, shown in partial section; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the base support platform of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of one of the cross pieces of the base support platform of Figure 3, taken along line 4-4; Figure 5 is a top plan view of the end pieces of the base support platform of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a side elevation view of one of the end pieces of the base support platform of Figure 1; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment, taken along line 9-9 of Figure 8. iMj ** tMa * AL¿á & »tJS ^ DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Returning to the drawings, there is shown in Figures 1-3 a modality of the base support support platform 10 according to the present invention, used to support an apparatus 12 or similar product. Optional holes 14 drilled through the base support platform 10 can accommodate bolts 16 extending from the bottom of the apparatus 12. The notches 18 and washers 20 of a "leg" of the threaded device (not shown) can be provided to receive the pins 16. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the base support platform 10 comprises three main components: a pair of transverse pieces 22 formed from a medium to high density material such as solid paper fiber layers. laminated together; and pairs of end pieces 24, preferably made of a low density material such as expanded polystyrene foam; and a wrap 26 made of a medium high density material such as kraft paper. The end pieces 24 and a portion of the cross pieces 22 are hermetically wrapped with multiple layers of a gummed wrap 26, which conforms to the shape of the end pieces 24 and cross pieces 22. Significantly, the wrap 26 substantially encapsulates the pieces extreme low density 24, thus minimizing any movement or deformation of the end pieces 24 that could otherwise occur when the weight is supported on the base support platform 10. The combination of the low density end pieces 24 and the medium to high density cross pieces 22 wrapped in the higher density wrapping material 26 provides an optimum combination of strength and damping. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of one of the cross pieces 22 of the preferred embodiment. Each transverse piece 22 comprises a first tubular section 28 and a second tubular section 30. The tubular sections 28, 30 improve the strength of the beam and a superior load resistance or crush. The tubular sections 28, 30 may substantially have a rectangular cross-section as they are in Figure 4 or may have any other suitable shape. The tubular sections 28, 30 define a downwardly open channel or groove 32 running substantially over the length of the crosspiece 22. The slot 32 has opposite walls 34, 36 and a bottom wall 38 adjacent the bottom surface 40 of the crosspiece 22. In the preferred embodiment, the opposite walls 34, 36 of the slot are parallel to each other, but this need not be the case. Since the main functions of the cross pieces 22 are to connect the end pieces 24 together and to provide beam and top load resistance, any cross piece configuration that performs these functions will do so. For example, in an anticipated configuration, an opposite slot wall and the -iffii-rrin.iinirnaifc.ii slot bottom wall 40 define a sharp angle. Preferably, the cross pieces 22 are made of a medium to high density material. In the preferred embodiment, the cross pieces 22 in the form of multiple layers of kraft paper (# estraza) # 26 rolled together in a sufficient number of layers to provide the necessary beam and top load strength. Other materials for the crosspiece are contemplated, such as convolutionally wound cardboard, recirculated paper, treated paper, paper and cardboard mixes, and corrugated cardboard. The end pieces 24 are made in any number of ways depending on the application. In the embodiment presented in Figures 5 and 6, the end pieces have integrally formed raised platforms 33 at both ends for additional thickness in the load bearing areas, connected through a raised slider 35 to add stability. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, the end pieces 24 have projections or projections 31 configured to fit snugly within the tubular sections 28, 30 of the crosspiece to form a support platform with a rectangular or square shape. The end pieces 24 are preferably made of a low density material to provide lightweight damping for the apparatus. Examples of low density materials include resin-based foams such as expanded polystyrene, polyethylene foam and urethane foam; expanded paper-based materials such as cellulose based foams and paper pulp based foams; alveolar material; molded paper pulp materials; cork; bubble wrap, and recirculated paper fiber. In the preferred embodiment, a medium high density wrapping material encloses part or all of the upper and bottom part of the end pieces 24 and part of the cross pieces 22, keeping the whole structure together. The wrapping of the end pieces 24 and the cross pieces 22 in a medium to high density material results in a structure having a greater strength than would otherwise be provided by a low density non-enveloped material. Suitable media for high density materials for use as wrapping include paper such as kraft or brown paper, cardboard, plastic wrap such as polypropylene, and common gray cardboard. In the preferred embodiment, two layers of kraft paper # 26 are used as wrapping. A single layer of heavier kraft paper can also be used. It may be desirable for environmental reasons to match the construction materials of the end pieces, cross pieces and wrapping. For example, it may be desirable to use all paper-based materials or all plastic-based materials to improve recirculation capacity. During use, the apparatus 12 rests on the wrapped end pieces 24, which typically run from front to rear with respect to the apparatus 12. The apparatus 12 can be bolted to the support platform 10, as shown in the Figure 1 The combination of a low density material wrapped by a high density material results in a shipping pad that is strong enough to withstand the rigors of an assembly line production of large appliances, yet having sufficient damping to protect the apparatus of damage due to vibration during boarding. The invention as described herein has passed a manufacturer's test of larger devices for scales, using the most robust test protocol in the industry. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 7-9, a base support platform 110 is provided, having a centerpiece 112, end pieces 124 and a wrapper 126. The centerpiece comprises a single sheet of marked material., folded and glued with adhesive on both sides to form cross pieces 122 and a bottom sheet 114 interposed therebetween. The transverse pieces 122 may define substantially triangular tubular sections 128, as best shown in Figure 9. The end pieces 124 are configured to fit snugly to either end of the center piece 122, and may be glued thereto. The casing 126 encapsulates the end pieces 124 and a portion of the center piece 112 to form a strong but cushioned base support platform, 110. As in In the preferred embodiment, the end pieces 124 can be formed of low density material such as expanded polystyrene foam. The center piece 112 can be formed of a medium to high density material such as corrugated cardboard. The wrapper 126 can be formed of a medium to high density material such as kraft paper. In a third embodiment (not shown) a single transverse piece connects two end pieces to form a base support platform in the shape of H or U, depending on the point of union. In yet another embodiment (not shown), a single transverse piece is attached to an individual end piece to form a base support platform in the shape of a T or L, depending on the point of attachment. Other modifications and alternative modalities of the The invention is contemplated, which does not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the teachings above and the appended claims. The claims are intended to cover all modifications that fall within its scope. twenty m mmíS íBtiMÍÍ¡¡

Claims (9)

1. - A base support platform (10) for supporting a product such as an apparatus or the like, said base support platform comprising: at least one end piece (24) having portions (33) to support the weight of the product; at least one transverse piece (22) connected to at least one end piece (24); means for connecting at least one end piece (24) and at least one transverse piece (22); and a sheet-like wrapper (26) substantially covering the weight support portions (33) of at least one end piece (24) and adhered thereto to improve its strength.

2. The base support platform (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least one end piece (24) is formed of a low density material and at least one transverse piece (22) and shell (26). ) are formed from medium to high density materials.

3. A base support platform (10) to support a product such as an apparatus or the like, comprising: two end pieces (24), each having portions (33) to support the body of the product; two transverse pieces (22); means for connecting the end pieces (24) and the cross pieces (22); and a sheet-like wrapper (26) substantially covering the weight bearing portions (33) and the end pieces (24) and adhering thereto to improve their strength.

4. The base support platform (10) according to claim 3, wherein the end pieces (24) are formed of a low density material and the cover (26) is formed of a medium density material a high.

5. The base support platform (10) according to claim 4, wherein the end pieces (26) are formed of a medium to high density material.

6. The base support platform (10) according to claim 4, wherein the end pieces (24) are formed of a material selected from the group consisting of resin-based foams, expanded paper-based materials , alveolar material, molded paper pulp materials, cork, bubble wrap, and recirculated paper fiber. 7 '.- The base support platform (10) according to claim 6, wherein the envelope (26) is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of heavy paper, cardboard, plastic wrap and ordinary gray cardboard . 8. The base support platform (10) according to claim 7, wherein the cross pieces (22) are formed of a material selected from the group consisting of kraft paper (brown), convolutionally wound cardboard, paper recirculated, treated paper, mixtures of paper and cardboard, and corrugated cardboard 9. The base support platform (10) according to claim 4, wherein the end pieces (24) are formed of expanded polystyrene and the Wrap (26) is formed of paper 10.- The base support platform (10) according to claim 9, wherein the transverse pieces (22) are formed of two or more layers of laminated paper together. The base support platform (10) according to claim 3, wherein each transverse part (22) comprises at least one tubular section (28, 30) having opposite ends and the connecting means comprise at least one projection (31). ) extending from each end piece (26), the ual is fixed at one end of at least one tubular section (28, 30) 12. The basic support platform (10) according to claim 3, wherein each transverse piece (22) comprises first and second tubular sections (28, 30) having opposite ends of a slot (32) interposed between the tubular sections (28, 30), and running substantially over the length of the transverse piece (22). 13. The base support platform (10) according to claim 12, wherein the groove (32) has opposite side walls (34, 36), substantially parallel to each other. 14.- The base support platform ( 10) according to claim 12, wherein the connecting means comprise projections (31) extending from each end piece (24), which are fixed at the ends of the first crosspiece and the second cross sections (28, 30). 16. The base support platform (10) according to claim 3, wherein the end pieces (24) are formed of expanded polystyrene, the cross pieces (22) are formed from a plurality of layers of paper fiber solid laminated together, and the wrapper (26) is formed from kraft paper (from brown). 1

7. A basic support platform (110), comprising: a substantially rectangular central part (112) having two opposite sides and two opposite ends and comprising a single sheet of marked material, folded and adhered on opposite sides to form cross pieces (122) and a bottom sheet (114) interposed therebetween; end pieces (124) configured to fit snugly to any opposite end of the center piece (112); and an envelope (126) encapsulating the end pieces (124) and a portion of the center piece (112). 1

8. The base support platform (110) according to claim 17, wherein the transverse pieces (122) define substantially triangular tubular sections (128) 19.- The base support platform (110) in accordance with claim 17, wherein the end pieces (124) are formed of a low density material, the center piece (112) is formed of a medium to high density material and the wrapper (126) is formed of ^ ÜiHgl a material of high medipva density. 20. The base support platform (110) according to claim 19, wherein the end pieces (124) are formed of expanded polystyrene, the center piece (112) is formed of corrugated cardboard, and the envelope (126). ) is formed from kraft paper (from brown).