US20060021391A1

US20060021391A1 - Leveling pedestal usable with washing machine

Info

Publication number: US20060021391A1
Application number: US11/183,944
Authority: US
Inventors: II Yim; Ho Kwon; Hack Song; Beon Kim
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2004-06-20
Filing date: 2005-07-19
Publication date: 2006-02-02
Also published as: WO2006009379A2; KR20060009082A; WO2006009379A3

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine. The leveling pedestal includes a plurality of pedestal sections configured to place the washing machine thereon. The plurality of pedestal sections are connected to each other to adjust the overall length of the leveling pedestal depending on the size of the washing machine or a distance between a plurality of legs of the washing machine. With such a length adjustable configuration, the leveling pedestal is recyclable so as to correspond to different washing machine sizes, achieving commonality in use.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine, and, more particularly, to a leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine, which serves to adjust the level of the washing machine placed thereon when the washing machine is mounted on a stepped or inclined ground surface.
2. Description of the Related Art
In general, washing machines are classified into a washing machine to wash laundry using detergent and water, a drying machine to dry laundry using hot air, and a combination drying and washing machine.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional washing machine mounted on a stepped ground surface.
As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional washing machine 1 comprises a casing 2 forming the outer appearance of the washing machine 1, a tub mounted in the casing 2 to contain wash water, a drum to receive laundry, a drive unit to rotate the drum, and legs 4 mounted at four corners of a lower surface of the casing 2 to support the casing 2 at a certain height spaced apart from the ground surface.
At the lower surface of the casing 2 are formed female-screw portions (not shown).
Each of the legs 4 consists of a male-screw portion 5 to be fastened into one of the female-screw portions in a height-adjustable manner, and an elastic member 6 configured to surround a lower end of the male-screw portion 5.
When the conventional washing machine 1 is mounted on a stepped or inclined ground surface, it is adjusted in level by adjusting the height of the legs 4 or by placing the legs 4 on separate leveling pedestals 7, respectively.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the conventional leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine.
The conventional leveling pedestal 7 consists of a plurality of pedestal members 8, 9, and 10 vertically stacked one above another. Depending on the height difference of the stepped ground surface or the tilting angle of the inclined ground surface, the plurality of pedestal members 8, 9 and 10 may be used either alone or in combination.
However, the conventional leveling pedestal 7 usable with a washing machine has the following problem. When the height difference of the stepped ground surface or the tilting angle of the inclined ground surface exceeds a predetermined limit value, the number of the pedestal members 8, 9 and 10 must be increased. Such an increase in the number of the pedestal members 8, 9 and 10 beyond a certain range makes it difficult to firmly support the washing machine.
To solve the above problem, it may be tried to place the plurality of legs 4 of the washing machine on a longitudinally or transversely extending elongated single leveling pedestal. However, this has a problem in that various sizes of leveling pedestals corresponding to various washing machine sizes have to be prepared.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine, which can compensate a considerable height difference between stepped ground surfaces and is adjustable in length to thereby be commonly used in all kinds of washing machines regardless of the size of the washing machine.
In accordance with the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine comprising: a plurality of pedestal sections connected to each other in a length adjustable manner, the washing machine being placed on the connected pedestal sections.
Preferably, one of the plurality of pedestal sections may be internally formed with a space, and the other one of the plurality of pedestal sections may be formed with an insert to be partially or entirely inserted into the space.
Preferably, the space may open part of a lower surface and a lateral end surface of one of the plurality of pedestal sections.
Preferably, a vibration-proof member may be mounted at a lower surface of the insert.
Preferably, holding pieces may be formed at one of the insert and the space, and holding grooves may be formed at the other one of the insert and the space, whereby the holding pieces are slidably inserted into and engaged in the holding grooves.
Preferably, the holding pieces and the holding grooves may be vertically elongated, and may be spaced apart from one another, respectively, in a longitudinal direction of the pedestal.
Preferably, hooks may be formed at one of the plurality of pedestal sections, and hook holes may be formed at the other one of the plurality of pedestal sections for the engagement of the hooks.
Preferably, the hooks and the hook holes may be spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance, respectively, in a longitudinal direction of the pedestal.
Preferably, each of the pedestal sections may be formed at an upper surface thereof with a leg seating recess to firmly fix a respective one of legs of the washing machine.
Preferably, each of the pedestal sections may be formed at a lower surface thereof with a vibration-proof member.
In the leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine according to the present invention as stated above, since the plurality of pedestal sections are connected to each other so that the overall length of the leveling pedestal can be adjusted depending on the size of the washing machine or a distance between a plurality of legs of the washing machine, the leveling pedestal is recyclable so as to correspond to different washing machine sizes, achieving commonality in use.
Further, according to the present invention, one of the pedestal sections is integrally formed with the space, and the other pedestal section is formed with the insert to be partially or entirely inserted into the space. Thereby, the overall length of the leveling pedestal can be easily adjusted, resulting in convenient use thereof.
Furthermore, as a result of forming holding pieces at one of the insert and the space, and holding grooves at the other one of the insert and the space to allow the holding pieces to be inserted thereinto in a sliding manner, it is possible to prevent unintentional length change or separation of the insert from the space while ensuring easy connection between the plurality of pedestal sections.
Finally, the plurality of pedestal sections are hooked to one another so as not to be easily separated from each other by vibration, resulting in improved product reliability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional washing machine mounted on a stepped ground surface;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a conventional leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which is mounted on a stepped ground surface;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the leveling pedestal of FIG. 3 prior to placing the washing machine thereon;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the leveling pedestal of FIGS. 3 and 4;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state of the leveling pedestal of FIG. 5 having the shortest length;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating the shortest leveling pedestal of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another assembled state of the leveling pedestal of FIG. 5 having the longest length;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating a leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating a leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which is mounted on a stepped ground surface. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the leveling pedestal of FIG. 3 prior to placing the washing machine thereon.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the leveling pedestal 60 usable with the washing machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is designed so that a plurality of legs 4 of the washing machine 1 is placed thereon when the washing machine 1 is mounted on a stepped or inclined ground surface, thereby serving to level the washing machine 1 entirely.
The leveling pedestal 60 includes a plurality of elongated pedestal sections 62 and 64, which are connected to each other to adjust the overall length of the leveling pedestal 60. The plurality of legs 4 of the washing machine 1 is placed on the pedestal sections 62 and 64, respectively.
To allow the legs 4 of the washing machine 1 to be firmly fixed in place, the pedestal sections 62 and 64 are indented at upper surfaces thereof with leg seating recesses 56 and 58, respectively.
In the first embodiment of the present invention, the leveling pedestal 60 is located beneath a front side of the washing machine 1 so that a pair of front legs 4 of the washing machine 1 is placed on opposite ends thereof. Otherwise, the leveling pedestal 60 may be located beneath a rear side of the washing machine 1 so that a pair of rear legs 4 of the washing machine 1 is placed on the opposite ends thereof.
Admittedly, it should be understood that the leveling pedestal 60 may be located beneath one of opposite lateral sides of the washing machine 1 so that the respective front and rear legs, located at one of the lateral sides of the washing machine 1, are placed on the opposite ends thereof.
Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the leveling pedestal 60 is limited to be arranged beneath the front side of the washing machine 1 to extend throughout the front side.
Also, the leveling pedestal 60 may be formed by connecting two pedestal sections 62 and 64 to each other in a length adjustable manner, or by connecting three or more pedestal sections to one another in a length adjustable manner. Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the leveling pedestal 60 is limited to the length adjustable connection of the two pedestal sections 62 and 64.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the leveling pedestal of FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an assembled state of the leveling pedestal of FIG. 5 having the shortest length. FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating the shortest leveling pedestal of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another assembled state of the leveling pedestal of FIG. 5 having the longest length.
As shown in FIG. 5, one of the pedestal sections, i.e. a first pedestal section 62, is internally formed with a space 66, and the other pedestal section, i.e. a second pedestal section 64, is formed with an insert 67 to be partially or entirely inserted into the space 66.
The space 66 opens part of a lower surface and a lateral end surface of the first pedestal section 62.
The overall length of the leveling pedestal 60 is determined depending on the length of a portion of the insert 67 inserted into the space 66.
If the insert 67 is inserted deep into the space 66, the overall length of the leveling pedestal 60 is shortened. Conversely, if the insert 67 is only slightly inserted into the space 66, the overall length of the leveling pedestal 60 is lengthened.
Meanwhile, in order to prevent the insert 67, inserted in the space 66, from being pushed in a longitudinal direction of the leveling pedestal 60, holding pieces 68 are formed at one of the insert 67 and the space 66, and holding grooves 70 are formed at the other one of the insert 67 and the space 66, so that the holding pieces 68 are slidably inserted into and engaged in the holding grooves 70.
For the convenience of explanation, the following description is limited to that the holding pieces 68 are formed at the first pedestal section 62 having the space 66, and the holding grooves 70 are formed at the insert 67 of the second pedestal section 64.
Each of the holding pieces 68 has an elongated rib shape protruding along an inner wall surface of the first pedestal section 62 defining the space 66. Each of the holding grooves 70 is indented along an outer wall surface of the insert 67 to have the same shape as the holding piece 68.
The holding groove 70 is slightly wider than the holding piece 68, so that the holding piece 68 is able to be vertically slidably inserted into the holding groove 70, but is not moved after being inserted in the holding groove 70.
Here, both the holding piece 68 and the holding groove 70 have a vertically elongated shape. With this configuration, when the insert 67, formed with the holding groove 70, is inserted into the space 66 from a lower side of the space 66, the holding piece 68 vertically slides along the holding groove 70 to thereby be inserted into the holding groove 70 so as not to move in a longitudinal direction of the leveling pedestal 60.
Respective two holding pieces 68 form a pair, and similarly, respective two holding grooves 70 form a pair.
The two holding pieces 68 of each pair are spaced apart from each other by the same distance as that between the two holding grooves 70 of each pair.
In the present invention, a plurality of pairs of the holding pieces 68 and a plurality of pairs of the holding grooves 70 are longitudinally spaced apart from one another, respectively, so that the overall length of the leveling pedestal 60 is able to be adjusted in a multistage manner.
For the convenience of explanation, the following description is limited to that the length of the leveling pedestal 60 is adjustable in three stages.
That is, the leveling pedestal 60 is provided with three holding pieces, i.e. leftmost holding piece 68, middle holding piece 68′, and rightmost holding piece 68″, and three holding grooves, i.e. leftmost holding groove 70, middle holding groove 70′, and rightmost holding groove 70″.
When the leftmost holding piece 68 is inserted into the leftmost holding groove 70, the middle holding piece 68′ is inserted into the middle holding groove 70′, and the rightmost holding piece 68″ is inserted into the rightmost holding groove 70″, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the leveling pedestal 60 has the shortest length. On the other hand, when only the leftmost holding piece 68 is inserted into the rightmost holding groove 70″, as shown in FIG. 8, the leveling pedestal 60 has the longest length. Also, when the leftmost holding piece 68 is inserted into the middle holding groove 70′ and the middle holding piece 68′ is inserted into the rightmost holding groove 70″, the leveling pedestal 60 has the medium length.
The leftmost, middle, and rightmost holding pieces 68, 68′, and 68″ are spaced apart from one another by the same distance as that between the leftmost, middle, and rightmost holding grooves 70, 70′, and 70″.
In the leveling pedestal 60 of the present invention, further, hooks 72 are formed at one of the plurality of pedestal sections 62 and 64, and, correspondingly, hook holes 74 are formed at the other one of the pedestal sections 62 and 64 for the engagement of the hooks 72.
Both the hooks 72 and the hook holes 74 serve as fasteners to maintain the engaged state between the insert 67 and the space 66 without the risk of vertical separation therebetween. The hooks 72 are formed at appropriately selected positions near the respective holding pieces 68, 68′, and 68″, and the hook holes 74 are formed at appropriately selected positions near the respective holding grooves 70, 70′, and 70″ to correspond to the hooks 72.
The hooks 72 protrude from a lower end of the inner wall surface of the first pedestal section 62 having the space 66, and the hooks holes 74 are formed at a lower end of the insert 67.
The leveling pedestal 60 is also provided with vibration- proof members 76 and 78 at lower surfaces of the respective pedestal sections 62 and 64.
Preferably, the vibration- proof members 76 and 78 are positioned immediately below the leg seating recesses 56 and 58 to prevent bending or drooping of the pedestal sections 62 and 64.
Now, the operation of the present invention configured as stated above will be explained.
First, based on a measured result related to a distance between the plurality of legs 4 of the washing machine 1, the plurality of pedestal sections 62 and 64 are assembled so that a distance between the leg seating grooves 56 and 58 thereof is equal to the measured distance of the plurality of legs 4.
If the distance between the legs 4 is short, the insert 67 is mostly or entirely inserted into the space 66 so that all the holding pieces 68, 68′, and 68″ are inserted into the holding grooves 70, 70′, and 70″, respectively. Conversely, if the distance between the legs 4 is long, the insert 67 is only partially inserted into the space 66 so that only the leftmost holding piece 68 is inserted into the rightmost holding groove 70″.
When the insert 67 is inserted deep into the space 66, the insert 67 is locked so as not to be separated in an opposite direction of an insertion direction thereof as the hook holes 74 are downwardly caught by the hooks 72.
That is, the leveling pedestal 60 is restricted in longitudinal separation thereof by virtue of the holding pieces caught by the holding grooves, and is also restricted in vertical separation thereof by virtue of the hook holes 74 caught by the hooks 72.
After completing the assembly of the plurality of pedestal sections 62 and 64, the respective legs 4 of the washing machine 1 are inserted and fixed in the leg seating recesses 56 and 58 of the pedestal sections 62 and 64. Thereby, the leveling pedestal 60 acts to level the washing machine 1.
Meanwhile, when it is desired to use the leveling pedestal 60 according to the embodiment of the present invention with another washing machine (not shown) having a different distance between the plurality of legs 4, the pedestal sections 62 and 64 of the leveling pedestal 60 are reassembled so that the distance between the leg seating recesses 56 and 58 thereof corresponds to the different distance of the plurality of legs 4.
That is, first, opposite walls of the first pedestal section 62 defining the space 66 are sufficiently separated to allow the insert 67 to be separated from the space 66. After separation of the insert 67, the plurality of pedestal sections 62 and 64 are able to be reassembled so that the distance between the leg seating recesses 56 and 58 thereof is adjusted to correspond to the distance between the plurality of legs 4.
Thereby, if the plurality of legs 4 of the washing machine are inserted and fixed in the leg seating recesses 56 and 68 of the pedestal sections 62 and 64, the length adjusted leveling pedestal 60 can be used to level the washing machine (not shown).
FIG. 9 is a sectional view illustrating a leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 9, in the second embodiment of the present invention, an additional vibration-proof member 78′ is mounted at a lower surface of the insert 67 to prevent vibrational separation between the insert 67 and the space 66 and to more stably support the washing machine 1.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view illustrating a leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the third embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of holding pieces 68 are spaced apart from one another by an equal distance t1, and the plurality of holding grooves 70 are spaced apart from one another by an equal distance t2 to allow the overall length of the pedestal section 60 to be adjusted in an increased multistage manner as compared to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As is apparent from the above description, the present invention provides a leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine having the following advantages.
Firstly, according to the present invention, the leveling pedestal is formed by connecting a plurality of pedestal sections to each other so that the overall length thereof can be adjusted depending on the size of the washing machine or a distance between a plurality of legs of the washing machine. With this configuration, the leveling pedestal is variable in size so as to correspond to different washing machine sizes, achieving commonality in use.
Secondly, one of the pedestal sections is integrally formed with a space, and the other pedestal section is formed with an insert to be partially or entirely inserted into the space. Thereby, the overall length of the leveling pedestal can be easily adjusted, resulting in convenient use thereof.
Thirdly, according to the present invention, holding pieces are formed at one of the insert and the space, and holding grooves are formed at the other one of the insert and the space to allow the holding pieces to be inserted thereinto in a sliding manner. Using the holding pieces and the holding grooves is effective to prevent unintentional length change or separation of the insert from the space while ensuring easy connection between the plurality of pedestal sections.
Fourthly, the plurality of pedestal sections are hooked to one another so as not to be easily separated from each other by vibration, resulting in improved product reliability.
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A leveling pedestal usable with a washing machine comprising:

a plurality of pedestal sections connected to each other in a length adjustable manner, the washing machine being placed on the connected pedestal sections.

2. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of pedestal sections is internally formed with a space, and the other one of the plurality of pedestal sections is formed with an insert to be partially or entirely inserted into the space.

3. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 2, wherein the space opens part of a lower surface and a lateral end surface of one of the plurality of pedestal sections.

4. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 2, wherein a vibration-proof member is mounted at a lower surface of the insert.

5. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 2, wherein holding pieces are formed at one of the insert and the space, and holding grooves are formed at the other one of the insert and the space,

whereby the holding pieces are slidably inserted into and engaged in the holding grooves.

6. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 5, wherein the holding pieces and the holding grooves are vertically elongated, and are spaced apart from one another, respectively, in a longitudinal direction of the pedestal.

7. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 1, wherein hooks are formed at one of the plurality of pedestal sections, and hook holes are formed at the other one of the plurality of pedestal sections for the engagement of the hooks.

8. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 7, wherein the hooks and the hook holes are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance, respectively, in a longitudinal direction of the pedestal.

9. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of the pedestal sections is formed at an upper surface thereof with a leg seating recess to firmly fix a respective one of legs of the washing machine.

10. The leveling pedestal as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of the pedestal sections is formed at a lower surface thereof with a vibration-proof member.