US4240550A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Washing machine agitator brace
Assignee: COLLIN BOX & SUPPLY Co
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Filing: 1979-12-20
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Granted: 1980-12-23
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Expires: 1999-12-20
Abstract
Abstract An agitator and basket for a top loading clothes washing machine is protected from damage during shipment by a plurality of rigid foam plastic braces which are arranged radially about the agitator. The inner ends of the braces are urged snugly into engagement with the upper end of the agitator of the machine and the outer ends of the braces are urged firmly into engagement with the machine housing and the upper end of the clothes basket of the machine. The inner and outer ends of the brace are of a special configuration which enhances the security and ease with which the braces engage the machine.
Inventors
- 👤 Herbert S. Collin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 16:27
CPC Classifications
D; D06; D06F; D06F39/00; D06F39/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
A bracing device for a top loading clothes washing machine having an agitator element comprising: an elongate member formed from a relatively stiff but resiliently compressable foam plastic material, said member having an inner end and an outer end, said inner end being adapted to engage said agitator and the outer end being adapted to engage the rim of the opening of the washing machine so that when the brace is used it extends radially and outwardly from the agitator; the inner end of the block being formed to define a vertically extending V-shaped groove adapted to engage the upper end of the agitator; the outer end of the block being formed to define a plurality of horizontally extending vertically spaced V-shaped grooves adapted to engage the rim of the housing of the washing machine.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
135 words
A bracing device for a top loading clothes washing machine having an agitator element comprising: an elongate member formed from a relatively stiff but resiliently compressable foam plastic material, said member having an inner end and an outer end, said inner end being adapted to engage said agitator and the outer end being adapted to engage the rim of the opening of the washing machine so that when the brace is used it extends radially and outwardly from the agitator; the inner end of the block being formed to define a vertically extending V-shaped groove adapted to engage the upper end of the agitator; the outer end of the block being formed to define a plurality of horizontally extending vertically spaced V-shaped grooves adapted to engage the rim of the housing of the washing machine.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device as defined in claim 1 further comprising: a vertically extending slot at the inner end of the block extending from the vertex of the vertical V-shaped groove.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device as defined in claim 2 further comprising: a horizontal slot associated with each of the horizontal grooves at the outer end of the block.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-12-23 | 1984-06-23 | 1984-12-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-12-23 | 1988-06-23 | 1988-12-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-12-23 | 1992-06-23 | 1992-12-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |