US4700832A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Packing brace with interlocking members
Assignee: BAYBANK
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Filing: 1986-09-29
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Granted: 1987-10-20
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Expires: 2006-09-29
Abstract
Abstract A collapsible washing machine packing brace having three or four support arms. The support arms extend radially from a centrally disposed collar. One of the arms is formed by the interlocking engagement of two elongate members, one which carries a male latching portion and another which carries a female latching portion. The other support arms are of a unitary construction and are integral with the outer wall of the central collar.
Inventors
- 👤 David M. Champ
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 08:19
CPC Classifications
D; D06; D06F; D06F39/00; D06F39/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
A collapsible packing brace for securing the agitator basin and agitator arm of a washing machine, comprising a generally circular non-continuous central collar; at least two generally rectangular integral support arms, each having a unitary construction and being integral with an outer wall of said collar; a generally rectangular latching arm extending radially from said collar, said latching arm being formed by the interlocking engagement of male and female elongate members; and a plurality of integral, semi-circular hinge means disposed on the outer wall of said brace between each of said arms.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
A collapsible packing brace for securing the agitator basin and agitator arm of a washing machine, comprising a generally circular non-continuous central collar; at least two generally rectangular integral support arms, each having a unitary construction and being integral with an outer wall of said collar; a generally rectangular latching arm extending radially from said collar, said latching arm being formed by the interlocking engagement of male and female elongate members; and a plurality of integral, semi-circular hinge means disposed on the outer wall of said brace between each of said arms.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The packing brace of claim 1 wherein said support arms of unitary construction include a central, v-shaped slot extending therethrough from said collar to a vertex spaced inwardly from an outer wall of said support arms.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
10 words
The packing brace of claim 2 having two support arms.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
9 words
The packing brace of claim 3 having three hinges.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
10 words
The packing brace of claim 2 having three support arms.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
9 words
The packing brace of claim 5 having four hinges.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The packing brace of claim 2 wherein the outer edges of said support arms and said latching arm define a generally flat surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The packing brace of claim 2 wherein the outer edges of said support arms and said latching arm define a surface tapered inwardly from top to bottom.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The packing brace of claim 2 wherein said brace is constructed of a polymer foam material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a washing machine brace having a centrally disposed collar and a plurality of radial support arms extending therefrom, the improvement comprising: at least two of said support arms having a unitary construction and being integral with said collar, a latching arm formed by the interlocking positive engagement of a male portion and a female portion of cooperating elongate members wherein each of said support arms has a central, v-shaped slit extending therethrough from said collar to a vertex spaced slightly inward of an outer wall of said arms.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
89 words
In a washing machine brace having a centrally disposed collar and a plurality of radial support arms extending therefrom, the improvement comprising: at least two of said support arms having a unitary construction and being integral with said collar, a latching arm formed by the interlocking positive engagement of a male portion and a female portion of cooperating elongate members wherein each of said support arms has a central, v-shaped slit extending therethrough from said collar to a vertex spaced slightly inward of an outer wall of said arms.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-10-19 | 1991-04-20 | 1991-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-10-19 | 1995-04-20 | 1995-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-10-19 | 1999-04-20 | 1999-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |