Washing machine shipping system and method

Abstract

Washing machine shipping systems that inhibit movement of one or more moveable component with respect to one or more stationary component of a washing machine during shipping and handling of the washing machine. The shipping systems engage a moveable component, such as a motor or a basket, to substantially prevent side-to-side and/or vertical movement of the moveable component with respect to a stationary component, such as a cabinet or frame, during shipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the shipping system is removed from the washing machine for installation of the washing machine at the consumer's residence. In some exemplary embodiments, the washing machine system engages an outer surface of an external rotor of a motor to substantially prevent side-to-side and/or vertical movement of the motor with respect to the washing machine cabinet.

1 . A washing machine shipping system for shipping a washing machine having a cabinet and a motor assembly having an external rotor positioned within the cabinet, the shipping system comprising:
 an engagement device configured to mate with an outer surface of the external rotor of the motor assembly in a removable manner; and   an interface configured for retention at least partially within the cabinet of the washing machine during shipment;   wherein the interface is configured to couple the engagement device and external rotor to the cabinet during shipment such that side-to-side movement of the motor assembly with respect to the cabinet is substantially prevented during shipping and handling of the washing machine;   wherein the interface is removable from the cabinet after the shipping and handling of the washing machine.   
     
     
         2 . The shipping system of  claim 1  wherein the engagement device is removable from the outer surface of the external rotor by pulling the engagement device linearly downward away from the rotor. 
     
     
         3 . The shipping system of  claim 1  wherein the engagement device includes a plurality of slots that are sized and spaced to fit over a plurality of fins of the outer surface of the external rotor to mate the engagement device to the outer surface of the external rotor in a removable manner. 
     
     
         4 . The shipping system of  claim 1  wherein the engagement device is configured for use as a tool for preventing rotation of the rotor during servicing of the washing machine after the shipping and handling of the washing machine and removal of the interface. 
     
     
         5 . The shipping system of  claim 1  wherein the interface comprises wood frame members. 
     
     
         6 . The shipping system of  claim 1  wherein the washing machine includes a tub associated with the motor assembly and wherein a damping element is stretched over and attached to a tub. 
     
     
         7 . The shipping system of  claim 1  wherein the washing machine includes a basket positioned within the cabinet and wherein a removable plug extends from the basket to the cabinet, the removable plug configured to prevent movement of the basket relative to the cabinet. 
     
     
         8 . A method for shipping and handling a washing machine having a cabinet and a motor assembly with an external rotor positioned within the cabinet, the method comprising:
 removably mating an engagement device with an outer surface of the external rotor;   coupling the engagement device and external rotor to the cabinet during shipment such that side-to-side movement of the motor assembly with respect to the cabinet is substantially prevented during shipping and handling of the washing machine;   decoupling the engagement device and the external rotor from the cabinet after said shipping and handling of the washing machine.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising removing the engagement device from the external rotor after said shipping and handling of the washing machine by pulling the engagement device linearly downward from the external rotor. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the engagement device includes a plurality of slots that are sized and spaced to fit over a plurality of fins of the outer surface of the external rotor to mate the engagement device to the outer surface of the external rotor in a removable manner. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising stretching a damping element over a tub of the washing machine. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8  further comprising positioning a plug in an opening of the cabinet and the opening of a basket of the washing machine to prevent movement of the basket relative to the cabinet. 
     
     
         13 . A washing machine shipping system for shipping a washing machine having a cabinet and a motor assembly that includes an external rotor positioned within the cabinet, the shipping system comprising:
 a removable framework retained at least partially within the cabinet of the washing machine, the removable framework including a plurality of support members configured to support at least one cross-member;   wherein the cross member is configured to engage an outer surface of the external rotor in a manner that substantially reduces side-to-side movement of the motor assembly within the cabinet during shipping and handling of the washing machine.   
     
     
         14 . The shipping system of  claim 13  wherein a plurality of frame members are attached to the cross member, the plurality of frame members being positioned to correspond to an outer diameter of the external rotor of the motor assembly. 
     
     
         15 . A washing machine shipping system for shipping a washing machine having a cabinet and a motor assembly that includes an external rotor positioned within the cabinet, the shipping system comprising:
 a plurality of intersecting support members forming a framework;   a plurality of framing blocks attached to the intersecting support members, the framing blocks configured to define a gap; and   a resilient member positioned within the gap;   wherein the framework is retained within the cabinet of the washing machine and configured to support the external rotor of the motor assembly;   wherein the resilient member is configured to substantially reduce side-to-side movement of the motor assembly within the cabinet of the washing machine during shipping and handling of the washing machine.   
     
     
         16 . The shipping system of  claim 15  wherein the resilient member is at least one hose supplied with the washing machine for connecting the washing machine to a water supply.