초록 ▼

A support structure for a vertically arranged combination household appliance, more particularly a front loading dryer assembly arranged above a top loading washer assembly, includes vertical main support members, horizontal members and other members. The structure adequately supports both appliance

A support structure for a vertically arranged combination household appliance, more particularly a front loading dryer assembly arranged above a top loading washer assembly, includes vertical main support members, horizontal members and other members. The structure adequately supports both appliance assemblies of the combination appliance during transportation and usage, provides improved operating performance during off balance washer spin conditions or dryer tumbling, and maintains unitary appliance characteristics by being an integral part of the combination appliance design and by being located entirely interior to the appliance cabinetry.

대표청구항 ▼

A vertically arranged unitary and fully self-supporting combination appliance comprising: a lower appliance assembly; an upper appliance assembly, positioned above said lower appliance assembly; a cabinet enclosing said upper appliance assembly and said lower appliance assembly; a base in contact wi

A vertically arranged unitary and fully self-supporting combination appliance comprising: a lower appliance assembly; an upper appliance assembly, positioned above said lower appliance assembly; a cabinet enclosing said upper appliance assembly and said lower appliance assembly; a base in contact with said lower appliance assembly and in contact with a supporting surface, such that said lower appliance assembly is fully supported through said base; and a support structure to mount said upper appliance assembly above said lower appliance assembly, said support structure being enclosed within said cabinet, and said support structure fully supporting said upper appliance assembly through said base, said support structure comprising means for providing structural integrity to said combination appliance during transportation and operation, and said support structure comprising: a first means for supporting the weight of the upper appliance assembly comprising at least one vertical main support member; and at least one horizontal support member attached to said vertical main support member, in cantilever fashion and extending along a depth of said upper appliance assembly and attached to said upper appliance assembly such that a substantial overhanging portion of the supported weight of said upper appliance assembly is supported by said horizontal support member, and said horizontal support member transfers the substantial overhanging portion of the supported weight to said vertical main support member; and said base comprises: a second means for fully supporting the first means comprising at least one base frame member attached to said vertical main support member and extending along a depth of said lower appliance assembly such that the substantial overhanging portion of the supported weight of said upper appliance assembly is transferred from said vertical main support member to said base frame member, and said base frame member transfers force caused by the supported weight to the supporting surface.