SHIPPING SPACER ASSEMBLY FOR WASHING MACHINES

A shipping spacer assembly is configured to be removably attached to a wash tub of a washing machine for fixing a distance between a wash tub and a cabinet of a washing machine appliance in an installed position. The shipping spacer assembly includes a bolt, a cord retention mechanism, and a grommet. The bolt includes a shaft extending along an axial direction, a head located at one end of the shaft, and a threaded portion located opposite the head in the axial direction. The cord retention mechanism is configured for receipt of a power cord. The cord retention mechanism is positioned between the head of the bolt and the rear panel in the installed position. The grommet defines a grommet cavity. The shaft is removably positioned through the grommet cavity.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to appliances, and more particularly to washing machine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a wash tub housed within a cabinet. A wash basket is rotatably mounted within the wash tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing during a wash cycle. During the wash cycle, the wash basket rotates and agitates articles or wash fluid to wash the articles. The wash tub may move or vibrate within the cabinet during the wash cycle. One or more suspension devices of the washing machine appliance may suspend the wash tub within the cabinet and allow some movement relative to the cabinet during operation. The suspension devices generally allow the tub to move relative to the cabinet during operation of the washing machine appliance.

Notably, vibrations that may be experienced during the transportation of the washing machine appliance may overwhelm the suspension devices, resulting in premature wear or damage to one or more components of the appliance. Accordingly, shipping bolts and spacers are commonly used to secure the tub to the cabinet to make the washer rigid and to ensure the safe handling of the washing machine appliance during shipping or other transport. After the washing machine appliance is installed, the shipping bolts and spacers should be removed prior to operating the machine. However, sometimes the shipping bolts and spacers are inadvertently left in the washer at the time of installation. If these bolts and spacers are not removed, the suspensions of the wash tub will not be activated and there will be a lot of noise and vibration. These issues result in customer dissatisfaction, damage to the appliance or surrounding property, or additional service visits or maintenance costs.

Accordingly, measures for simplifying the installation and transport of washing machine appliances would be desirable. Additionally or alternatively, a stabilization measure that entices its removal from the wash tub prior to use of the washing machine appliance would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance may include a cabinet having a rear panel, a wash tub located within the cabinet, a power cord configured to connect the washing machine appliance to an external power source and a shipping spacer assembly. The shipping spacer assembly may be removably attached to the wash tub for fixing a distance between the wash tub and the cabinet in an installed position. The shipping spacer assembly may define an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The shipping spacer assembly may include a bolt, a cord retention mechanism, and a grommet. The bolt may include a shaft extending along the axial direction, a head located at one end of the shaft, and a threaded portion located opposite the head in the axial direction. The cord retention mechanism may be configured for receipt of the power cord and may be located along the shaft of the bolt. The cord retention mechanism may be positioned between the head of the bolt and the rear panel when the shipping spacer assembly is in the installed position. The grommet may define a grommet cavity, the shaft removably positioned through the grommet cavity.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a shipping spacer assembly is provided. The shipping spacer assembly may be configured to be removably attached to a wash tub of a washing machine appliance for fixing a distance between the wash tub and a cabinet of the washing machine appliance in an installed position. The shipping spacer assembly may define an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The shipping spacer assembly may include a bolt, a cord retention mechanism, and a grommet. The bolt may include a shaft extending along the axial direction, a head located at one end of the shaft, and a threaded portion located opposite the head in the axial direction. The cord retention mechanism may be configured for receipt of a power cord and may be located along the shaft of the bolt. The cord retention mechanism may be configured to be positioned between the head of the bolt and the cabinet when the shipping spacer assembly is in the installed position. The grommet may define a grommet cavity, the shaft removably positioned through the grommet cavity.

Use of the same of similar reference numerals in the figures denotes the same or similar features unless the context indicates otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. Terms such as “inner” and “outer” refer to relative directions with respect to the interior and exterior of the appliance, and in particular the chamber(s) defined therein. For example, “inner” or “inward” refers to the direction towards the interior of the appliance. Terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “rear,” or “bottom” are used with reference to the perspective of a user accessing the appliance (e.g., when the door is in the open position). For example, a user stands in front of the appliance to open a door and reaches into the internal chamber(s) to access items therein.

Aspects of the present subject matter advantageously provide a washing machine appliance that may provide a stable shipping situation, with a wash tub internal to the washing machine appliance secured during shipment. Further, the present subject matter may provide a way to remove a shipping spacer assembly, which includes a bolt, a cord retention mechanism and a mechanism configured to fix the distance between the wash tub and the cabinet of the washing machine appliance. By attaching the shipping spacer assembly to a power cord of the washing machine appliance and making the power cord inaccessible without removal of the shipping spacer assembly from the washing machine, the chance of the shipping spacer assembly remaining in the washing machine after installation may be greatly reduced.

By orienting a cord retention mechanism to be irremovable from the bolt of the shipping spacer assembly until removal of the bolt from the appliance, removal of the shipping spacer assembly and accessing the power cord are performed in one step instead of two separate steps of installation, the shipping spacer assembly may be removed with the step of accessing the power cord instead of as a separate step when installing the appliance. Further, the step of accessing the power cord may be a more generally well-known step than the step of removing the shipping bolts, so combining these steps may advantageously result in fewer service calls associated with spacers left in washing machines after installation. Bolts left in washing machines after installation may lead to improper functioning of suspension systems within the washing machine and may lead to walking or movement of the washing machine appliance during use following installation. Removal of bolts as a part of attaching the washing machine to a power source may increase correct installation practices and decrease service calls or returns due to improper installation of the appliance.

Turning now to the figures,FIGS.1,2, and3illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a washing appliance. Specifically, the washing appliance is illustrated as a vertical axis washing machine appliance100. InFIG.1, a lid or door130is shown in a closed position.FIG.2provides a front cross sectional view andFIG.3provides a side cross sectional view of certain components of washing machine appliance100.

Washing machine appliance100generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is defined. While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance100is provided by way of example only. Other washing appliances having different configurations, different appearances, or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well (e.g., horizontal axis washing machine appliances or front load washing machine appliances).

Washing machine appliance100has a cabinet102that extends between a top portion103and a bottom portion104along the vertical direction V. Cabinet102may further include a rear panel118, a front panel116located forward of the rear panel118in transverse direction T, and a left panel122opposing a right panel124in the lateral direction L. The cabinet may further include a top panel140located perpendicular to the front panel116, rear panel118, left panel122and right panel124, the top panel extending in a plane roughly having the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T. The rear panel118may extend in a plane roughly having the lateral direction L and the vertical direction V. A wash basket120is located within cabinet102. As shown, wash basket120is movably disposed and rotatably mounted in a wash tub121in a spaced apart relationship from a tub sidewall148and a tub bottom146. Wash basket120is further rotatably mounted within cabinet102. Basket120includes a plurality of perforations106therein to facilitate fluid communication between an interior of basket120and wash tub121. A motor142may be in mechanical communication with wash basket120to selectively rotate wash basket120(e.g., about a rotation axis W during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance100). Wash basket120is received within wash tub121and is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The wash tub121holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket120within wash tub121. In optional embodiments, an agitator or impeller128extends into wash basket120and is also in mechanical communication with motor142. Impeller128may assist agitation of articles disposed within wash basket120during operation of washing machine appliance100.

In some embodiments, cabinet102of washing machine appliance100has a top panel140. Top panel140defines an opening105that permits user access to wash basket120of wash tub121. Door130, which may be rotatably mounted to top panel140, permits selective access to opening105. In particular, door130selectively rotates between the closed position shown inFIG.1and an open position, not shown. In the closed position, door130inhibits access to wash basket120. Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash basket120. In optional embodiments, a window136in door130permits viewing of wash basket120when door130is in the closed position (e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance100). Door130also includes a handle132that, for example, a user may pull or lift when opening and closing door130. Further, although door130is illustrated as mounted to top panel140, alternatively, door130may be mounted to another portion of cabinet102(e.g., to front panel116) or any other suitable support.

In some embodiments, basket120and agitation element128are driven by a motor142(i.e., rotated about the vertical axis W) through a transmission assembly144, e.g., such as a clutch assembly. The motor142attaches to and rotates basket120within wash tub121. Transmission assembly144facilitates driving engagement of basket120and agitation element128for rotatable movement within wash tub121, and transmission assembly144facilitates relative rotation of basket120and agitation element128for selected phases of a wash cycle. Motor142and transmission and transmission assembly144collectively are referenced herein as a motor assembly156.

A liquid supply connection152may include various valves and conduits to deliver fluid to basket120and wash tub121, as would be understood. Liquid supply connection152provides a fresh water supply for use in washing machine appliance100when connected to a building plumbing system (e.g., at water supply source162). A dispenser154may also be provided to produce a solution (e.g., wash fluid) by mixing fresh water with a known detergent or other composition for cleansing of articles in basket120. Tub121includes a bottom104and a tub side148, and basket120is rotatably mounted within wash tub121. A pump assembly150is located beneath tub121and basket120for gravity assisted flow when draining tub121. A power cord170(e.g., as shown inFIG.4) may attach at rear panel118. Power cord170may be configured to connect appliance100, including a controller108or a control panel110, to an external power source such as an electrical outlet. Power cord170may include a cord head172and prongs174extending form cord head172. Prongs174may be configured to be inserted into the external power source, such as a household power outlet to connect appliance100to the external power source, to power the appliance, as would be understood.

As illustrated, basket120, tub121, and motor assembly156may be supported by a vibration damping suspension system126. The damping suspension system126can include a plurality of damping elements, such as piston-casing damping elements, coupled to the wash tub121. The damping suspension system126can include other elements, such as a balance ring138disposed around the upper circumferential surface of the wash basket120. The balance ring138can be used to counterbalance an out of balance condition for the wash machine as the basket120rotates within the wash tub121. The wash basket120could also include a balance ring139located at a lower circumferential surface of the wash basket120. During washing operations, damping suspension system126generally function to dampen dynamic motion as the wash basket120rotates within the wash tub121, and may be performed as shown or in an equivalent manner, as would be understood.

In certain embodiments, control panel110, with at least one input selector112, extends from top panel140. Control panel110and input selector112collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display114of control panel110indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation. Operation of washing machine appliance100may be controlled by a controller108connected (e.g., electrically coupled) to control panel110for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel110, controller108operates the various components of washing machine appliance100to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller108may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive media) and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a selected machine cycles and features (e.g., as part of a washing operation). The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In certain embodiments, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller108may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel110and other components of washing machine appliance100(e.g., one or more sensors, such as a pressure sensor mounted to tub121) may be in communication with controller108via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

In some embodiments, during operation of washing machine appliance100, laundry articles are loaded into wash basket120through opening105, and a washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors112. Wash basket120or wash tub121may be filled with water and detergent or other fluid additives via an additive dispenser154. One or more valves can be controlled by washing machine appliance100to provide for filling wash basket120to the appropriate level for the volume or number of articles being washed or rinsed. By way of example for a wash cycle, once wash tub121is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash tub121can be agitated (e.g., with an impeller as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash tub121can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed (e.g., for a rinse cycle) by again adding fluid to wash basket120depending on the specifics of the washing operation selected by a user. Agitation element128may again provide agitation within wash basket120. One or more spin cycles also may be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle or after the rinse cycle to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket120is rotated at relatively high speeds. After articles disposed in wash basket120are cleaned or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket120(e.g., by reaching into wash basket120through opening105).

Turning especially toFIG.3, a shipping spacer assembly200may be attached to wash tub121. Rear panel118defines a spacer hole202extending therethrough in transverse direction T. Wash tub121further defines a bolt boss204extending into wash tub121. Generally, shipping spacer assembly200is removably attached to wash tub121for fixing a distance WP between wash tub121and cabinet102in an installed position. In some embodiments, shipping spacer assembly200attaches to wash tub121by entering bolt boss204, a portion of shipping spacer assembly200extending between rear panel118and wash tub121. In other words, a portion of shipping spacer assembly200extends through spacer hole202and into bolt boss204. Shipping spacer assembly200is configured to attach to wash tub121by removable receipt through spacer hole202. Advantageously, fixing distance WP between wash tub121and cabinet102may allow the wash tub121to be rigidly fixed during transportation, preventing wear on suspension system126due to movement during transportation.

Turning toFIGS.4through8, embodiments of shipping spacer assembly200are depicted, including an installed view inFIGS.4,7and8, and exploded views inFIGS.5and6. Further,FIG.8depicts shipping spacer assemblies200installed in rear panel118and securing power cord170for shipping. Washing machine appliance100is shown herein as a top loading washing machine, as an example. Other embodiments of a washing machine appliance may also be used in embodiments, such as a front loading washing machine, a dryer appliance, or another household appliance where stabilization during shipping may be beneficial. Generally, features of washing machine appliance100will be described below, with the understanding that other embodiments may include or be provided as another suitable household appliance (e.g., defining an internal chamber).

Washing machine appliance100may further include a retention bar206, as shown inFIGS.4,5, and8. Retention bar206may be located on rear panel118. Generally, retention bar206is located transversely behind rear panel118. Retention bar206extends along a width of rear panel118. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.8, retention bar206extends laterally along a portion of rear panel118. Retention bar206may aid in stabilizing washing machine appliance100during transportation or during use. Retention bar206defines a retention aperture208. Retention aperture208extends through retention bar206. Retention aperture208is configured to removably receive shipping spacer assembly200. For example, retention aperture208receives shipping spacer assembly200in installed position (which is shown inFIGS.4and8). Retention aperture208may align with spacer hole202or with bolt boss204. For example, retention aperture208, spacer hole202and bolt boss204may be aligned with one another along the transverse direction T.

Shipping spacer assembly200is configured to attach to wash tub121by removable receipt through retention aperture208. Alternatively, retention bar206may not be used, with shipping spacer assembly200configured to be seated directly against cabinet102. For example, shipping spacer assembly200may be removably received directly at spacer hole202defined on rear panel118. In some embodiments, a portion of shipping spacer assembly200may rest on an exterior side117of rear panel118adjacent to spacer hole202when a portion of shipping spacer assembly200is received in bolt boss204defined by wash tub121.

As shown inFIGS.4through7, shipping spacer assembly200defines an axial direction A, a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction C. Shipping spacer assembly200generally includes a bolt210, and a spacing feature for fixing distance WP between the wash tub121and cabinet102(e.g., a spacer218or an axial stop216), a grommet232, and a cord retention mechanism224. Generally, elements other than bolt210of shipping spacer assembly200are removably received onto bolt210of shipping spacer assembly200. Each of the elements of various embodiments of shipping spacer assembly200will be described in more detail below.

Bolt210of shipping assembly200generally includes a shaft214extending along the axial direction A, a head212located at one end of shaft214, and a threaded portion244located at an opposing end of shaft214. For example, threaded portion244is located opposite head212of bolt210in the axial direction A.

Generally, bolt210is configured to be removably attached to wash tub121. In some embodiments, bolt210is configured to be inserted into spacer hole202and attach to bolt boss204. More specifically, threaded portion244may be configured to be removably attached into bolt boss204of wash tub121. Further, threaded portion244may be inserted through spacer hole202or retention aperture to attach shipping spacer assembly200to bolt boss204. In some embodiments, when threaded portion244is received into bolt boss204, a portion of threaded portion244may remain out of bolt boss204. Alternatively, threaded portion244may be sized to fit inside or fit flush with bolt boss204when received by bolt boss204. Receipt of threaded portion244within bolt boss204may fix distance WP between wash tub121and cabinet102of washing machine appliance100, as shown inFIG.3.

According to exemplary embodiments, head212is configured to hold elements of shipping spacer assembly200along shaft214when shipping spacer assembly200is attached to washing machine appliance100. In this regard, for example, shaft214may have a shaft diameter SD and head212of bolt210may have a head diameter HD greater than shaft diameter SD. In some embodiments, head212includes a head flange246, which attaches to or is defined by shaft214. Accordingly, head diameter HD of bolt210may be largest at head flange246. Head flange246may extend beyond spacer218in radial direction R. Head212may retain other elements along shaft214such as grommet232and cord retention mechanism224, preventing movement of the elements from being removed when shipping spacer assembly200is in the installed position, or when threaded portion244is attached to bolt boss204. In other words, head flange246and threaded portion244received into bolt boss204may secure grommet232and cord retention mechanism224along shaft214.

Generally, cord retention mechanism224is located along shaft214of bolt210, between head212and threaded portion244. As shown inFIGS.4and7, cord retention mechanism224may be positioned between head212of bolt210and rear panel118when shipping spacer assembly200is in the installed position. Cord retention mechanism224includes a connecting tab236defining a shaft aperture228and a cord retention clip238. As shown inFIGS.4and5, connecting tab236may form an incomplete circle, clasping power cord170next to grommet232. In some embodiments, connecting tab236may form a full circle, or hoop (not shown) that surrounds a portion of the power cord. In the examples ofFIGS.4and5, cord retention mechanism224is further located between grommet232and rear panel118of cabinet102. As shown inFIG.4, power cord170may be secured between cord retention clip238and grommet232, with cord retention clip238extending beyond grommet232in radial direction R.

Additionally or alternatively, and as shown in the embodiments ofFIGS.6and7, connecting tab236of cord retention mechanism224may be a two piece tab, with cord retention clip238connecting to a first tab236A and connecting to a second tab236B. In some embodiments, each tab236A,236B may define a corresponding shaft aperture228A,228B, as shown inFIG.7. Optionally, and as shown inFIG.6, first tab236A may form a “U” shape and may define a shaft cavity228A, with second tab236B forming an “O” shape and defining a shaft aperture228B. The power cord170may be in clip238, sandwiched between first tab236A and second tab236B, encasing a portion of power cord170.

According to exemplary embodiments, shaft214may be removably received through shaft aperture228of cord retention mechanism224. As shown inFIGS.4through7, cord retention clip238extends from connecting tab236. In this regard, cord retention clip238extends adjacent to shaft214. A portion of power cord170may be received through cord retention clip238. Cord retention clip238may further hold power cord170against rear panel118.

During use, power cord170may be removable from cord retention mechanism224only upon removal of cord retention mechanism224from bolt210. Additionally or alternatively, cord retention mechanism224may be only removable from bolt210following removal of grommet232from bolt210and following bolt210being removed from rear panel118. Thus, access to the power cord170may be predicated on removal of shipping spacer assembly200, including bolt210, grommet232, and cord retention mechanism224from cabinet102of washing machine appliance100. Advantageously, removal of the power cord170by removal of the shipping spacer assembly200may avoid or decrease the probability of bolts or spacers being left in the washing machine appliance100during use. In some embodiments, cord retention mechanism224is made of metal (e.g., sheet metal) or another material difficult to cut, but pliable enough to not damage power cord170when power cord170is received in cord retention clip238. In this manner, a user attempting to remove the power cord170would be encouraged to remove the shipping spacer assembly200instead of attempting to cut the cord retention clip238.

Generally, grommet232is located along shaft214between head212and threaded portion244. Grommet232of shipping spacer assembly200may define a grommet cavity234. Shaft214is removably positioned through grommet cavity234. Further, grommet232may define a grommet shoulder240. Grommet shoulder240may extend in radial direction R from a central shaft242of grommet232. As shown in the embodiments ofFIGS.4and5, cord retention mechanism224may abut grommet shoulder240, grommet shoulder240located between cord retention mechanism224and head212of bolt210. In other words, cord retention mechanism224is located between grommet shoulder240and threaded portion244. When in the installed position, as shown inFIG.4, cord retention mechanism224may be sandwiched between grommet shoulder240and retention bar206or cabinet102.

In some embodiments, grommet232touches head212. Grommet232may be attached to spacer218. Such may include or be provided as a unitary feature. In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.6, grommet cavity234may receive a portion of spacer218as well as shaft214. Spacer218may extend from grommet232behind retention bar206or rear panel118at spacer hole202or retention aperture208. As shown installed inFIG.6, at least a portion of grommet232may be external to rear panel118when shipping spacer assembly200is attached to wash tub121. Additionally or alternatively, grommet232may be external to retention bar206. In some embodiments, grommet232is affixed to spacer218. Advantageously, grommet232being affixed to spacer218may promote removal of shipping spacer assembly200as grommet232visibly needs to be removed in order to access cord retention mechanism224or power cord170, indicating to the user installing appliance100that bolt210needs to be removed, and spacer218is attached to grommet232, so it will be removed with grommet232.

For the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS.4and5, shipping spacer assembly200may further include a spacer218. Spacer218is sized to fix a distance WP between wash tub121and rear panel118, as shown inFIG.3. As shown inFIG.3, spacer218extends between and may connect wash tub121and rear panel118. In other words, spacer218may be physically touching wash tub121and rear panel118during attachment of shipping spacer assembly200to wash tub121.

In embodiments with spacer218, spacer218may define a spacer cavity220. Spacer cavity220extends along axial direction A. Spacer cavity220removably receives shaft214of bolt210. Generally, spacer cavity220is sized to fit shaft214of bolt210, spacer cavity220defined as a space with a diameter CD smaller than diameter HD of head212. Thus, during use or when shipping spacer assembly200is attached to washing machine appliance100, spacer218is irremovable from shaft214. In other words, bolt210is removable from spacer218and spacer cavity220by moving spacer218towards threaded portion244and restrained on shaft214by moving spacer218towards head212.

Spacer218is generally located between head212and threaded portion244. As shown inFIGS.4and5, spacer218may be affixed or attached to grommet232. During assembly, cord retention mechanism224may removably receive spacer218and/or grommet232at shaft aperture228, with cord retention mechanism224abutting grommet shoulder240. Further, spacer218and grommet232may removably receive shaft214at spacer cavity220and grommet cavity234, respectively. The use of “and/or” in this paragraph is used as grommet232and spacer218are a unitary feature in some embodiments and are two separate elements of shipping spacer assembly200in some embodiments, and that both are needed to be removed together when they are a unitary feature, but that only one of the two elements (e.g., spacer218) may need to be removed if the elements are separate. In this manner, cord retention mechanism224may be removed from bolt210only upon removal of spacer218and/or grommet232from shaft214of bolt210. Further, bolt210needs to be removed from bolt boss204and rear panel118of washing machine appliance100before spacer218and/or grommet232can be removed from bolt210. Advantageously, in order to get power cord170out of cord retention clip238, bolt210must first be removed with spacer218and/or grommet232, so the appliance installation procedure of gaining access to power cord170includes the removal of spacers218and bolts210from washing machine appliance100. This may reduce or eliminate shipping spacer assemblies200being left in washing machine appliance100during use of washing machine appliance100.

As shown inFIGS.4and5, some embodiments of shipping spacer assembly200may include a washer230. Washer230may define a washer hole248. Shaft214may be removably received through washer hole248. Washer230may be located between head212and grommet232. Advantageously, washer230may aid in seating shipping spacer assembly200in bolt boss204, as would be understood. In certain embodiments, washer230may be necessary to prevent head212(e.g., head flange246) from digging into grommet232when shipping spacer assembly200is in the installed position.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, shipping spacer assembly200may include an axial stop216. Axial stop216may aid bolt210in fixing the distance between wash tub121and cabinet102and may be used instead of spacer218in that capacity. Axial stop216may be fixed in axial direction A along shaft214. In the installed position of shipping spacer assembly200, axial stop216may be seated against wash tub121, as shown inFIG.7to fix the distance between wash tub121and rear panel118of cabinet102. In some embodiments, and as shown, axial stop216may be a threaded nut that is locked onto threaded portion244of bolt210.

In some embodiments, axial stop216may be an equivalent structure locked onto threaded portion244of bolt210including a peg inserted into a hole defined in bolt210, a rivet extending out from bolt210at the threaded portion244, or equivalent rigid structures. For example, axial stop216may be threaded fully onto threaded portion244of bolt210, proximate to head212. In examples with threaded portion244received into bolt boss204and axial stop216seated against wash tub121, bolt210with axial stop216fixes the distance between rear panel118and wash tub121. Thus, axial stop216may replace spacer218in such embodiments. Advantageously, embodiments with axial stop216may have no spacer, and thus no spacer may be accidentally left in washing machine appliance100during use of appliance100. Additionally, suspension system126may not be worn out during transportation as shipping spacer assembly200still fixes the distance between wash tub121and cabinet102during transportation.

Additionally or alternatively, as shown in the embodiments ofFIGS.6and7, cord retention mechanism224may be located between head212and grommet232. Embodiments with an axial stop216may further have no need for washer230, with cord retention mechanism224being made of a similarly rigid material to washer230and may aid in seating shipping spacer assembly200in bolt boss204. Thus, washer230may be unused in embodiments like that shown inFIGS.6and7, without losing integrity of the fixed placement of wash tub121and cabinet102made by shipping spacer assembly200.

As shown inFIG.6, head212, grommet232and cord retention mechanism224of bolt210are located external to rear panel118. Additionally or alternatively, head212, grommet232and cord retention mechanism224of bolt210are located external to retention bar206. As shown inFIGS.6and8, spacer218and thread portion of bolt210are located internal to washing machine appliance100, spacer218fixing distance WP between rear panel118and wash tub121.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.8, washing machine appliance100may comprise at least two shipping spacer assemblies200. Each shipping spacer assembly200may be removably attached to rear panel118. Rear panel118may define at least two spacer holes202. In certain embodiments, washing machine appliance100may comprise four shipping spacer218assemblies with rear panel118defining four spacer holes202. There may be a corresponding number of spacer holes202to shipping spacer assemblies200. Each shipping spacer assembly200of washing machine appliance100may be removably attach to rear panel118at each respective spacer hole202. A portion of each shipping spacer assembly200may be located between rear panel118and wash tub121, as shown inFIG.3.

As shown inFIG.8, embodiments may include a tag300attached to power cord170. In some examples, tag300may be attached to power cord head172between prongs174. Tag300may include a message302to remove shipping spacer assemblies200from cabinet102. Placement of tag300between prongs174may increase the likelihood of message302of tag300being viewed by a user installing washing machine appliance100, and thus may increase the likelihood of shipping spacer assemblies200being removed from washing machine appliance100prior to use of appliance100.

Embodiments described herein may further relate to safety improvements in a front load washing machine appliance by ensuring the removal of shipping bolts or spacers using a sheet metal extruded hole power cord retaining clip. Generally, a shipping spacer assembly may be used to arrest the free motion of a suspended sub washer system (e.g., wash tub121and wash basket120) during shipment to prevent damage and may ensure the safe handling of the appliance during shipping. At the same time, during operation or in running condition, the sub washer (e.g., wash tub121and wash basket120) must swing freely. Therefore, the shipping bolts and shipping spacers should be removed before the user uses the washing machine. Hence, an advantage or objective of the present subject matter is to ensure that the shipping bolts and shipping spacers are removed immediately after installation.

Embodiments described herein may include shipping spacer assemblies made of shipping bolts, shipping spacers, and extruded sheet metal power cord retaining clips. The shipping spacer assembly may be removed as a single piece to avoid the shipping spacer being left in the appliance after installation. The shipping bolt with washer may be inserted through the hole in the shipping spacer and then through the power cord retaining clip which may hold the power cord. Before shipping the washing machine appliance, all the shipping bolt assemblies may be assembled to fix the sub washer to the structure to prevent damage while shipping. Before installing the washing machine appliance, the user may need to disassemble all the shipping bolt assemblies from the washing machine to get full access to the power cord. Users may retain all shipping bolt assemblies in a safe place as the shipping bolt assemblies may be desired for assembling in future shipping of the washing machine appliance. Embodiments described herein may provide ease for users to assemble and disassemble the shipping spacer assembly to the washing machine appliance and may secure the power cord without any damage as the power cord retaining clip may be made of sheet metal or an equivalent material.

Embodiments described herein may further describe an arrangement to provide shipping bolt with power cord retaining clip configured to hold the power cord. A user may not be able to remove the power cord before removing the shipping spacer assembly as a single piece. The shipping spacer assembly may be made of four parts: a shipping bolt, a bushing or grommet, a power cord retaining clip, and a nut. The assembly process may begin by placing the power cord in power cord retainer clip, pushing the power cord retainer clip into position, fastening the shipping bolt with inserted grommet or bushing, and placing the over tightened nut on the bolt in place of a spacer. This shipping spacer assembly may be used to fix the sub washer (e.g., drum, or wash tub) to the structure (e.g., cabinet) to prevent damage while shipping.