Dual node support assembly for washing machine

• Main Authors: HARRIS; ROBERT D, FEY; ROBERT M
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 13.09.1983
• Subjects: FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; LAUNDERING; LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILEARTICLES; TEXTILES; TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE

A support assembly for a washing machine includes a mount secured to the assemblage of working parts of the machine and adapted to move with the assemblage during operation of the machine and a cabinet structure enclosing the assemblage of working parts and having a base. An intermediate member is positioned between the mount and the base for movably supporting the mount and the assemblage of moving parts from the base. The base and intermediate member are formed with a first set of mating support surfaces for sliding movement therebetween and the mount and the intermediate member are formed with a second set of mating support surfaces for sliding movement therebetween. One set of the support surfaces is smoothly curved with a relatively short radius of curvature to form a first node for movement of the mount and the other set of support surfaces is smoothly curved with a relatively long radius of curvature to form a second node for movement of the mount. Means provides the interface of the one set of support surfaces with a relatively low coefficient of friction and means provides the interface of the other set of support surfaces with a relatively high coefficient of friction so that relative movement between the intermediate member and either of the base and the mount tends to be between the one set of support surfaces. The intermediate member and the one of the base in the mount forming the one set of support surfaces come into interfering engagement upon predetermined amplitude of movement of the mount so that further relative movement between the one set of support surfaces is substantially inhibited and relative movement between the other set of support surfaces occurs in response to movement of the mount in excess of the predetermined amplitude.