Shipping bolt spacer and method of use thereof

{
  "publication_number": "US11198967B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Shipping bolt spacer and method of use thereof",
  "abstract": "The present disclosure provides a spacer for a shipping bolt. In one embodiment, the spacer includes a head, an elongated body, and an insert. The head and the elongated body each comprise a durometer greater than the insert. Together, the head and the elongated body provide a structure within which the insert is disposed to absorb forces otherwise imposed upon a bolt inserted through the spacer. The disclosure also provides a method of using the spacer to secure a component of an appliance. In a second embodiment, the spacer is of a unitary construction and manufactured of an elastomeric material. In the second embodiment the spacer is configured to absorb forces imposed upon a bolt inserted therethrough, using a combination of specially designed ribs and webs interconnecting concentric cylinders that partially define the opening.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A spacer for a shipping bolt comprising: an elongated body defining a longitudinal opening therethrough, the elongated body including an intermediate portion located between first and second end portions, the intermediate portion including lengthwise portions that are interconnected by ribs oriented in alternating directions and disposed about the longitudinal opening of the elongated body, wherein the ribs comprise a substantially U-shape with a curved portion recessed within the longitudinal opening; and a head integrally joined to the first end portion of the elongated body and extending radially outwardly therefrom.",
    "2. The spacer of claim 1, wherein the first and second end portions each include an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder disposed about the inner cylinder, and webs interconnecting the inner and outer cylinders.",
    "3. The spacer of claim 1, wherein the head includes a base having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the elongated body, and a flange protruding radially outwardly from the base.",
    "4. The spacer of claim 3, further including a securement member extending from a surface of the base and configured to receive a portion of a hose or cable.",
    "5. The spacer of claim 3, wherein the base is connected to the first end portion of the elongated body by webs.",
    "6. The spacer of claim 3, wherein a portion of the base is configured to fit within and abut an inner surface of an aperture within a panel.",
    "7. The spacer of claim 1, wherein the spacer is formed of a single piece of a thermoplastic elastomer.",
    "8. The spacer of claim 1, wherein the ribs comprise an overall shape generally resembling the Greek letter omega when viewed along an axis about which the longitudinal opening extends.",
    "9. The spacer of claim 1, wherein the U-shaped portion of the ribs alternate along an axis about which the longitudinal opening extends.",
    "10. The spacer of claim 1, wherein the ribs define a portion of the longitudinal opening about and along an axis about which the longitudinal opening extends."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present disclosure generally relates to a shipping bolt spacer. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a spacer for use in packing and transporting household appliances, and a method of using the same.\n\nShipping bolts are used to facilitate securement of a component of an appliance (e.g. a drum of a washing machine) to a surface so that the component does not shift rapidly under forces imposed during shipping and become damaged. Shipping bolts are typically provided as an assembly that includes a bolt and a spacer. The spacer typically includes a base, a longitudinal portion extending from the base, and an opening that passes through both the base and the longitudinal portion and is configured to receive a shaft of the bolt. During use, the longitudinal portion of the spacer is inserted through an aperture in a panel of the appliance and a bolt is then fed through the opening of the spacer (e.g. shaft first) and secured to the component of the appliance.\n\nA shipping bolt spacer is provided herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the spacer includes an elongated body, an elastomeric insert, and a head. The elongated body of the spacer defines a longitudinal opening that extends through the elongated body and includes axial grooves extending in a lengthwise direction along the elongated body. The elastomeric insert of the spacer includes a stem and a base, and defines a through-hole configured to receive a bolt.",
  "cpc": [
    "D06F 39/001",
    "F16B 21/09",
    "F16B 5/0241"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "D06F 39/00",
    "F16B 21/09",
    "F16B 5/02"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "A Raymond SARL"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Sandra PACHO MILLÁN",
    "David FOL BARRAGAN"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2019-05-03",
  "publication_date": "2021-12-14",
  "grant_date": "2021-12-14",
  "priority_date": "2018-05-03",
  "application_number": "US-201916402875-A",
  "family_id": "62222550",
  "cited_by_count": 1,
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}