BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various proposals have been made in the past for balancing arrangements that are designed to reduce vibration or imbalance in different types of rotating machines. One particular area in which the reduction or elimination of vibration is highly desirable is in the area of washing machines. Washing machines, by their very nature, experience severe vibration and imbalance. This problem is magnified by the fact that the spin basket in the washing machines contains wet clothes that are randomly distributed. This random distribution of wet clothes creates a severe imbalance condition within the spin basket and contributes significantly to the imbalance and vibration associated with the operation of washing machines.

Prior attempts to reduce or eliminate vibration and imbalance in different types of machines, including washing machines, have consisted of modifying the

construction of the machine or attaching balancing devices to some portion of the machine such as the shaft. While various ones of these attempts have proven helpful in some respects, they nevertheless suffer from various disadvantages. In the case of washing machines, for example, solutions involving modifying the construction of the machine must be implemented before the washing machine is assembled, indeed at the time of machine design. Thus, these solutions are not of great benefit in the case of existing washing machines. Solutions involving the attachment of a balancing device to some portion of the washing machine, for example the shaft of the spin basket, are perhaps more useful in that, in theory, existing washing machines can be outfitted with the balancing device. However, in practice, this can involve a significant amount of time and labor as the machine must be at least partially disassembled. Thus, these solutions do not represent a truly practical solution.

A need exists, therefore, for a balancing device that is relatively simple in construction, relatively inexpensive to produce, and that can be relatively easily implemented and used in connection with existing washing machines without requiring disassembly of the machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention, a method for removing imbalance in a washing machine involves placing a balancing device within a spin

basket located in a washing machine, wherein the balancing device includes an annular member provided with at least one continuous passageway and a plurality of weights located in the passageway. The balancing device is then secured within the spin basket so that the balancing device is fixed in place relative to the spin basket.

Another aspect of the invention involves a method for removing imbalance in a washing machine, wherein the washing machine includes a housing provided with an opening allowing access to a rotatable spin basket in the housing. The method includes applying a force to an annular balancing device to deform the annular balancing device so that an outer dimension of the balancing device is reduced, with balancing device being provided with at least one continuous passageway and a plurality of weights located in the passageway. The deformed balancing device is then inserted through the opening in the housing of the washing machine and into the spin basket, with the deforming force on the balancing device being removed to allow the balancing device to return to an undeformed state.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a balancing device for placement in a spin basket of a washing machine that possess an internal diameter.

The balancing device includes an annular member provided with at least one endless passageway containing a plurality of weights, wherein the annular member is deformable upon application of a manual external force to reduce an outer

dimension of the annular member and returns to an undeformed state upon removal of the manual external force. The annular member has an outer diameter substantially equal to an internal diameter of the spin basket.

Another aspect of the invention pertains to a kit for use in connection with a washing machine to remove imbalance in the washing machine. The kit includes a balancing device for placement in the spin basket of the washing machine, wherein the balancing device includes an annular member provided with at least one endless passageway containing a plurality of weights. The kit also includes a plurality of securing clips for engaging the annular member and a plurality of attachment pins for attaching the securing clips to holes provided in the spin basket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES Additional features and characteristics of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with reference to the accompanying drawing figures in which like elements are designated by like reference numerals and wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a balancing device in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the balancing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the ends of the plastic tube used to make the balancing device shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the configuration of the ends of tube prior to being connected together; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a washing machine illustrating the way in which the balancing device according to the present invention is placed in the spin basket of the washing machine; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of spin basket of a washing machine illustrating a pair of balancing devices secured inside the spin basket by a series of retaining clips and attachment pins; FIG. 6 is a graph of imbalance versus vibration amplitude illustrating the affect of outfitting a washing machine with the balancing device according to the present invention; FIG. 7 is a graph of imbalance versus vibration amplitude illustrating the affect of outfitting a different washing machine with the balancing device according to the present invention; FIG. 8 is a side view of a spin basket of a washing machine illustrating one possible arrangement of a balancing device within the spin basket; FIG. 9 is a side view of a spin basket of a washing machine illustrating another possible arrangement of a balancing device within the spin basket; FIG. 10 is a side view of a spin basket of a washing machine illustrating one possible arrangement for two balancing devices within the spin basket;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a spin basket of a washing machine illustrating another possible arrangement for two balancing devices within the spin basket; FIG. 12 is a side view of a spin basket of a washing machine illustrating a further possible arrangement for two balancing devices within the spin basket; FIG. 13 is a side view of a spin basket of a washing machine illustrating one possible arrangement for three balancing devices within the spin basket; FIG. 14 is a side view of a spin basket of a washing machine illustrating another possible arrangement of three balancing devices within the spin basket; FIG. 15 is a side view of a spin basket of a washing machine illustrating a further possible arrangement of three balancing devices within the spin basket; FIG. 16 is a side view of a spin basket of a washing machine illustrating a still further possible arrangement of three balancing devices within the spin basket; FIG. 17 is a side view of a spin basket of a washing machine illustrating one possible arrangement for four balancing devices within the spin basket; FIG. 18 is a side view of a spin basket of a washing machine illustrating another possible arrangement of four balancing devices within the spin basket; FIG. 19 is a side view of a spin basket of a washing machine illustrating another possible arrangement of four balancing devices within the spin basket; FIG. 20 is a side view of a spin basket of a washing machine illustrating another possible arrangement of four balancing devices within the spin basket;

FIG. 21 is a side view of a spin basket of a washing machine illustrating another possible arrangement of four balancing devices within the spin basket; and FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative form of the balancing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference initially to FIG. 1, the balancing device 30 according to the present invention is comprised of a annular plastic hollow tubular ring member 32. The plastic tubular member 32 possesses a circular shape. The annular ring 32 is made from a flexible plastic pipe material. By flexible, it is meant that the material is able to retain its shape in the absence of an applied external force such as that associated with an individual attempting to deform the ring by forcing diametrically opposite sides of the annular ring inwardly towards one another. On the other hand, the plastic material from which the annular ring is made possess a degree of flexibility which, upon application of an external force to the annular ring such as that associated with an individual pressing diametrically opposite sides of the annular ring inwardly towards one another, allows the annular ring to be deformed from the circular shape to an oblong, generally oval shape. As described in more detail below, this allows the balancing device 30 to be installed in the washing machine. One possible material for the annular ring 32 is a polyethylene material with EVA (ethylene vinyl alcohol) copolymer.

The plastic material from which the annular ring 32 is made is also temperature stable in the operating temperature range for a washing machine.

That is, as described in more detail below, the balancing device 30 of the present invention is designed to be positioned within the spin basket of a washing machine. Thus, in use, the balancing device is subjected to the high temperature water used during washing machine operation. The plastic material from which the annular ring 32 is made is thus selected to be temperature stable during such operating temperature ranges for a washing machines (domestic or commercial).

For similar reasons, the plastic material from which the annular ring 32 is made is chemically resistant to bleach and detergent solutions used during washing cycles in domestic and commercial washing machines.

As further seen in FIG. 1, the hollow interior of the annular ring 32 contains a plurality of weights 34 that are freely movable within the annular ring 32 during rotation of the annular ring. The weights 34 are preferably in the form of spherical balls and are solid as opposed to being hollow. The weights or spherical balls 34 are preferably made of steel, but other high density solid materials are possible. Although the number of weights or spherical balls 34 within the annular ring 32 can be varied, a preferred form of the invention involves utilizing a number of weights or balls 34 which, when the weights or balls 34 are positioned so as to be in contacting relation to one another, span approximately a 120 degree arc of the annular ring. Stated differently, with all of

the weights or spherical balls 34 spaced evenly apart within the annular ring, the distance between each adjacent pair of weights or spherical balls 34 would be approximately twice the diameter of each of the weights or spherical balls 34.

In the preferred form of the invention, all of the weights or spherical balls 34 in the annular ring 32 are of the same size (e. g., the same outside diameter) and each of the weights or spherical balls 34 possesses the same weight as all of the other weights or spherical balls 34 within the annular ring 32. In addition, although the weights or spherical balls 34 can be selected to have a particular size, a preferred form of the invention involves the use of weights or spherical balls 34 having an outside diameter that is approximately three-quarters the inside diameter of the hollow annular ring 32.

As seen in FIG. 2, the balancing device 30 further includes a relatively high viscosity water-based damping fluid 36 disposed within the hollow interior of the plastic annular ring 32. Although the amount of fluid 36 within the plastic ring 32 can be varied, a preferred form of the invention involves the use of an amount of fluid sufficient to fill one-half of the hollow interior of the annular ring 32 when the balancing device 30 is in a resting state. The composition of the damping fluid 36 is about 98 % water and 2% polymer, preferably an anionic water-soluble polymer. A fluid having a viscosity of approximately 200 centiStoke has been found to be useful. The fluid 36 is also preferably provided with a corrosion inhibitor to avoid adversely affecting the weights or spherical

balls 34 within the hollow interior of the annular ring 32. The composition of the damping fluid 36 and the material of the weights 34 are selected such that the weights 34 do not float in the damping 36.

The damping fluid 36 serves multiple purposes. In one respect, the dynamic characteristics or response of the weights or spherical balls 34 are controlled by the damping fluid 36 to thereby provide efficient damping. In addition, the damping fluid 36 helps to ensure relatively quiet operation of the balancing device 30, particularly during start-up and run-down of the washing machine.

To manufacture the balancing device 30 according to the present invention, it is necessary to utilize a piece of plastic tubing having a length specifically selected such that when the ends of the piece of plastic tubing are joined, the resulting annular ring possesses the desired outer diameter. It is important, however, when manufacturing the balancing device 30 that the interior surface 38 of the annular ring 32 as seen in FIG. 3 be free of radially inwardly extending obstructions that would tend to inhibit the smooth and free movement of the weights or spherical balls 34 within the hollow annular ring 32. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, during manufacture of the balancing device 30, the ends of the plastic tubing that are to be joined are cut so as to provide beveled or chamfered end surfaces 40.

Once the ends of the length of plastic tubing have been beveled or chamfered as shown in FIG. 3, the desired number of weights or spherical balls 34 are placed in the tubing along with the desired amount of damping fluid 36.

The chamfered or beveled ends 40 of the plastic tubing are then brought into contact with a hot-plate to soften the ends of the plastic tubing. The hot plate can be at a temperature suitable for softening the plastic tubing material to the extent necessary to permit the softened ends of the tubing to be fused or connected to one another. Similarly, the ends of the plastic tubing can be brought into contact with the hot plate for a time period sufficient to soften the plastic tubing material to the extent necessary to permit the softened ends of the tubing to be fused or connected to one another. It has been found that using plastic tubing made of polyethylene material with EVA copolymer, bringing the ends of the plastic tubing into contact with a 140°C hot plate for ten seconds causes the ends of the plastic tubing to be softened to the extent necessary to permit fusing or connection between the softened ends of the tubing.

Once the ends of the plastic tube have been softened in this manner, the softened ends of the plastic tubing are brought into contact with one another, whereby the ends of the plastic tubing are connected or fused to one another. The result is the balancing device illustrated in FIG. 1 in which an external flare 42 is provided at the joint between the two connected ends. However, by virtue of the beveled or chamfered ends 40 shown in FIG. 3, internal flares extending radially

inwardly beyond the inner surface 38 of the annular ring 32 are avoided. Thus, the resulting balancing device 30 is devoid of obstructions that might otherwise impede or adversely affect the smooth and free movement of the weights or spherical balls 34 within the hollow interior of the annular ring 32.

The balancing device 30 according to the present invention is particularly well suited for use as an after market washing machine balancer. That is, the balancing device of the present invention is to be used to reduce vibration or imbalance in existing washing machines without the need for disassembling the washing machine and without the need for altering the construction of the washing machine prior to construction. The balancing device 30 of the present invention is specifically designed to be placed within the spin basket of a washing machine.

FIG. 4 illustrates the way in which the balancing device of the present invention is designed to be placed within the spin basket of a washing machine.

As is known, a washing machine 50 includes a housing provided with an opening 52 that allows access to the spin basket 56. The spin basket 56 is designed to receive the clothes. The opening 52 in the housing of the washing machine 50 can be covered or exposed by way of an openable and closeable lid 54. With the lid 54 in the opened position shown in FIG. 4, the opening 52 in the housing of the washing machine is exposed so that clothes can be placed within the spin basket 56 of the washing machine. As is known, the size or diameter of the

opening 52 in the housing of the washing machine 50 is smaller than the inside diameter of the spin basket 56.

For reasons described below in more detail, the balancing device 30 of the present invention is designed to possess an outer diameter that corresponds to and is the same as the inside diameter of the spin basket 56. However, the size or diameter of the opening 52 in the housing of the washing machine 50 is smaller than the inside diameter of the spin basket 56. This means that the outside diameter of the balancing device 30 is larger than the size or diameter of the opening 52 in the housing of the washing machine 50. Thus, placement of the balancing device 30 according to the present invention within the spin basket 56 requires that the balancing device 30 be deformed.

As seen in FIG. 4, to place the balancing device 30 of the present invention within the spin basket 56, the balancing device 30 is deformed from its circular shape to a generally oval or oblong shape. This can be easily accomplished by pressing generally diametrically opposite sides of the balancing device inwardly towards one another in the manner shown in FIG. 4 so that the distance between the diametrically opposite sides of the balancing device being pressed inwardly is less than the inner diameter of the opening 52 in the housing of the washing machine 50. One the balancing device 30 has been inserted past the opening 52 in the housing of the washing machine, the balancing 30 is released

and returns to its original generally circular shape. The balancing device 30 can then be pushed to the bottom of the spin basket 56.

As described in more detail below, it is possible and indeed even preferable in some instances to arrange more than one balancing device 30 within the spin basket 56. As illustrated in FIG. 5, two balancing devices 30 are stacked on top of one another at the bottom of the spin basket 56. The bottommost balancing device 30 rests on and is in contact with the bottom surface of the spin basket 56 while the uppermost balancing device 30 is positioned on top of and in contacting relation to the bottommost balancing device 30. As further shown in FIG. 5, the uppermost balancing device 30 is maintained in place by way of a plurality of securing clips 60. Each of these securing clips 60 is designed to extend around the outer periphery of the balancing device 30 with opposite ends of the securing clip 60 having generally parallel legs that are each provided with a through hole for receiving a securing element in the form of an attachment pin 62.

The attachment pin 62 can be a plastic threaded pin that passes through the through holes in the two parallel legs of the retaining clip 60. The attachment pins 62 are designed to be received in and held in place within the existing water extraction holes 58 in the spin basket 56. In this way, the spin basket 56 of the washing machine does not have to be outfitted or modified in any special way to effect securement of the balancing device 30 within the spin basket 56.

Through the use of the securing clips 60 and the attachment pins 62, the balancing device 30 can be secured in place within the interior of the spin basket 56. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 5, the uppermost balancing device 30 is held in place by the retaining clip 60 and attachment pins 62 while the bottom most balancing device 30 is held in place by the bottom of the spin basket and the uppermost balancing device 30.

As noted above, the balancing device 30 is dimensioned to fit tightly within the spin basket 56. That is, the outer diameter of the balancing device 30 is equal to the inner diameter of the spin basket 56. This tight fit between the balancing device 30 and the interior of the spin basket 56 is advantageous in several respects. As noted above, the plastic material from which the annular ring 32 is fabricated is somewhat flexible to facilitate easy installment within the spin basket 56. Plastic material having the necessary flexibility characteristics could be susceptible to deformation when exposed to the g-forces created during the spin cycle of the washing machine, particularly considering the force of the weights or spherical balls 34 acting on the annular ring. However, because the balancing device 30 is sized to tightly fit within the interior of the spin basket 56, radial displacement of the annular ring 30 is restricted. Thus, the rigidity of the spin basket 56 prevents the annular ring 32 from deforming. In addition, radial run- out of the balancing device 30 is controlled by the spin basket 56, a feature that is quite important in the performance of the balancing device. In this regard, the

spin basket 56 provides a shell that maintains the balancing device in a concentric position relative to the center of rotation of the spin basket 56. Thus, the position of the balancing device 30 within the spin basket 56 remains fixed and does not change during operation of the washing machine, and so run-out does not occur.

As noted, the balancing device 30 of the present invention is particularly well suited for use in the washing machine after-market. That is, the balancing device 30 can be readily sold as a separate unit which, upon purchase by a consumer, can be easily installed in a previously purchased washing machine. It is thus envisioned that the balancing device of the present invention can be sold in the form of a kit that could be purchased by, for example, a consumer for purposes of outfitting a previously purchased washing machine. In the case of the dual balancing device arrangement shown in FIG. 5, for example, the kit would consist of two balancing devices 30,30, and a series of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62, with the number of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 in the kit being the same. Although four retaining clips 60 and four attachment pins 62 are illustrated in Fig. 5, it is to be understood that more or less than that number could be provided.

Upon purchasing such a kit, the consumer would place one of the balancing devices 30 within the spin basket 56 of the washing machine 50 in the manner described above and illustrated in FIG. 4. After pushing this balancing device to the bottom of the spin basket 56 so as to contact the bottom of the spin

basket 56, the second balancing device 30 would be placed within the spin basket 56 in a similar manner and pushed into contact with the top of the first balancing device 30. Prior to placement of the second balancing device 30 within the spin basket 56, the retaining clips 60 would be positioned on the second balancing device 30. Thereafter, the retaining clips 60 would be properly positioned, preferably at generally equally spaced apart locations around the periphery of the uppermost balancing device, at locations corresponding to one of the existing water extraction holes 58 in the spin basket 56. The attachment pins 62 would then be pushed into the holes in the retaining clips 60 and into the water extraction holes 58 to secure the uppermost balancing device 30 in place within the spin basket 56 and thereby also securing in place the underlying bottommost balancing device 30.

FIG. 6 illustrates the advantageous affect associated with outfitting an existing washing machine with a balancing device in accordance with the present invention. The results shown in the graphs of FIGS. 6 and 7 were achieved through use of two balancing devices similar to that shown in FIG. 5. With respect to the graph shown in FIG. 6, a General Electric washing machine, Model WJSR2080T5WW was outfitted with a balancing device 30 in accordance with the present invention. The results illustrate the way in which the balancing device 30 of the present invention significantly reduces the vibration amplitude with increasing amounts of imposed imbalance.

The results shown in the graph of FIG. 7 were achieved by outfitting a Whirlpool washing machine, Model WS-43001, with a balancing device 30 in accordance with the present invention. Once again, the use of the balancing device according to the present invention significantly reduced the vibration amplitude with increasing imposed imbalance.

FIG. 5 illustrates the way in which the spin basket 56 of a washing machine 50 can be outfitted with two balancing devices 30,30 in accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 8-21 illustrate various ways in which the spin basket 56 of a washing machine can be outfitted with one or more of the balancing devices of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, a single balancing device 30 can be positioned at the bottom of the spin basket 56. This single balancing device 30 would be secured in place through use of a series of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 similar to those shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the kit for outfitting an existing washing machine would consist of a single balancing device 30, and a set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 (for example, four each in number).

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative arrangement in which a single balancing device 30 is fixed in place at the top of the spin basket 56. Once again, the single balancing device 30 would be secured in place through use of a series of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62. The kit necessary for outfitting an existing washing machine with the balancing device arrangement shown in FIG. 9 would

be the same as that described above with respect to the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate three different arrangements for positioning a pair of balancing devices within the spin basket 56. The arrangement shown in FIG. 10 is similar to that described above with reference to FIG. 5. The embodiment shown in FIG. 11 involves positioning one of the balancing devices 30 at the bottom of the spin basket 56 and positioning the other balancing device 30 at the top of the spin basket 56. Each of the balancing devices 30 would be secured in place through use of its own series of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 (for example, four each). The kit for outfitting an existing washing machine with the arrangement of balancing devices shown in FIG. 11 would consist of a pair of balancing devices 30, a first set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 for securing one of the balancing devices 30 at the bottom of the spin basket 56 and another set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 for securing the other balancing device 30 at the top of the spin basket 56 (for example with each set consisting of four retaining clips 60 and four attachment pins 62).

A third possibility for arranging a pair of balancing devices within the spin basket is illustrated in FIG. 12 and involves positioning both of the balancing devices 30 at the top of the spin basket 56. In this arrangement, the lowermost balancing device 30 would be secured in place through use of a series of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62. When secured in place, the lowermost balancing

device 30 would support and retain in place the uppermost balancing device 30.

The kit for outfitting a washing machine with the arrangement of balancing devices shown in FIG. 12 would include a pair of balancing devices 30, and a set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 (for example, four each in number).

FIGS. 13-16 illustrate different ways in which three balancing devices 30 can be positioned within the spin basket 56. As shown in FIG. 13, all three balancing devices 30 can be stacked on top of one another at the bottom of the spin basket, with the topmost balancing device 30 being secured in place through use of a series of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62. When secured in place with the retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62, the uppermost balancing device 30 would hold the underlying pair of balancing devices 30 in place so that the underlying balancing devices are held in place between the uppermost balancing device and the bottom of the spin basket 56. The kit for outfitting a washing machine with the arrangement of balancing devices shown in FIG. 13 would include three balancing devices 30 and a single set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 (the set including four of each, for example).

An alternative arrangement for three balancing devices is shown in FIG. 14 and includes positioning a pair of balancing devices 30 at the bottom of the spin basket 56 and a single balancing device 30 at the top of the spin basket 56. The balancing device 30 at the top of the spin basket 56 would be secured in place with a single set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 while the uppermost

balance device 30 of the pair of balancing devices at the bottom of the spin basket 56 would also be secured in place with a single set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62. Thus, a kit for outfitting a washing machine with the arrangement of balancing devices shown in FIG. 14 would consist of three balancing devices 30 and two sets of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 (with each set consisting of four retaining clips 60 and four attachment pins 62).

The arrangement of balancing devices shown in FIG. 15 could be carried out utilizing the same kit described in connection with the arrangement shown in FIG. 14. However, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 15, a single balancing device 30 is positioned at the bottom of the spin basket 56 while a pair of balancing devices 30,30 is positioned at the top of the spin basket 56. The balancing device 30 located at the bottom of the spin basket 56 would be secured in place with a single set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62. Similarly, the lowermost balancing device of the pair of balancing devices located at the top of the spin basket 56 would be secured in place with a single set of securing clips 60 and attachment pins 62 (each set including four retaining clips 60 and a like number of attachment pins 62).

The fourth possibility for arranging three balancing devices within the spin basket 56 is illustrated in FIG. 16. The kit for outfitting a washing machine with the arrangement of balancing devices shown in FIG. 16 would be the same as that utilized in connection with the arrangement shown in FIG. 13. However, in the

arrangement shown in FIG. 16, the three balancing devices 30,30,30 would be positioned at the top of the spin basket 56, with the lowermost balancing device 30 being secured in place with a single set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 (the set consisting of, for example, four of each).

FIGS. 17-21 illustrate possible arrangements utilizing four balancing devices. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 17, the four balancing devices 30 are positioned in a stacked arrangement at the bottom of the spin basket 56. In this arrangement, the uppermost balancing device 30 would be secured in place with a single set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62. The secured-in place uppermost balancing device 30 would retain the underlying three balancing devices 30 in place. A kit for outfitting a washing machine with the arrangement of balancing devices shown in FIG. 17 would include four balancing devices 30 and a single set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 (the set including, for example, four of each).

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 18, three balancing devices 30 are positioned at the bottom of the spin basket 56 while a single balancing device 30 is positioned at the top of the spin basket 56. The balancing device 30 at the top of the spin basket 56 would be secured in place with a single set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62. Similarly, the uppermost balancing device 30 of the three balancing devices positioned at the bottom of the spin basket 56 would be secured in place with a single set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62. A kit for

outfitting a washing machine with the arrangement of balancing devices shown in FIG. 18 would include four balancing devices 30 and two sets of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 (with each set including, for example, four retaining clips 60 and four attachment pins 62).

FIG. 19 illustrates an arrangement in which a pair of balancing devices 30 is positioned at the top of the spin basket 56 while another pair of balancing devices 30 is positioned at the bottom of the spin basket 56. The lowermost balancing device of the pair of balancing devices at the top of the spin basket 56 is secured in place with a single set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 while the uppermost balancing device of the pair of balancing devices at the bottom of the spin basket 56 is secured in place with a single set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62. Thus, the kit for outfitting a washing machine with the arrangement of balancing devices shown in FIG. 19 would be the same as that described in connection with the arrangement of balancing devices shown in FIG.

18.

FIG. 20 illustrates a further alternative arrangement of four balancing devices. A washing machine could be outfitted with the arrangement of balancing devices shown in FIG. 20 through use of the same kit described above in connection with the embodiment shown in FIG. 18. However, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 20, a single balancing device 30 is positioned at the bottom of the spin basket 56 while three balancing devices 30 are positioned at the top of the

spin basket 56. The balancing device 30 at the bottom of the spin basket 56 would be secured in place with a single set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62 as would the lowermost balancing device of the three balancing devices positioned at the top of the spin basket 56.

Finally, a washing machine could be outfitted with the arrangement of balancing devices shown in FIG. 21 through use of a kit that is the same as that described above in connection with the arrangement shown in FIG. 17. However, in the arrangement shown in FIG. 21, the four balancing devices are positioned at the top of the spin basket 56, with the lowermost balancing device 30 of the four balancing devices being secured in place with the single set of retaining clips 60 and attachment pins 62.

During operation of a washing machine outfitted with one or more of the balancing devices 30 of the present invention, as the spin basket 56 rotates, the balancing device rotates with the spin basket, thus causing the weights or spherical balls 34 within the annular ring 32 to move, typically under the influence of the damping fluid 36. The weights or spherical balls 34 within the annular ring 32 will automatically move to a position which at least partially counteracts the imbalance, thereby reducing vibration as illustrated by the graphs in FIGS. 6 and 7.

It has been found that by outfitting a washing machine with the balancing device 30 of the present invention, the washing machine is actually able to spin

faster, thereby allowing for increased water extraction and less drying time. The use of the balancing device in accordance with the present invention helps alleviate the problems associated with imbalanced wash loads in the washing machine, thus reducing the noise level. Further, less repairs are needed and the washing machine experiences a longer machine life. It has also been found that less water is needed per load and so there is less water to heat, thus reducing water consumption and energy usage.

As noted above, the balancing device 30 according to the present invention possesses an outside diameter that is the same as the inside diameter of the spin basket. Thus, it is envisioned that different balancers can be manufactured for different washing machines, with each of the balancing devices being sized to possess an outside diameter that is the same as the inside diameter of the spin basket on a particular washing machine. Also, kits such as those described above can be designed for each different washing machine, thus allowing a consumer to purchase a kit containing balancing devices that are specifically sized to fit the consumer's washing machine.

As described above, the weights or spherical balls 34 in the annular ring 32 are all of the same weight and size. It is possible in those situations where a washing machine is outfitted with more than one balancing device 30 that all of the weights or spherical balls 34 in the annular ring 32 of one balancing device 30

possess a weight and size that differ from the weight and size of the weights or spherical balls 34 in the annular ring (s) 32 of the other balancing device (s) 30.

As described above, the balancing device according to the present invention is in the form of a hollow annular member 30 so that the hollow interior of the balancing device defined a passageway or race in which the weights 34 are able to move. As seen in FIG. 22, the balancing device 30'could also be configured as two annular rings that are integrally formed together in one piece at the same time so that the balancing device includes two endless annular passageways or races 31', 31'each containing a plurality of weights 34', 34'and a relatively high viscosity water-based damping fluid 36', 36'as described above in connection with the illustration in FIG. 2. The balancing device illustrated in FIG. 22 can also be thought of as an annular ring shaped member provided with two annular passageways. Of course, the illustration in Fig. 22 can also be further extended to provide balancing devices having three or more annular passageways.

The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments described. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes and equivalents which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention be embraced thereby.