Abstract: A shipping package for household appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, compact ice makers and air conditioners for movement by clamp lift trucks. The appliance can be mounted on recycled high density polyethylene skids attached to the bottom of the appliance. The shipping package can include four elongated expanded polystyrene blocks positioned at the corners of the appliance extending vertically from the skids to the top of the appliance. The shipping package can include expanded polystyrene top pads on the top of the appliance and can include a fiberboard top cap covering the top pads and the top the appliance. Shrink wrap film can enclose the top cap, elongated blocks and engage the skids for holding the elongated blocks and top cap securely in position on the appliance.

Abstract: A shipping package for household appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, compact ice makers and air conditioners for movement by clamp lift trucks. The appliance can be mounted on recycled high density polyethylene skids attached to the bottom of the appliance. The shipping package can include four elongated expanded polystyrene blocks positioned at the corners of the appliance extending vertically from the skids to the top of the appliance. The shipping package can include expanded polystyrene top pads on the top of the appliance and can include a fiberboard top cap covering the top pads and the top the appliance. Shrink wrap film can enclose the top cap, elongated blocks and engage the skids for holding the elongated blocks and top cap securely in position on the appliance.

Abstract: A fixture for appliance manufacturing and transport of the assembled appliance supports vertically movable components of the appliance at differing elevations during manufacturing and continues to at least partially support the components during the transport after assembly. A particular use of the fixture is in the manufacture of a washing machine which has a suspended wash tub and drive assembly and an outer cabinet. The fixture is composed of a main support and a cabinet support with the main support being vertically movable relative to the cabinet support, yet held by the cabinet support in a fixed horizontal position. The wash tub and drive assembly is supported during use by a suspension system connected between the wash tub and cabinet and with the use of the fixture, a portion of the weight of the wash tub is supported at all times during the assembly process and during shipping, relieving the cabinet from bearing that weight.