Household appliance packaging assembly

Abstract

The blanket body is configured to wrap around an exterior of a household appliance. Additionally, the packaging assembly includes a packaging cushion. The packaging cushion is positioned on the blanket body. Furthermore, the packaging assembly includes a restraining element. The restraining element is for restraining the packaging cushion against the blanket body. Moreover, the restraining element is configured to align with a priority protection area of the household appliance, thereby permitting the packaging cushion to be positioned on or over the priority protection area.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to packaging assemblies for packaging household appliances.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] After manufacture, household appliances, such as refrigerator appliances, are generally packaged within a shipping box. Additionally, used household appliances may sometimes be moved to a new location, such as to a new home during a residential move. As such, household appliances may be covered with shipping / moving blankets. The shipping box and the moving blankets may limit damage to the household appliance during transit. However, conventional shipping boxes and moving blankets suffer various drawbacks. For example, conventional shipping boxes are often oversized for the specific household appliance and / or do not adequately protect priority areas of the household appliance during transport / shipping of the household appliance. Additionally, conventional moving blankets oftentimes do not adequately protect the household appliance from impact damage, such as when the household appliance is dropped.

[0003] Thus, a packaging assembly for a household appliance which obviates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be desirable.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0005] In an example embodiment, a packaging assembly for a household appliance is provided. The packaging assembly includes a blanket body. The blanket body includes a first side and a second side. The blanket body is configured to wrap around an exterior of the household appliance. Additionally, the packaging assembly includes a coupling element. The coupling element is configured to hold the first side and the second side of the blanket body together while the blanket body is wrapped around the exterior of the household appliance. Furthermore, the packaging assembly includes a packaging cushion. The packaging cushion is positioned on the blanket body. Moreover, the packaging assembly includes a pocket pouch. The pocket pouch is attached to the blanket body for restraining the packaging cushion against the blanket body. Additionally, an external pocket opening is defined by the pocket pouch, thereby permitting access to a pocket interior defined within the pocket pouch for receiving the packaging cushion therein. The pocket pouch is configured to align with a priority protection area of the household appliance, thereby permitting the packaging cushion to be positioned on or over the priority protection area.

[0006] In another example embodiment, a packaging assembly for a household appliance is provided. The packaging assembly includes a blanket body. The blanket body is configured to wrap around an exterior of the household appliance. Additionally, the packaging assembly includes a packaging cushion. The packaging cushion is positioned on the blanket body. Furthermore, the packaging cushion includes a restraining element. The restraining element is for restraining the packaging cushion against the blanket body. The restraining element is configured to align with a priority protection area of the household appliance, thereby permitting the packaging cushion to be positioned on or over the priority protection area.

[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0009] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a household appliance to be utilized with a household appliance packaging assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0010] FIG. 2 provides a top view of a household appliance packaging assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the household appliance packaging assembly of FIG. 3 covering a household appliance.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0013] As used herein, 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. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The term “at least one of” in the context of, e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C” refers to only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0014] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,”“about,”“approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and / or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a ten percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

[0015] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a household appliance 100 to be utilized with a household appliance packaging assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown in FIG. 1, household appliance 100 may be a refrigerator appliance 101. The refrigerator appliance 101 includes a cabinet or housing 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

[0016] The housing 102 defines one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing 102 may define a fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent top 104 of housing 102. Additionally, housing 102 may define a freezer chamber 124. The freezer chamber 124 may be arranged at or adjacent bottom 106 of housing 102. As such, refrigerator appliance 101 is generally referred to as a bottom mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance, or a single door refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamber configuration. Furthermore, while household appliance 100 is described herein as a refrigerator appliance, it should be appreciated that household appliance 100 may be any other suitable household appliance 100, such as a washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, water heater, and / or the like. As such, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular household appliance configuration.

[0017] Additionally, refrigerator appliance 101 may include refrigerator doors 128. The refrigerator doors 128 may be rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In addition, refrigerator appliance 101 may include a freezer door 130. The freezer door 130 may be arranged below refrigerator doors 128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. The freezer door 130 may be coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber 124. The refrigerator doors 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in the closed configuration in FIG. 1. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other chamber and door configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0018] Furthermore, refrigerator appliance 101 may include a dispensing assembly 140. The dispensing assembly 140 is generally configured for dispensing liquid water and / or ice. The dispensing assembly 140 and its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess 142 defined on one of refrigerator doors 128. In this regard, dispenser recess 142 is defined on a front side 112 of refrigerator appliance 101 such that a user may operate dispensing assembly 140 without opening refrigerator door 128. In addition, dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.

[0019] Moreover, a control panel 150 may be provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel 150 may include one or more selector inputs 152, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc., such as a water dispensing button and an ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. In addition, inputs 152 may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly 140. In this regard, inputs 152 may be in communication with a processing device or controller 154. Signals generated in controller 154 operate refrigerator appliance 101 and dispensing assembly 140 in response to selector inputs 152. Additionally, a display 156, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel 150. The display 156 may be in communication with controller 154 and may display information in response to signals from controller 154.

[0020] As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate refrigerator appliance 101 and dispensing assembly 140. The processing device may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements include electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible to the processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions and / or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.

[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, differing views are provided of a packaging assembly 200 to be utilized with a household appliance, such as refrigerator appliance 101 described above. Specifically, FIG. 2 provides a top view of packaging assembly 200. FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of packaging assembly 200 covering the household appliance.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, packaging assembly 200 may include a packaging blanket body 201. The packaging blanket body 201 may be at least partially constructed / sewn / stitched of a fabric material, such as polyester, cotton, wool, and / or the like. As described herein, packaging blanket body 201 includes a single layer of the fabric material. However, it should be appreciated that packaging blanket body 201 may include a plurality of layers, such as two or more layers of the fabric material. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that one or more of the fabric material layers may be water absorbing, water resistant, or waterproof fabric material.

[0023] Additionally, or alternatively, the fabric may be fire resistant. The packaging blanket body 201 may be wrapped around and / or over a household appliance, such as refrigerator appliance 100, during transport of the household appliance. Additionally, packaging assembly 200 may include one or more restraining elements for restraining packaging cushions / material to packaging blanket body 201 to protect the household appliance from damage, such as damage caused by impact of the household appliance with another object. As will be described below, the restraining elements and, thus, the packaging cushions, may be strategically positioned on packaging blanket body 201 such that the restraining elements and packaging cushions may align with one or more priority protection areas of the household appliance. In this respect, the packaging cushion(s) / material may be positioned on or over the priority protection area(s). Additionally, or alternatively, the packaging cushion(s) / material may be positioned between the household appliance and the blanket body to maintain a desired air gap between the household appliance and the blanket body. The priority protection area(s) may be components or areas of the household appliance that are delicate and require additional protection during transport of the household appliance. For example, the compressor of a refrigerator appliance may be at least part of one priority protection area of the refrigerator appliance. While described herein as being specifically configured for and utilized with refrigerator appliance 101, it should be appreciated that packaging assembly 200 may be configured for and utilized with any other suitable household appliance such as a washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, water heater, and / or the like.

[0024] According to example embodiments, packaging blanket body 201 extends between a first side 202 and a second side 204 along a first direction D1, between a third side 206 and a fourth side 208 along a second direction D2, and between a fifth side 210 and a sixth side (not shown) in a third direction D3. Each of the first direction D1, second direction D2, and third direction D3 are mutually perpendicular to one another. Furthermore, only four edges may be defined by packaging blanket body 201. As such, the first side 202, second side 204, third side 206, and fourth side 208 may define a first edge 212, second edge 214, third edge 216, and fourth edge 218 or boundary of packaging blanket body 201 respectively.

[0025] Additionally, in some embodiments, packaging blanket body 201 may be square or rectangular-shaped. In this respect, the edges 212, 214, 216, and 218 of packaging blanket body 201 may define a square or rectangular shaped perimeter of packaging blanket body 201. As such, first edge 212 and second edge 214 are approximately the same length and may extend approximately parallel to one another. Likewise, third edge 216 and fourth edge 218 are approximately the same length and may extend approximately parallel to one another. Furthermore, first edge 212 and second edge 214 may extend approximately perpendicular to third edge 216 and fourth edge 218. Moreover, the first, second, third, and fourth edges 212, 214, 216, 218 may be connected to form only four corners of packaging blanket body 201, which are a first corner 222, second corner 224, third corner 226, and fourth corner 228.

[0026] According to example embodiments, packaging assembly 200 may include one or more restraining elements. The restraining element(s) may be utilized to restrain one or more packaging cushions, which will be described below, against packaging blanket body 201. As illustrated in FIG. 2, packaging assembly 200 may include a first, second, third, and fourth restraining element 231, 232, 233, 234, which may all be attached to packaging blanket body 201 on one side / end of packaging blanket body 201, such as to the fifth side 210 of packaging blanket body 201.

[0027] However, it should be appreciated that one or more of the restraining elements 231, 232, 233, 234 may be attached to another portion of blanket body 201, such as to the inner most side or sixth side (not shown) of blanket body 201 and / or within an interior (not shown) of blanket body 201. Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or more of the restraining elements 231, 232, 233, 234 may be separately stitched or sewn onto blanket body 201. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, one or more of the restraining elements 231, 232, 233, 234 may be attached to blanket body 201 with one or more zippers, quick fastening solutions such as snap buttons, and / or the like.

[0028] According to example embodiments, first restraining element 231 and second restraining element 232 may both be attached to packaging blanket body 201 and spaced apart along a common edge of packaging blanket body 201. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, first retraining element 231 and second restraining element 232 may be attached to fifth side 210 of packaging blanket body 201 and spaced apart from each other along first edge 212 of packaging blanket body 201. Furthermore, first restraining element 231 may define a length REL1 that may be approximately parallel to first edge 212 of packaging blanket body 201. The length REL1 of first restraining element 231 may be approximately one-fifth of a length of first edge 212 of packaging blanket body 201. Moreover, second restraining element 232 may define a length REL2 that may be approximately parallel to first edge 212 of packaging blanket body 201. The length REL2 of second restraining element 232 may also be approximately one-fifth of the length of first edge 212 of packaging blanket body 201.

[0029] Additionally, in some embodiments, first restraining element 231 and second restraining element 232 may both be positioned between and spaced apart from the corners, such as first corner 222 and second corner 224, of packaging blanket body 201. For example, first restraining element 231 may be spaced apart from first corner 222 along first edge 212 of packaging blanket body 201 between five inches and seven inches, such as at six inches from first corner 222. Additionally, second restraining element 231 may be spaced apart from second corner 224 along first edge 212 of packaging blanket body 201 between five inches and seven inches, such as at six inches from second corner 224.

[0030] Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, third restraining element 233 may be attached to packaging blanket body 201 along a different edge of packaging blanket body 201 than first restraining element 231 and second restraining element 232. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, third restraining element 233 may be attached to fifth side 210 of packaging blanket body 201 along second edge 214 of packaging blanket body 201. Furthermore, third restraining element 233 may define a length REL3 that may be approximately parallel to second edge 214 of packaging blanket body 201. The length REL3 of third restraining element 233 may be approximately one-half of a length of second edge 214 of packaging blanket body 201, such as greater than one-half of the length of second edge 214.

[0031] Additionally, in some embodiments, third restraining element 233 may both be positioned between and spaced apart from the corners, such as third corner 226 and fourth corner 228, of packaging blanket body 201. For example, third restraining element 233 may be spaced apart from third corner 226 along second edge 214 of packaging blanket body 201 between fifteen inches and twenty inches, such as at eighteen inches from third corner 226. Additionally, third restraining element 233 may be spaced apart from fourth corner 228 along second edge 214 of packaging blanket body 201 between fifteen inches and twenty inches, such as at eighteen inches from fourth corner 228.

[0032] Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, fourth restraining element 234 may be attached to packaging blanket body 201 between all edges 212, 214, 216, 218 of packaging blanket body 201. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, fourth restraining element 234 may be attached to fifth side 210 of packaging blanket body 201 between all edges 212, 214, 216, 218 of packaging blanket body 201. In some embodiments, fourth restraining element 234 may be positioned approximately halfway between first edge 212 and second edge 214 of packaging blanket body 201 and also approximately halfway between third edge 216 and fourth edge 218 of packaging blanket body 201. In this respect, fourth restraining element 234 may be positioned approximately at the center of fifth side 210 of packaging blanket body 201.

[0033] According to some exemplary embodiments, the four restraining elements of packaging assembly 200 may be a first, second, third, and fourth pocket pouches 235, 236, 237, 238, which may be utilized to restrain packaging cushion against packaging blanket body 201. An external pocket opening (not shown) may permit access to an interior (not shown) of each of the pocket pouches 235, 236, 237, 238.

[0034] Each of the pocket pouches 235, 236, 237, 238 may receive one or more packaging cushions (not shown) therein. In some embodiments, the packaging cushions may include plurality of paper-based packaging materials, foam-based packaging materials, and / or the like. For example, the packaging materials may include fiber packaging materials, pulp packaging materials, polystyrene packaging materials, and / or the like. While packaging assembly 200 is described herein as having first, second, third, and fourth pocket pouches 235, 236, 237, 238, it should be appreciated that packaging assembly 200 may include any suitable number of pocket pouches and / or any suitable number of other restraining element utilized to restrain packaging cushions against packaging blanket body 201. Furthermore, while described herein as being arranged along the single fabric layer of the packaging blanket body 201, it should be appreciated that, for blanket bodies having multiple layers, the pocket pouches and / or other restraining elements and, thus, the packaging materials, may be positioned between adjacent layers.

[0035] According to some exemplary embodiments, each of the pocket pouches 235, 236, 237, 238 may include a zipper assembly (not shown) adjustable between a plurality of open positions thereby providing access to the interior of the pocket pouches 235, 236, 237, 238, and a fully closed position thereby inhibiting access to the interior of the pocket pouches 235, 236, 237, 238. In this respect, a user of the packaging assembly 200 may unzip the pocket pouches 235, 236, 237, 238 to add or remove the packaging cushion to or from the interior of the pocket pouches 235, 236, 237, 238. Thereafter, the user may zip the pocket pouches 235, 236, 237, 238 to the fully closed position. While described herein as including the zipper assembly, it should be appreciated that each pocket pouch 235, 236, 237, 238 may include any other suitable assembly or component to provide and inhibit access to the interior of the pocket pouches 235, 236, 237, 238, such as hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro) and / or the like. Furthermore, while described herein as pocket pouches, it should be appreciated that restraining elements 231, 232, 233, 234 may be any other suitable restraining element for restraining the packaging cushion against the packaging blanket body 201. For example, in some embodiments, the restraining elements 231, 232, 233, 234 may be elastic straps that are attached to the packaging blanket body 201. The packaging cushion may thus be positioned between the elastic straps and the packaging blanket body 201, thereby permitting the elastic straps to restrain the packaging cushion against the packaging blanket body 201.

[0036] In some embodiments, a size of one or more of the pocket pouches 235, 236, 237, 238 may be adjustable to accommodate various sizes / quantities and / or shapes of packaging cushions. For example, in some embodiments, each pocket pouch 235, 236, 237, 238 may include a plurality of various pocket pouch sizes, e.g., varying lengths, widths, and / or depths, that may be attached to blanket body 201. In this respect, a user of packaging assembly 200 may remove one or more of the pocket pouches 235, 236, 237, 238 from blanket body 201 and replace the pocket pouch(es) 235, 236, 237, 238 with a pocket pouch(es) of a different size(s). Likewise, a user of packaging assembly 200 may remove one or more of the pocket pouches 235, 236, 237, 238 from blanket body 201 and replace the pocket pouch(es) 235, 236, 237, 238 with a pocket pouch(es) of a different shape(s), such as a circular shape.

[0037] As best illustrated in FIG. 3, packaging assembly 200 may be wrapped around an exterior of the household appliance, such as an exterior of refrigerator appliance 101, thereby providing protection for the household appliance during transport. In this respect, first side 202 of packaging blanket body 201 may meet or overlap second side 204 of packaging blanket body 201. As such, packaging assembly 200 may include one or more coupling elements. The coupling element(s) may be configured to hold first side 202 and second side 204 of packaging blanket body 201 together while packaging assembly 200 is wrapped around the exterior of the household appliance. For example, in some embodiments, the coupling element(s) may be a hook and loop fastener(s), such as Velcro. A hook portion of the hook and loop fastener(s) may be attached to first side 202 of packaging blanket body 201. Likewise, a loop portion of the hook and loop fastener(s) may be attached to second side 204 of packaging blanket body 201. The hook portion may engage the loop portion, thereby holding first side 202 and second side 204 together. While described herein as the hook and loop fastener(s), it should be appreciated that the coupling element(s) may be any suitable coupling element(s) for holding packaging blanket body 201 together, such as a zipper assembly, quick fastener assembly such as snap buttons, and / or the like.

[0038] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A packaging assembly for a household appliance, the packaging assembly comprising:a blanket body including a first side and a second side, the blanket body configured to wrap around at least one of an exterior of the household appliance or a component of the household appliance, wherein the blanket body defines four edges including a first edge, second edge, third edge, and fourth edge, the four edges defining a square or rectangular shaped perimeter of the blanket body, the first and second edges approximately parallel to each other and the third and fourth edges approximately parallel to each other;a coupling element configured to hold the first side and the second side of the blanket body together while the blanket body is wrapped around the exterior of the household appliance or wrapped around the component of the household appliance;a plurality of packaging cushions, the plurality of packaging cushions positioned on the blanket body; anda plurality of pocket pouches attached to the blanket body, wherein the plurality of pocket pouches comprises a first, second, third, and fourth pocket pouch each of which restrains a different packaging cushion of the plurality of packaging cushions against the blanket body, an external pocket opening defined by each of the first, second, third, and fourth pocket pouch thereby permitting access to a pocket interior defined within each of the first, second, third, and fourth pocket pouch for receiving the different packaging cushion therein,wherein:the first pocket pouch and the second pocket pouch are spaced apart from each other along the first edge of the blanket body, which is defined by the first side of the blanket body, and positioned between a first pair of corners of the blanket body, each corner of the first pair of corners defining one of the ends of the first edge;the third pocket pouch is positioned along the second edge of the blanket body, which is defined by the second side of the blanket body, between a second pair of corners of the blanket body, each corner of the second pair of corners defining one of the ends of the second edge;the fourth pocket pouch is positioned approximately halfway between the first and second edges and approximately halfway between the third and fourth edges; andthe plurality of pocket pouches are configured to align with at least one priority protection area of the household appliance, thereby permitting the plurality of packaging cushions to be positioned on or over the at least one priority protection area.

2. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein each packaging cushion of the plurality of packaging cushions comprises a plurality of paper-based packaging materials or foam-based packaging materials.

3. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein:the coupling element comprises a hook and loop fastener, the hook and loop fastener including a hook portion attached to the first side of the blanket body and a loop portion attached to the second side of the blanket body; andthe hook portion attached to the first side of the blanket body is configured to engage the loop portion attached to the second side of the blanket body while the blanket body is wrapped around the exterior of the household appliance, or wrapped around the component of the household appliance, for holding the first side and the second side of the blanket body together.

4. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth pocket pouch is stitched or sewn onto the blanket body.

5. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth pocket pouch comprises a zipper assembly adjustable between a plurality of open positions thereby permitting access to the pocket interior and a fully closed position thereby inhibiting access to the pocket interior.

6. (canceled)7. (canceled)8. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein:the first and second pocket pouches each define a length that is approximately one-fifth of a length of the first edge of the blanket body; andthe third pocket pouch defines a length that is more than one-half of a length of the second edge of the blanket body.

9. The packaging assembly of claim 1, wherein:the household appliance comprises a refrigerator appliance; anda compressor of the refrigerator appliance is one of the at least one priority protection area.

10. A packaging assembly for a household appliance, the packaging assembly comprising:a blanket body including a first side and a second side, the blanket body configured to wrap around at least one of an exterior of the household appliance or a component of the household appliance, wherein the blanket body defines four edges including a first edge, second edge, third edge, and fourth edge, the four edges defining a square or rectangular shaped perimeter of the blanket body, the first and second edges approximately parallel to each other and the third and fourth edges approximately parallel to each other;a plurality of packaging cushions, the plurality of packaging cushions positioned on the blanket body; anda plurality of restraining elements comprising a first, second, third, and fourth restraining element each of which restrains a different packaging cushion of the plurality of packaging cushions against the blanket body,wherein:the first restraining element and the second restraining element are spaced apart from each other along the first edge of the blanket body, which is defined by the first side of the blanket body, between a first pair of corners of the blanket body, each corner of the first pair of corners defining one of the ends of the first edge;the third restraining element is positioned along the second edge of the blanket body, which is defined by the second side of the blanket body, between a second pair of corners of the blanket body, each corner of the second pair of corners defining one of the ends of the second edge;the fourth restraining element is positioned approximately halfway between the first and second edges and approximately halfway between the third and fourth edges; andthe plurality of restraining elements are configured to align with at least one priority protection area of the household appliance, thereby permitting the plurality of packaging cushions to be positioned on or over the at least one priority protection area.

11. The packaging assembly of claim 10, wherein:the packaging assembly further comprises a coupling element configured to hold the first side and the second side of the blanket body together while the blanket body is wrapped around the exterior of the household appliance or wrapped around the component of the household appliance.

12. The packaging assembly of claim 11, wherein:the coupling element comprises a hook and loop fastener, the hook and loop fastener including a hook portion attached to the first side of the blanket body and a loop portion attached to the second side of the blanket body; andthe hook portion attached to the first side of the blanket body is configured to engage the loop portion attached to the second side of the blanket body while the blanket body is wrapped around the exterior of the household appliance, or wrapped around the component of the household appliance, for holding the first side and the second side of the blanket body together.

13. The packaging assembly of claim 10, wherein each packaging cushion of the plurality of packaging cushions comprises a plurality of paper-based packaging materials or foam-based packaging materials.

14. The packaging assembly of claim 10, wherein each restraining element of the plurality of restraining elements comprises an elastic strap attached to the blanket body, the different packaging cushion positioned between the elastic strap and the blanket body thereby permitting the elastic strap to restrain the different packaging cushion against the blanket body.

15. The packaging assembly of claim 10, wherein:the first, second, third and fourth restraining element respectively comprise a first. second, third, and fourth pocket pouch attached to the blanket body each of which restrains the different packaging cushion against the blanket body; andan external pocket opening is defined by each of the first, second, third, and fourth pocket pouch thereby permitting access to a pocket interior defined within each of the first, second, third, and fourth pocket pouch for receiving the different packaging cushion therein.

16. The packaging assembly of claim 15, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth pocket pouch is stitched or sewn onto the blanket body.

17. The packaging assembly of claim 15, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth pocket pouch comprises a zipper assembly adjustable between a plurality of open positions thereby providing access to the pocket interior and a fully closed position thereby inhibiting access to the pocket interior.

18. (canceled)19. (canceled)20. The packaging assembly of claim 10, wherein:the first and second restraining elements each define a length that is approximately one-fifth of a length of the first edge of the blanket body; andthe third restraining element defines a length that is more than one-half of a length of the second edge of the blanket body.

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