U.S. patent application number 13/467383 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-14 for removable tine block assembly for a dishwashing appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is Daniel J. Hart, Aaron Matthew McDaniel. Invention is credited to Daniel J. Hart, Aaron Matthew McDaniel.
Application Number | 20130299438 13/467383 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49547835 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130299438 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McDaniel; Aaron Matthew ; et
al. |
November 14, 2013 |
REMOVABLE TINE BLOCK ASSEMBLY FOR A DISHWASHING APPLIANCE
Abstract
A tine block assembly for a dishwashing appliance is provided
that can be repositioned within and/or removed from a rack
assembly. A user can, for example, reverse the direction of the
tine assembly based upon the location of a dishwasher in the
kitchen. The tines can be moved relative to the side or wall of the
rack assembly to accommodate different article sizes. The tines can
also be completely removed from the rack assembly to accommodate a
large article. Additionally, a degree of modularity is provided in
that the same rack assembly may be provided with different tine
assembly configurations so as to e.g., simplify the manufacturing
process.
Inventors: |
McDaniel; Aaron Matthew;
(Louisville, KY) ; Hart; Daniel J.; (Louisville,
KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McDaniel; Aaron Matthew
Hart; Daniel J. |
Louisville
Louisville |
KY
KY |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
49547835 |
Appl. No.: |
13/467383 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/41.9 ;
211/41.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/505 20130101;
A47F 5/01 20130101; A47F 5/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/41.9 ;
211/41.8 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/50 20060101
A47L015/50; A47L 15/42 20060101 A47L015/42 |
Claims
1. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance, the
tine block assembly defining longitudinal and lateral directions,
comprising: a pair of elongated base members extending parallel to
each other along the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from
each other along the lateral direction; a plurality of tines
extending vertically from said elongated base members, said tines
spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction and
arranged in corresponding pairs along the lateral direction; and a
pair of transverse members extending along the lateral direction
and connecting said base members, said transverse members defining
a pair of hooks that face along the longitudinal direction and are
configured for removable attachment to a laterally extending member
of a dishwasher rack assembly.
2. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in
claim 1, wherein said pair of hooks face away from each other along
the longitudinal direction.
3. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in
claim 1, wherein one of said pair transverse members further
comprises a tab positioned at a mid-point along the lateral
direction and extending along the longitudinal direction, said tab
configured for aiding the removal of the tine block from a
dishwasher rack assembly.
4. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in
claim 1, wherein said pair of hooks are each J-shaped.
5. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in
claim 1, wherein said plurality of tines each include an offset
along the vertical direction.
6. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in
claim 1, wherein said pair of hooks are positioned near opposing
ends of the tine block assembly.
7. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in
claim 1, further comprising: a clip attached for attaching the tine
block assembly to a rack assembly of a dishwasher appliance, said
clip comprising a pair of hooks positioned on a first end of said
clip and spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal
direction to define a first slot, said hooks configured for receipt
of an elongated member of a dishwasher rack assembly; an arcuate
portion positioned on a second end of said clip and attached to one
of said elongated base members; and, a pair of legs extending from
said arcuate portion along the lateral direction and spaced apart
from each other to define a second slot.
8. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in
claim 7, wherein said pair of hooks of said clip face towards each
other along the longitudinal direction.
9. A removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher appliance as in
claim 1, wherein said pair of hooks of said clip are each shaped to
wrap partially around elongated members of a dishwasher rack
assembly.
10. A dishwasher rack assembly, comprising: a bottom wall formed of
a first set of elongated spaced apart rods crossed by a second set
of spaced apart rods to define an open lattice structure; a tine
block assembly removably attached to said bottom wall, said tine
block assembly comprising pair of elongated base members extending
parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction and spaced
apart from each other along the lateral direction; a plurality of
tines extending vertically from said elongated base members, said
tines spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction
and arranged in corresponding pairs along the lateral direction;
and a pair of transverse members extending along the lateral
direction and connecting said base members, said transverse members
defining a pair of hooks that face along the longitudinal direction
and are configured for removable attachment to at least one of the
rods of said bottom wall.
11. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 10, wherein said pair of
hooks face away from each other along the longitudinal
direction.
12. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 10, wherein one of said
pair transverse members further comprises a tab positioned at a
mid-point along the lateral direction and extending along the
longitudinal direction, said tab configured for aiding the removal
of the tine block from a dishwasher rack assembly.
13. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 12, wherein said pair of
hooks are each J-shaped.
14. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 10, wherein said
plurality of tines each include an offset along the vertical
direction.
15. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 10, wherein said pair of
hooks are positioned near opposing ends of the tine block
assembly.
16. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 10, further comprising:
a clip attached for attaching the tine block assembly to said
bottom wall; said clip comprising a pair of hooks positioned on a
first end of said clip and spaced apart from each other along the
longitudinal direction to define a first slot, said hooks
configured for receipt of one of the rods of said bottom wall; an
arcuate portion positioned on a second end of said clip and
attached to one of said elongated base members; and, a pair of legs
extending from said arcuate portion along the lateral direction and
spaced apart from each other to define a second slot.
17. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 16, wherein said pair of
hooks of said clip face towards each other along the longitudinal
direction.
18. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 10, wherein said pair of
hooks of said clip are each shaped to wrap partially around one of
the rod members of said bottom wall.
19. A dishwasher rack assembly as in claim 10, wherein said pair of
transverse members comprise elongated rods also forming said pair
of hooks.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates
generally to an assembly for holding articles in a rack assembly of
a dishwashing appliance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Modern dishwashers typically include a wash chamber where
e.g., detergent, water, and heat can be applied to clean food or
other materials from dishes and other articles being washed. Often
an upper rack assembly is disposed close to the top of the wash
chamber and is used to hold glasses, cups, and other small items.
Typically, a lower rack assembly is positioned near the bottom of
the chamber and a considerable distance below the upper rack. This
provides vertical clearance to place dishes and platters on edge
(i.e. a vertical orientation) and to place food preparation bowls
and pots up-side-down on the lower rack for washing.
[0003] Each rack normally is supplied with an array of spaced
apart, generally vertical tines or members, which support and
separate the individual items. These vertical members support and
fix the position of various articles during the washing process.
More specifically, it is desirable to position an article, such as
a dish, so that water and detergent can access all surfaces during
cleaning while also preventing movement of the dish that could lead
to breaking, chipping, or other damage.
[0004] Articles that may be placed in a dishwasher can vary
substantially in size and type. Dishes, pots, pans, glasses and the
like can differ in both shape and size. The same wash load may
include a variety of these differently shaped and sized
articles.
[0005] The vertical tines can be provided with features in an
effort to accommodate such variations in the articles. For example,
tines that can be folded between various positions can provide for
adjustment to different shapes and sizes. Tines can also be shaped
in configurations that help accommodate variations as well.
[0006] Typically, the position of the tines within a rack assembly
of a dishwasher is fixed. More particularly, the rack assembly is
usually constructed of elongated metal rods that are joined
together by e.g., welding. The tines are also permanently affixed
to the elongated rods of the rack assembly.
[0007] Such permanent positioning of the tines can be undesirable
for several reasons. For example, where individual tines are each
configured with an offset to one side the dishwasher, the consumer
may wish to change the direction of the offset. Depending on the
location of the dishwasher in a kitchen relative to e.g., the sink,
the consumer may wish to rotate the direction of the offset of the
tines for more convenience in loading and unloading articles. Also,
the overall position of the tines within the rack assembly relative
to e.g., the sides the rack assembly may not provide a good fit for
certain articles from being placed into the rack. In addition,
where a manufacturer wishes to provide different rack assemblies
having different configurations of tines, each such configuration
can require a separately manufactured rack assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] 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.
[0009] The present invention provides an assembly of tines for a
dishwashing appliance that can be repositioned within and/or
removed from a rack assembly. For example, a user can reverse the
direction of the tine assembly based upon the location of a
dishwasher in the kitchen. The tines can be moved relative to the
side or wall of the rack assembly to accommodate different article
sizes. The tines can also be completely removed from the rack
assembly if needed to accommodate a large article. Additional, a
degree of modularity is provided in that the same rack assembly may
be provided with different tine assembly configurations so as to
e.g., simplify the manufacturing process.
[0010] For example, in on exemplary embodiment, the present
invention provides a removable tine block assembly for a dishwasher
appliance. The tine block assembly defines longitudinal and lateral
directions. The assembly includes a pair of elongated base members
extending parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction
and spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction. A
plurality of tines extend vertically from the elongated base
members and are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal
direction and arranged in corresponding pairs along the lateral
direction. A pair of transverse members extends along the lateral
direction and connecting the base members. The transverse members
define a pair of hooks that face along the longitudinal direction
and are configured for removable attachment to a laterally
extending member of a dishwasher rack assembly.
[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention
provides a dishwasher rack assembly that includes a bottom wall
formed of a first set of elongated spaced apart rods crossed by a
second set of spaced apart rods to define an open lattice
structure. A tine block assembly is removably attached to the
bottom wall. The tine block assembly includes a pair of elongated
base members extending parallel to each other along the
longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other along the
lateral direction; a plurality of tines extending vertically from
said elongated base members, the tines spaced apart from each other
along the longitudinal direction and arranged in corresponding
pairs along the lateral direction; and a pair of transverse members
extending along the lateral direction and connecting the base
members, the transverse members defining a pair of hooks that face
along the longitudinal direction and are configured for removable
attachment to at least one of the rods of the bottom wall.
[0012] 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
[0013] 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, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 provides a front, perspective view of an exemplary
dishwashing appliance of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 provides a side, cross-sectional view of the
exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 provides a front, elevational view of an exemplary
embodiment of a rack assembly that includes an exemplary embodiment
of a tine assembly of the present invention.
[0017] A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tine
assembly of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 4. The
same exemplary tine assembly is also present in the exemplary rack
assembly shown in FIG. 3.
[0018] A side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 is
illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top down view of the exemplary rack assembly of
FIG. 3 incorporating the exemplary embodiment of a tine assembly as
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0020] FIG. 7 is another top down view of another exemplary
embodiment of a tine assembly of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken long line 8-8 of FIG.
7 while FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of
FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a top down view of another exemplary embodiment
of a tine assembly of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary clip feature
as may be used within the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates a portion of another exemplary of a tine
block assembly of the present invention particularly showing the
use of a clip feature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. 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 can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can 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.
[0026] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary domestic dishwasher 100
that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure. For the particular embodiment of FIG. 1, the dishwasher
100 includes a cabinet 102 having a tub 104 therein that defines a
wash chamber 106. The tub 104 includes a front opening (not shown)
and a door 120 hinged at its bottom 122 for movement between a
normally closed vertical position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), wherein
the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a
horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from
the dishwasher. Latch 123 is used to lock and unlock door 120 for
access to chamber 106.
[0027] Upper and lower guide rails 124, 126 are mounted on tub side
walls 128 and accommodate roller-equipped rack assemblies 130 and
132. Each of the rack assemblies 130, 132 is fabricated into
lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members 134
(for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up
assemblies 130 and 132 are shown in FIG. 2). Each rack 130, 132 is
adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not
shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the
wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2)
in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. This is
facilitated by rollers 135 and 139, for example, mounted onto racks
130 and 132, respectively. A silverware basket (not shown) may be
removably attached to rack assembly 132 for placement of
silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small to
be accommodated by the racks 130, 132.
[0028] The dishwasher 100 further includes a lower spray-arm
assembly 144 that is rotatably mounted within a lower region 146 of
the wash chamber 106 and above a tub sump portion 142 so as to
rotate in relatively close proximity to rack assembly 132. A
mid-level spray-arm assembly 148 is located in an upper region of
the wash chamber 106 and may be located in close proximity to upper
rack 130. Additionally, an upper spray assembly 150 may be located
above the upper rack 130.
[0029] The lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 and
the upper spray assembly 150 are fed by a fluid circulation
assembly 152 for circulating water and dishwasher fluid in the tub
104. The fluid circulation assembly 152 may include a pump 154
located in a machinery compartment 140 located below the bottom
sump portion 142 of the tub 104, as generally recognized in the
art. Each spray-arm assembly 144, 148 includes an arrangement of
discharge ports or orifices for directing washing liquid onto
dishes or other articles located in rack assemblies 130 and 132.
The arrangement of the discharge ports in spray-arm assemblies 144,
148 provides a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing
through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower
spray-arm assembly 144 provides coverage of dishes and other
dishwasher contents with a washing spray.
[0030] The dishwasher 100 is further equipped with a controller 137
to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller may
include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special
purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions
or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory
may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only
memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor
executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may
be a separate component from the processor or may be included
onboard within the processor.
[0031] The controller 137 may be positioned in a variety of
locations throughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment,
the controller 137 may be located within a control panel area 121
of door 120 as shown. In such an embodiment, input/output ("I/O")
signals may be routed between the control system and various
operational components of dishwasher 100 along wiring harnesses
that may be routed through the bottom 122 of door 120. Typically,
the controller 137 includes a user interface panel 136 through
which a user may select various operational features and modes and
monitor progress of the dishwasher 100. In one embodiment, the user
interface 136 may represent a general purpose I/O ("GPIO") device
or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface 136 may
include input components, such as one or more of a variety of
electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices
including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user
interface 136 may include a display component, such as a digital or
analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a
user. The user interface 136 may be in communication with the
controller 137 via one or more signal lines or shared communication
busses.
[0032] It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited
to any particular style, model, or other configuration of
dishwasher, and that the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is
for illustrative purposes only. For example, instead of the racks
130, 132 depicted in FIG. 1, the dishwasher 100 may be of a known
configuration that utilizes drawers that pull out from the cabinet
and are accessible from the top for loading and unloading of
articles. Other configurations may be used as well.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, an exemplary embodiment of a
removable tine block assembly 200 in exemplary rack assembly 226 is
illustrated. Tine block assembly 200 includes a pair of elongated
base members 202 and 204 that extend parallel to each other along
the longitudinal direction L and are spaced apart from each other
along the transverse or lateral direction T. A plurality of tines
206 extend vertically from base members 202 and are spaced apart
from each other along the longitudinal direction L. Tines 206 are
arranged in corresponding pairs such as pairs 208, 210. The space
between tines 206 along the longitudinal direction allows for the
placement of e.g., dishes, glasses, and other articles for washing
with appliance 100. Tines 206 also include an offset 216 (sometime
referred to as a "dog leg") that allows for the tilting of articles
such as plates so as reduce the amount of vertical space
required.
[0034] Tine block 200 includes a pair of transverse members 212 and
214 that extend along the lateral direction T and are attached at
respective ends between base members 202 and 204. By way of
example, transverse member 214 may be welded to base member 202 at
connection point 218. The transverse members 212 and 214 each
define a hook 220 and 222, respectively, positioned mid-way along
the lateral direction. As shown e.g., in the side views of FIGS. 3,
5, and 6, hooks 220 and 222 have a j-shaped profile as viewed along
the lateral direction T.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, rack assembly 226 includes a
bottom wall 274 surrounded by side walls 234. Walls 243 and 274 are
formed from a first set of elongated rods 236 crossed by a second
set of elongated rods 238 so as to define an open lattice
structure. Typically, the rods 236 and 236 are welded together at
their intersections and are coated with a protective material.
Wheel assemblies 228, 230 are provided on opposing sides of rack
assembly 200 to facilitate sliding in and out of the wash chamber
106 of appliance 100. As will be understood using the teaching
disclosed herein, the configuration of rack assembly 200 is
provided by way of example only and other constructions may be used
as well.
[0036] Continuing with FIGS. 3 and 6, hooks 220 and 222 are
removably attached to elongated rods 236 of rack assembly 226. More
particularly, hooks 220 and 222 face along the longitudinal
direction L and partially wrap around rods 236. For this particular
embodiment, hooks 220 and 222 face away or outwardly from each
other along the longitudinal direction L. When in the position
shown, hooks 220 and 222 prevent removal of tine block assembly 200
from rack assembly 226.
[0037] However, assembly 200 may also be readily removed from
and/or repositioned within rack assembly 226 as well. By moving
base members 202 and 204 outwardly from each other as indicated by
arrows E in FIG. 6, hooks 212 and 214 are released from rods 236.
As such, tine block assembly 200 can be removed from rack assembly
226 to allow for placement of articles onto rack assembly 226 that
might otherwise be blocked by tines 206. In addition, tine block
assembly 200 can be repositioned on rack assembly 226 differently
form that shown. For example, the user may wish to rotate assembly
226 by 180 degrees or move it more towards the center of rack
assembly 226. In addition, for a manufacture seeking to provide
tine block assemblies in various configurations (e.g., not just the
shape and configuration shown for block 200 in FIGS. 4 and 5),
modularity is provided in that rack assembly 226 (or other rack
assemblies) may be used with a variety of different configurations
of tine block assembly 200. Additionally, multiple tine block
assemblies having different configurations can be sold with
appliance 100 so that the user can select a configuration based on
e.g., the particular articles placed in chamber 106 for a given
wash cycle. Other advantages may also be realized with the
removable tine block assembly of the present invention as well.
[0038] As stated, the present invention is not limited to the
particular exemplary configuration of tine block assembly 200 shown
in FIGS. 3-6. For example, FIG. 7 provides another exemplary
embodiment of tine block assembly in which the same or similar
reference numerals identify the same or similar features as shown
in FIGS. 3-6. For the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, transverse
member 214 of tine block assembly 200 includes a tab 232 positioned
at a mid-point along the lateral direction T. Tab 232 extends
outwardly along the longitudinal direction L from transverse member
214. As such, tab 232 is configured for aiding the removal of tine
block 200 from rack assembly 226. By way of example, a user can
lift up vertically on tab 232 to help remove hook 220 from rod
236.
[0039] FIGS. 8 and 9 provide cross-sectional views taken along
lines 8-8 and 9-9 of FIG. 7, respectively. As stated previously,
hooks 220 and 222 releasably secure tine block assembly 200 to rack
assembly 226 by partially wrapping or hooking rods 236 of rack
assembly 226.
[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a tine
block assembly of the present invention where in which the same or
similar reference numerals identify the same or similar features as
shown in FIGS. 3-6. For this exemplary embodiment, tine block
assembly 200 includes transverse members 242 and 244 having hooks
246 and 248, respectively. Unlike the exemplary embodiment of FIGS.
3-6, hooks 246 and 248 are oriented along the longitudinal
direction but the same way along the longitudinal direction as
shown in FIG. 10. Hooks 246 and 248 are releasably attached or
wrapped around rods 236.
[0041] In order to further secure tine block assembly 200 to rack
assembly 226, a clip 252 is attached to both. Referring now to FIG.
11 and FIG. 12, clip 252 includes a pair of hooks 258 and 260 that
positioned on a first end 254 of clip 252. Hooks 258 and 260 are
spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction L to
define a first slot 262 therebetween. Hooks 258 and 260 are
configured for receipt of an elongated member or rod 238 of rack
assembly 226 while first slot 262 is configured for receipt of
elongated member or rod 236.
[0042] Clip 252 includes a second end 256 defining a second slot
270 positioned between legs 266 and 268 extending along the
transverse direction T from an arcuate portion 264. Second slot 270
is configured for the receipt of elongated member or rod 236 while
arcuate portion 264 is configured for attachment to an elongated
base member 202 (or 204). Accordingly, in order to remove tine
block assembly 200 for removal from, or repositioning in, rack
assembly 226, the user would rotate clip 252 along the direction of
arrow R (FIG. 12). Then, the user would shift tine block assembly
in the direction or arrow S (FIG. 10) to release hooks 246 and 248.
Tine block assembly 200 can then be removed or repositioned as
previously described.
[0043] 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.
* * * * *