U.S. patent application number 13/737247 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-10 for height adjustment mechanism for rack assemblies for appliances.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. Invention is credited to William Nathan Garnett.
Application Number | 20140190531 13/737247 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51060047 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140190531 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Garnett; William Nathan |
July 10, 2014 |
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM FOR RACK ASSEMBLIES FOR APPLIANCES
Abstract
A rack assembly for an appliance is provided. The rack assembly
includes a sidewall and a block that defines a series of holes. A
shaft extends between the block and an actuating mechanism. The
actuating mechanism selectively retracts the shaft from the series
of holes of the block in order to permit the sidewall to move
vertically.
Inventors: |
Garnett; William Nathan;
(Ekron, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
51060047 |
Appl. No.: |
13/737247 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/135 ;
211/208 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/504
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/135 ;
211/208 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/14 20060101
A47L015/14 |
Claims
1. A rack assembly for an appliance, the rack assembly defining a
vertical direction and a transverse direction, the vertical and
transverse directions being perpendicular, the rack assembly
comprising: a sidewall; a block positioned adjacent said sidewall
and defining a series of holes, each hole of the series of holes
being oriented along the transverse direction, the series of holes
being spaced apart from one another along the vertical direction;
and a rack adjustment assembly mounted to said sidewall, said rack
adjustment assembly comprising: a shaft that extends longitudinally
between a first end portion and a second end portion along the
transverse direction, the first end portion of said shaft received
within one of the series of holes of said block; and an actuating
mechanism, the second end portion of said shaft coupled to said
actuating mechanism, said actuating mechanism configured for
selectively sliding said shaft along the transverse direction in
order to remove the first end portion of said shaft from the series
of holes of said block; wherein said sidewall is moveable along the
vertical direction relative to said block when the first end
portion of said shaft is removed from the series of holes of said
block.
2. The rack assembly of claim 1, wherein said rack adjustment
assembly further comprises a base mounted to said sidewall, said
actuating mechanism slidably mounted to said base.
3. The rack assembly of claim 2, wherein said actuating mechanism
is configured for sliding upwardly along the vertical direction
relative to said base in order to remove the first end portion of
said shaft from the series of holes of said block.
4. The rack assembly of claim 2, wherein said actuating mechanism
defines a channel that receives the second end portion of said
shaft.
5. The rack assembly of claim 4, wherein the channel of said
actuating mechanism has a first portion and a second portion, the
first portion of the channel extending along both the vertical and
transverse directions, the second portion of the channel extending
along the vertical direction, the first portion of the channel
disposed above the second portion of the channel along the vertical
direction.
6. The rack assembly of claim 1, further comprising an additional
block positioned adjacent said sidewall and spaced apart from said
block along the transverse direction, said additional block
defining an additional series of holes, the additional series of
holes distributed along the vertical direction, wherein said rack
adjustment assembly further comprises an additional shaft that
extends longitudinally between a first end portion and a second end
portion along the transverse direction, the first end portion of
said additional shaft received within one of the series of
additional holes of said additional block, the second end portion
of said additional shaft coupled to said actuating mechanism.
7. The rack assembly of claim 1, wherein said actuating mechanism
comprises a rectangular handle.
8. The rack assembly of claim 1, wherein said sidewall is formed of
a series of vertical members fixed to a series of transverse
members, said series of vertical members extending longitudinally
along the vertical direction and spaced apart from one another
along the transverse direction, said series of transverse members
extending longitudinally along the transverse direction and spaced
apart from one another along the vertical direction.
9. A dishwasher appliance, the dishwasher appliance defining a
vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse
direction, the vertical, lateral, and transverse directions being
mutually perpendicular, the dishwasher appliance comprising: a tub
that defines a wash chamber; and a rack assembly for receipt of
articles for washing, said rack assembly having opposing sidewalls
that are spaced apart along the lateral direction; a pair of slides
mounted to said rack assembly at the opposing sidewalls of said
rack assembly, said pair of slides configured for sliding movement
of said rack assembly within the wash chamber of said tub; a
plurality of blocks, said plurality of blocks mounted to said pair
of slides, each block of said plurality of blocks defining a series
of holes facing the transverse direction, the series of holes
spaced apart along the vertical direction; and a pair of rack
adjustment assemblies mounted to said rack assembly at the opposing
sidewalls of said rack assembly, each rack adjustment assembly
comprising: a shaft extending longitudinally between a first end
portion and a second end portion along the transverse direction,
the first end portion of said shaft received within a respective
one of the series of holes of said plurality of blocks; and an
actuating mechanism carried by said sidewall, the second end
portion of said shaft coupled to said actuating mechanism, said
actuating mechanism configured for selectively sliding said shaft
along the transverse direction in order to remove the first end
portion of said shaft from the series of holes of said block;
wherein said rack assembly is moveable along the vertical direction
relative to said pair of slides when the first end portion of said
shaft is removed from the series of holes of said plurality of
blocks.
10. The dishwasher appliance of claim 9, wherein each rack
adjustment assembly further comprises a base mounted to said
opposing sidewalls, said actuating mechanism slidably mounted to
said base.
11. The dishwasher appliance of claim 10, wherein said actuating
mechanism is configured for sliding upwardly along the vertical
direction relative to said base in order to remove the first end
portion of said shaft from the series of holes of said block.
12. The dishwasher appliance of claim 10, wherein said actuating
mechanism defines a channel that receives the second end portion of
said shaft.
13. The dishwasher appliance of claim 12, wherein the channel of
said actuating mechanism has a first portion and a second portion,
the first portion of the channel extending along both the vertical
and transverse direction, the second portion of the channel
extending along the vertical direction, the first portion of the
channel disposed above the second portion of the channel along the
vertical direction.
14. The dishwasher appliance of claim 9, wherein each rack
adjustment assembly further comprises an additional shaft that
extends longitudinally between a first end portion and a second end
portion along the transverse direction, the first end portion of
said additional shaft received within one of a series of additional
holes defined by said plurality of blocks, the second end portion
of said additional shaft coupled to said actuating mechanism.
15. The dishwasher appliance of claim 9, wherein said actuating
mechanism comprises a rectangular handle.
16. The dishwasher appliance of claim 9, wherein said opposing
sidewalls are formed of a series of vertical members fixed to a
series of transverse members, said series of vertical members
extending longitudinally along the vertical direction and spaced
apart from one another along the transverse direction, said series
of transverse members extending longitudinally along the transverse
direction and spaced apart from one another along the vertical
direction.
17. A rack assembly for an appliance, the rack assembly defining a
vertical direction and a transverse direction, the vertical and
transverse directions being perpendicular, the rack assembly
comprising: a sidewall; a block positioned adjacent said sidewall
and defining a series of holes that is oriented along the
transverse direction and distributed along the vertical direction;
and a rack adjustment assembly mounted to said sidewall, said rack
adjustment assembly comprising: a shaft that extends longitudinally
between a first end portion and a second end portion along the
transverse direction, said shaft configured for selectively
shifting between a first position and a second position; and an
actuating mechanism, the second end portion of said shaft coupled
to said actuating mechanism, said actuating mechanism configured
for selectively shifting said shaft between the first and second
positions; wherein the first end portion of said shaft is received
within one of the series of holes of said block when said shaft is
in the first position in order to hinder said sidewall from moving
along the vertical direction relative to said block, the first end
portion of said shaft is positioned outside of the series of holes
of said block when said shaft is in the second position in order to
permit said sidewall to move along the vertical direction relative
to said block.
18. The rack assembly of claim 17, wherein said sidewall is formed
of a series of vertical members fixed to a series of transverse
members, said series of vertical members extending longitudinally
along the vertical direction and spaced apart from one another
along the transverse direction, said series of transverse members
extending longitudinally along the transverse direction and spaced
apart from one another along the vertical direction.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to height
adjustment mechanisms for rack assemblies for appliances.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A dishwasher appliance is typically provided with one or
more rack assemblies into which various articles may be loaded for
cleaning. The rack assemblies may include features such as, e.g.,
tines that hold and orient the articles to receive sprays of wash
and rinse fluids during the cleaning process. The articles to be
cleaned may include a variety of dishes, cooking utensils,
silverware, and other items.
[0003] The size of the articles can vary significantly. For
example, glasses are available in a variety of different heights.
Dishes are manufactured with various diameters between large and
small. Pots used for cooking can have different depths.
[0004] In order to accommodate the larger articles, an upper rack
assembly of a dishwasher appliance can be provided with features
for height adjustment of the rack assembly. Such adjustability
allows for movement of the upper rack assembly along a vertical
direction. By moving or lifting the upper rack to a higher vertical
position, larger articles can be accommodated in, e.g., a lower
rack assembly positioned beneath the upper rack assembly.
Conversely, by lowering the upper rack to a lower vertical
position, larger articles can be accommodated in, e.g., the upper
rack assembly.
[0005] Certain adjustment features have been proposed for providing
height adjustability for a rack assembly. Typically, these features
include multiple moving parts that may require the user to
manipulate both the rack assembly and the adjustment features at
the same time when lifting and/or lowering the rack assembly. For
example, the user may be required to lower or lift the rack
assembly while simultaneously depressing or squeezing a lever or
other aspect of the adjustment feature. For certain users, these
adjustment features can be difficult to operate.
[0006] Accordingly, a rack assembly for an appliance that can be
easily adjusted to different vertical positions would be useful. In
particular, a rack assembly for an appliance that can be easily
adjusted to multiple different vertical positions would be
useful.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present subject matter provides a rack assembly for an
appliance. The rack assembly includes a sidewall and a block that
defines a series of holes. A shaft extends between the block and an
actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism selectively retracts
the shaft from the series of holes of the block in order to permit
the sidewall to move vertically. Additional 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.
[0008] In a first exemplary embodiment, a rack assembly for an
appliance is provided. The rack assembly defines a vertical
direction and a transverse direction. The vertical and transverse
directions are perpendicular. The rack assembly includes a sidewall
and a block positioned adjacent the sidewall. The block defines a
series of holes that is oriented along the transverse direction.
The series of holes is spaced apart from one another along the
vertical direction. A rack adjustment assembly is mounted to the
sidewall and includes a shaft that extends longitudinally between a
first end portion and a second end portion along the transverse
direction. The first end portion of the shaft is received within
one of the series of holes of the block. The rack adjustment
assembly also includes an actuating mechanism. The second end
portion of the shaft is coupled to the actuating mechanism. The
actuating mechanism is configured for selectively sliding the shaft
along the transverse direction in order to remove the first end
portion of the shaft from the series of holes of the block. The
sidewall is moveable along the vertical direction relative to the
rack adjustment assembly when the first end portion of the shaft is
removed from the series of holes of the block.
[0009] In a second exemplary embodiment, a dishwasher appliance is
provided. The dishwasher appliance defines a vertical direction, a
lateral direction, and a transverse direction. The vertical,
lateral, and transverse directions are mutually perpendicular. The
dishwasher appliance includes a tub that defines a wash chamber.
The dishwasher appliance also includes a rack assembly for receipt
of articles for washing. The rack assembly has opposing sidewalls
that are spaced apart along the lateral direction. A pair of slides
is mounted to the rack assembly at the opposing sidewalls of the
rack assembly. The pair of slides is configured for sliding
movement of the rack assembly within the wash chamber of the tub. A
plurality of blocks is mounted to the pair of slides. Each block of
the plurality of blocks defines a series of holes facing the
transverse direction. The series of holes is spaced apart along the
vertical direction. A pair of rack adjustment assemblies is mounted
to the rack assembly at the opposing sidewalls of the rack
assembly. Each rack adjustment assembly includes a shaft that
extends longitudinally between a first end portion and a second end
portion along the transverse direction. The first end portion of
the shaft is received within a respective one of the series of
holes of the plurality of blocks. Each rack adjustment assembly
also includes an actuating mechanism that is carried by the
sidewall. The second end portion of the shaft is coupled to the
actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism is configured for
selectively sliding the shaft along the transverse direction in
order to remove the first end portion of the shaft from the series
of holes of the plurality of blocks. The rack assembly is moveable
along the vertical direction relative to the tub when the first end
portion of the shaft is removed from the series of holes of the
plurality of blocks.
[0010] In a third exemplary embodiment, a rack assembly for an
appliance is provided. The rack assembly defines a vertical
direction and a transverse direction. The vertical and transverse
directions are perpendicular. The rack assembly includes a sidewall
and a block. The block defines a series of holes that is oriented
along the transverse direction. The series of holes is distributed
along the vertical direction. A rack adjustment assembly is mounted
to the sidewall and includes a shaft that extends longitudinally
between a first end portion and a second end portion along the
transverse direction. The shaft is configured for selectively
shifting between a first position and a second position. The rack
adjustment assembly also includes an actuating mechanism. The
second end portion of the shaft is coupled to the actuating
mechanism. The actuating mechanism is configured for selectively
shifting the shaft between the first and second positions. The
first end portion of the shaft is received within one of the series
of holes of the block when the shaft is in the first position in
order to hinder the sidewall from moving along the vertical
direction relative to the block. The first end portion of the shaft
is positioned outside of the series of holes of the block when the
shaft is in the second position in order to permit the sidewall to
move along the vertical direction relative to the block.
[0011] 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
[0012] 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:
[0013] FIG. 1 provides a front view of a dishwasher appliance
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject
matter.
[0014] FIG. 2 provides a partial, cross-sectional side view of the
dishwasher appliance of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a front, perspective view of a rack
assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter. The rack assembly includes a sidewall and a rack
adjustment assembly.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear, perspective view of the rack
assembly of FIG. 3. The rack assembly includes a slide
assembly.
[0017] FIGS. 5-8 provide rear, perspective views of the rack
assembly of FIG. 4 with the slide assembly removed. A shaft of the
rack adjustment assembly selectively engages a block of the rack
adjustment assembly in order to support the rack assembly and
permit vertical movement of the sidewall.
[0018] FIG. 9 provides a side elevation view of the block of the
rack adjustment assembly. The block defines a series of holes for
receiving the shaft of the rack adjustment assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] 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.
[0020] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a dishwasher appliance 100 according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Dishwasher
appliance 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L
(FIG. 1), and a transverse direction T (FIG. 2). The vertical,
lateral, and transverse directions V, L, and T are mutually
perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system.
[0021] Dishwasher appliance 100 also includes a cabinet 102 (or
chassis) 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 dishwasher
appliance 100. Latch 114 is used to lock and unlock door 120 for
access to chamber 106.
[0022] Slide assemblies 124 are mounted on opposing tub sidewalls
128 to support and provide for movement for an upper rack assembly
130. Lower guides 126 are positioned in opposing manner of the
sides of chamber 106 and provide a ridge or shelf for roller
assemblies 136 so as to support and provide for movement of lower
rack assembly 132. Each of the upper and lower rack assemblies 130,
132 is fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of
elongated members 134 and 135 that extend in lateral (L),
transverse (T), and/or vertical (V) directions. Each rack assembly
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 slide assemblies 124 and roller
assemblies 136 that carry rack assemblies 130 and 132,
respectively. A silverware basket 150 may be removably attached to
the lower rack assembly 132 for placement of silverware, small
utensils, and the like, that are too small to be accommodated by
the upper and lower racks 130, 132.
[0023] The dishwasher appliance 100 further includes a lower spray
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 the lower rack 132. A
mid-level spray 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 (not shown) may be
located above the upper rack 130.
[0024] The lower and mid-level spray assemblies 144, 148 and the
upper spray assembly are fed by a fluid circulation assembly for
circulating water and wash fluid in the tub 104. Portions of the
fluid circulation assembly may be 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 assembly
includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for
directing washing liquid onto dishes or other articles located in
the upper and lower racks 130, 132, respectively. The arrangement
of the discharge ports in at least the lower spray assembly 144
provides a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing
through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower
spray assembly 144 provides coverage of dishes and other articles
with a washing spray.
[0025] Dishwasher appliance 100 is further equipped with a
controller 116 to regulate operation of dishwasher appliance 100.
Controller 116 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.
[0026] Controller 116 may be positioned in a variety of locations
throughout dishwasher appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment,
controller 116 may be located within a control panel area 110 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 appliance 100 along wiring
harnesses that may be routed through bottom 122 of door 120.
Typically, the controller 116 includes a user interface panel 112
through which a user may select various operational features and
modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher appliance 100. In one
embodiment, user interface panel 112 may represent a general
purpose I/O ("GPIO") device or functional block. In one embodiment,
the user interface panel 112 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. User interface 112 may include a display
component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to
provide operational feedback to a user. User interface 112 may be
in communication with controller 116 via one or more signal lines
or shared communication busses.
[0027] It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited
to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher
appliance. Thus, the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2
is for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations
may be provided for a user interface 112, different configurations
may be provided for rack assemblies 130 and 132, and other
differences may be applied as well.
[0028] Dishwasher appliance 100 also includes features for
permitting movement of upper rack assembly 130 along the vertical
direction V such that upper rack assembly 130 may be placed in
various positions along the vertical direction V. In particular,
dishwasher appliance 100 includes a rack adjustment mechanism 154
mounted to slide assemblies 124. As an example, a user can utilize
rack adjustment mechanism 154 to shift upper rack assembly 130
upwardly or downwardly along the vertical direction V, e.g.,
relative to tub sump portion 142 and/or lower rack assembly 132.
Such adjustment can permit larger dishes to be loaded into upper
and/or lower rack assemblies 130 and 132.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a front, partial perspective view of a
rack assembly 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present subject matter. As an example, rack assembly 200 may be
utilized in dishwasher appliance 100 as upper rack assembly 130
(FIG. 2). Rack assembly 200 may also be used in any other suitable
appliance such as a refrigerator appliance.
[0030] Rack assembly 200 includes a sidewall 210 and a rack
adjustment assembly 220. Sidewall 210 extends between a top portion
212 and a bottom portion 214 along the vertical direction V.
Sidewall 210 includes a series of vertical members 216 fixed to a
series of transverse members 218. Each vertical member of series of
vertical members 216 extends longitudinally along the vertical
direction V. Vertical members of the series of vertical members 216
are also spaced apart from one another along the transverse
direction T. Similarly, each transverse member of series of
transverse members 218 extends longitudinally along the transverse
direction T. Transverse members of series of transverse members 218
are also spaced apart from one another along the vertical direction
V. Thus, series of vertical members 216 and series of transverse
members for a lattice structure for containing articles within rack
assembly 200.
[0031] Rack adjustment assembly 220 includes features for
permitting movement of sidewall 210 along the vertical direction V,
e.g., relative to a slide assembly 202 and blocks 222 fixed to
slide assembly 202. Thus, as an example, a user can pull upwardly
on rack adjustment assembly 220 to shift sidewall 210 upwardly
along the vertical direction V. Rack adjustment assembly 220
includes features for supporting sidewall 210 at various locations
along the vertical direction V, e.g., when a user pulls on sidewall
210 as discussed above.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear, perspective view of rack assembly
200. As discussed above, rack assembly 200 includes slide assembly
202. Slide assembly 202 is configured for permitting movement of
sidewall 210, e.g., along the transverse direction T. In
particular, slide assembly 202 includes a first slide rail 204 and
a second slide rail 206. First slide rail is fixed or mounted to
sidewall 210. Conversely, second rail 206 may, e.g., be fixed or
mounted to tub 104 at tub sidewalls 128 (FIG. 2). Second rail 206
is received within first rail 204. Thus, first rail 204 can slide
on second rail 206, e.g., to permit movement of rack assembly 200
out of wash chamber 106 of tub 104 (FIG. 2) along the transverse
direction.
[0033] FIGS. 5-8 provide a rear, elevation views of rack assembly
200 with slide assembly 202 removed to show components of rack
adjustment assembly 200. Rack adjustment assembly 200 includes
blocks 222 mounted or fixed to slide assembly 202 (FIG. 4). FIG. 9
provides a side elevation view of one of blocks 222 of rack
adjustment assembly 220. As may be seen in FIG. 9, blocks 222
define a series of holes 224 that are dispersed along the vertical
direction V such that the holes of the series of holes 224 are
spaced apart from one another along the vertical direction V.
Turning back to FIG. 5, series of holes 224 extend into block 222
along the transverse direction T such that series of holes 224 are
oriented in or face the transverse direction T. Series of holes 224
is configured for assisting with selective positioning of sidewall
210 along the vertical direction V as discussed in greater detail
below.
[0034] Rack adjustment assembly 220 also includes shafts 230. Each
shaft of shafts 220 extends between a first end portion 232 and a
second end portion 234, e.g., along the transverse direction T.
First end portion 232 of shafts 230 is selectively received within
one of series of holes 224 of blocks 222. Second end portion 234 of
shafts 230 is coupled to an actuating mechanism 240 of rack
adjustment assembly 200.
[0035] In particular, second end portion 234 of shafts 230 is
received within a channel 244 defined by actuating mechanism 240.
Channel 244 of actuating mechanism 240 has a first portion 246 and
a second portion 248. First portion 246 of channel 244 extends
along both the vertical and transverse directions V and T.
Conversely, second portion 248 of channel 244 extends along only
the vertical direction V. First portion 246 of channel 244 is
disposed above the second portion 248 of channel 244 along the
vertical direction V.
[0036] Actuating mechanism 240 is slidably mounted to a base 242 of
rack adjustment assembly 220 that is mounted to sidewall 210.
Actuating mechanism 240 can slide up and down along the vertical
direction V in order to shift shafts 230 along the transverse
direction T. Thus, actuating mechanism 240 can selectively slide
shafts 230 along the transverse direction T in order to remove
first end portion 232 of shafts 230 from series of holes 224 of
block 222. In particular, actuating mechanism 240 can selectively
shift shafts 230 between a first position (shown in FIGS. 5 and 8)
and a second position (shown in FIGS. 6 and 7).
[0037] As an example, from the position shown in FIG. 5, a user may
desire to lower sidewall 210 along the vertical direction V
relative to rack adjustment assembly 220, e.g., in order to deposit
larger articles within rack assembly 200. In FIG. 5, shafts 230 are
shown in the first position such that first end portion 232 of
shafts 230 is received within one of the series of holes 224 (FIG.
9) of block 222. With first end portion 232 of shafts 230 received
within the hole, rack adjustment assembly 220 supports sidewall 210
and hinders sidewall 210 from moving (e.g., upwardly or downwardly)
along the vertical direction V relative to blocks 222.
[0038] To move sidewall 210 downwardly from the position shown in
FIG. 5, the user can grasp actuating mechanism 240 and pull
upwardly on actuating mechanism 240 in the vertical direction V to
shift shafts 230 along the transverse direction T. In the first
position, second end portion 234 of shaft 230 is positioned within
first portion 246 of channel 244 as shown in FIG. 5. However, when
user pulls upwardly on actuating mechanism 240, second end portion
234 of shaft 230 slides within channel 244 from first portion 246
of channel 244 to second portion 248 of channel 244 as shown in
FIG. 6.
[0039] When second end portion 234 of shaft 230 slides into second
portion 248 of channel 244, shaft 230 slides along the transverse
direction T due to the orientation of first and second portions 246
and 248 of channel 244. Thus, when the user pulls upwardly on
actuating mechanism 240, first end portion 232 of shaft 230 slides
out of series of holes 224 (FIG. 9) and into the second position as
shown in FIG. 6. With first end portion 232 of shaft 230 positioned
outside of series of holes 224, sidewall 210 can move along the
vertical direction V relative to rack adjustment assembly 220.
Thus, the user can push downwardly on sidewall 210 in the vertical
direction V in order to shift sidewall 210 from the position shown
in FIG. 6 to the position shown in FIG. 7.
[0040] With sidewall 210 adjusted to the desired height shown in
FIG. 7, the user can release actuating mechanism 240 in order to
slide shaft 230 along the transverse direction T. When the user
releases actuating mechanism 240, second end portion 234 of shaft
230 shifts from second portion 248 of channel 244 to first portion
246 of channel 244 as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, first end portion 232
of shaft 230 slides into one of series of holes 224 (FIG. 9) when
the user releases actuating mechanism 240 as shown in FIG. 8. In
particular, when the user releases actuating mechanism 240 such
that actuating mechanism slides downwardly along the vertical
direction V relative to base 242, shaft 230 slides from the second
position shown in FIG. 7 to the first position shown in FIG. 8.
With first end portion 232 of shaft 230 received within the hole,
rack adjustment assembly 220 locks or supports sidewall 210 at the
position shown in FIG. 8 such that sidewall 210 is hindered from
moving along the vertical direction V. As will be understood by
those skilled in the art, first end portion 232 of shaft 230 can be
received into any of series of holes 224 (FIG. 9) in order to
position sidewall 210 at a variety of positions along the vertical
direction V relative to blocks 222, e.g., utilizing the method
described above.
[0041] Actuating mechanism 240 is shown as a rectangular handle,
e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the lateral direction L
(FIG. 1), in FIGS. 4-8. However, in alternative exemplary
embodiments, actuating mechanism 240 may be any suitable mechanism
with any suitable shape. For example, actuating mechanism 240 may
be a knob or switch or have an oval shape.
[0042] Rack assembly 200 can also include a biasing member (not
shown) such as a spring that urges actuating mechanism 240
downwardly and/or shafts 230 towards the first position. As an
example, a spring may extend between actuating mechanism 240 and
base 242. Such spring may urge actuating mechanism downwardly along
the vertical direction V such that shafts 230 are urged into a
default position in which second end portion 234 of shafts 230 is
positioned within second portion 248 of channel 244.
[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.
* * * * *