U.S. patent application number 14/152285 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-16 for dishwasher appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to General Electric Company. The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Rebecca Ann Alvord, Daniel Jason Bentley, Kyle Edward Durham, Eugenio Gomez, Daniel J. Hart, Adam Christopher Hofmann, Matthew David Mersch, A. Vinodh Magimai Raj, Brian David Sanzone, Ryan Joseph Shaffer.
Application Number | 20150196189 14/152285 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53520278 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150196189 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shaffer; Ryan Joseph ; et
al. |
July 16, 2015 |
DISHWASHER APPLIANCE
Abstract
A dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance
includes a tub that defines a wash chamber and a rack assembly
disposed within the wash chamber. The rack assembly includes a
frame, a first tray and a second tray. The first and second trays
are removably mounted to the frame. The first tray is sized and
configured for supporting a plurality of flatware therein. The
second tray is sized and configured for supporting a plurality of
cooking utensils therein.
Inventors: |
Shaffer; Ryan Joseph;
(Louisville, KY) ; Gomez; Eugenio; (Louisville,
KY) ; Raj; A. Vinodh Magimai; (Hyderabad, IN)
; Hart; Daniel J.; (Louisville, KY) ; Sanzone;
Brian David; (La Grange, KY) ; Durham; Kyle
Edward; (Louisville, KY) ; Bentley; Daniel Jason;
(Louisville, KY) ; Alvord; Rebecca Ann;
(Louisville, KY) ; Hofmann; Adam Christopher;
(Louisville, KY) ; Mersch; Matthew David;
(Louisville, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
53520278 |
Appl. No.: |
14/152285 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/228.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/505 20130101;
A47L 15/502 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/50 20060101
A47L015/50; A47L 15/42 20060101 A47L015/42 |
Claims
1. A 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 defining a wash chamber; a rack
assembly disposed within the wash chamber, the rack assembly
comprising a frame; a first tray removably mounted to the frame,
the first tray sized and configured for supporting a plurality of
flatware therein; and a second tray removably mounted to the frame,
the second tray sized and configured for supporting a plurality of
cooking utensils therein.
2. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the first tray
defines a width along the lateral direction and the second tray
defines a width along the lateral direction, the width of the
second tray being different than the width of the first tray.
3. The dishwasher appliance of claim 2, wherein the first tray
defines a length along the transverse direction and the second tray
defines a length along the transverse direction, the length of the
second tray being about equal to the length of the first tray.
4. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the first tray
defines an interior volume, the first tray having a plurality of
vertical projections positioned within the interior volume of the
first tray, the plurality of vertical projections spaced apart from
each other along the transverse direction at a middle portion of
the first tray.
5. The dishwasher appliance of claim 3, wherein the first tray has
a first plurality of vertical supports and a second plurality of
vertical supports positioned within the interior volume of the
first tray, the first and second pluralities of vertical supports
positioned opposite each other relative to the plurality of
vertical projections.
6. The dishwasher appliance of claim 4, wherein each of the first
and second pluralities of vertical supports define a height along
the vertical direction and each of the plurality of vertical
projections define a height along the vertical direction, the
height of each of the first and second pluralities of vertical
supports being less than the height of each of the plurality of
vertical projections.
7. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the second tray
extends between a first side portion and a second side portion
along the lateral direction, the second tray has a first bottom
wall positioned at the first side portion of the second tray and a
second bottom wall positioned at the second side portion of the
second tray, the first and second bottom walls spaced apart from
each other along the vertical direction.
8. The dishwasher appliance of claim 7, wherein the second tray
includes a plurality of vertical tines mounted to the first bottom
wall, the plurality of vertical tines spaced apart from each other
along the lateral direction.
9. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the rack assembly
includes a support bracket mounted to the first tray at a bottom
wall of the first tray or the second tray at a bottom wall of the
second tray, the support bracket extending between opposite sides
of the frame, the support bracket limiting movement of the bottom
wall of the first tray or the bottom wall of the second tray along
the vertical direction.
10. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the frame extends
between a first side portion and a second side portion along the
lateral direction, the first and second trays selectively mountable
to the frame at either of the first side portion of the frame or
the second side portion of the frame.
11. The dishwasher appliance of claim 10, wherein the first tray is
positioned at the first side portion of the frame and the second
tray is positioned at the second side portion of the frame when the
rack assembly is in a first configuration, the first tray
positioned at the second side portion of the frame and the second
tray is positioned at the first side portion of the frame when the
rack assembly is in a second configuration, the rack assembly
selectively adjustable between the first and second
configurations.
12. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the first tray or
the second tray includes a sloped bottom wall.
13. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the rack assembly
comprises a pair of slide rails, the pair of slide rails mounted to
the tub and the frame such that a position of the frame along the
transverse is selectively adjustable.
14. A 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 defining a wash chamber, the wash
chamber extending between a top portion and a bottom portion along
the vertical direction; a bottom rack assembly disposed within the
wash chamber at the bottom portion of the wash chamber; a top rack
assembly disposed within the wash chamber at the top portion of the
wash chamber, the top rack assembly comprising a frame; a first
tray removably mounted to the frame, the first tray sized and
configured for supporting a plurality of flatware therein; a second
tray removably mounted to the frame, the second tray sized and
configured for supporting a plurality of cooking utensils therein;
and a middle rack assembly disposed within the wash chamber between
the top and bottom rack assemblies along the vertical
direction.
15. The dishwasher appliance of claim 14, wherein the first tray
defines a width along the lateral direction and the second tray
defines a width along the lateral direction, the width of the
second tray being different than the width of the first tray.
16. The dishwasher appliance of claim 14, wherein the first tray
defines a length along the transverse direction and the second tray
defines a length along the transverse direction, the length of the
second tray being about equal to the length of the first tray.
17. The dishwasher appliance of claim 14, wherein the first tray
defines an interior volume, the first tray having a plurality of
vertical projections positioned within the interior volume of the
first tray, the plurality of vertical projections spaced apart from
each other along the transverse direction at a middle portion of
the first tray, the first tray also having a first plurality of
vertical supports and a second plurality of vertical supports
positioned within the interior volume of the first tray, the first
and second pluralities of vertical supports positioned opposite
each other relative to the plurality of vertical projections.
18. The dishwasher appliance of claim 17, wherein each of the first
and second pluralities of vertical supports define a height along
the vertical direction and each of the plurality of vertical
projections define a height along the vertical direction, the
height of each of the first and second pluralities of vertical
supports being less than the height of each of the plurality of
vertical projections.
19. The dishwasher appliance of claim 14, wherein the second tray
extends between a first side portion and a second side portion
along the lateral direction, the second tray has a first bottom
wall positioned at the first side portion of the second tray and a
second bottom wall positioned at the second side portion of the
second tray, the first and second bottom walls spaced apart from
each other along the vertical direction.
20. The dishwasher appliance of claim 14, wherein the top rack
assembly includes a support bracket mounted to the first tray at a
bottom wall of the first tray or the second tray at a bottom wall
of the second tray, the support bracket extending between opposite
sides of the frame, the support bracket limiting movement of the
bottom wall of the first tray or the bottom wall of the second tray
along the vertical direction.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to dishwasher
appliances and rack assemblies for the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dishwasher appliances generally include a tub that defines a
wash chamber. Certain dishwasher appliances also include a rack
assembly mounted within the wash chamber. The rack assembly is
configured for receipt of articles for washing. For example, a user
can slide the rack assembly out of the wash chamber and load
suitable articles into the rack assembly. After loading is
complete, the user may slide the rack assembly back into the wash
chamber.
[0003] Certain dishwasher appliances include a rack assembly with a
tray for receiving flatware. Due to tines and other support
features within the tray, loading items other than flatware into
the tray can be difficult or inconvenient. In addition, certain
consumers find reaching across the rack assembly to load flatware
on a far side of the tray difficult or inconvenient.
[0004] Flatware supported within the rack assembly is generally
laid horizontally and supported with tines within the tray. Within
the rack assembly, the flatware is sprayed with wash fluid to clean
the flatware. However, tines are generally arranged for holding the
flatware in a particular orientation and position. Such positioning
and orientation can provide little space between adjacent flatware.
Wash performance of an associated dishwasher can be negatively
affected if the space between adjacent flatware is too small. In
particular, insufficient wash fluid can flow between the adjacent
pieces of flatware if the space between adjacent pieces of flatware
is too small
[0005] Accordingly, a dishwasher appliance with features for
facilitating washing of flatware and cooking utensils within a rack
assembly of the dishwasher appliance would be useful. In addition,
a dishwasher appliance with features for assisting a user with
loading articles into the rack assembly, e.g., such that the user
can avoid excessively reaching across the rack assembly, would be
useful. Also, a dishwasher appliance with features for holding
flatware within a tray of the rack assembly such that the pieces of
flatware are suitably spaced from each other would be useful.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present subject matter provides a dishwasher appliance.
The dishwasher appliance includes a tub that defines a wash chamber
and a rack assembly disposed within the wash chamber. The rack
assembly includes a frame, a first tray and a second tray. The
first and second trays are removably mounted to the frame. The
first tray is sized and configured for supporting a plurality of
flatware therein. The second tray is sized and configured for
supporting a plurality of cooking utensils therein. 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.
[0007] In a first 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. A
rack assembly is disposed within the wash chamber. The rack
assembly includes a frame, a first tray and a second tray. The
first tray is removably mounted to the frame. The first tray is
sized and configured for supporting a plurality of flatware
therein. The second tray is also removably mounted to the frame.
The second tray is sized and configured for supporting a plurality
of cooking utensils therein.
[0008] 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 wash chamber extends between a top portion and a bottom portion
along the vertical direction. A bottom rack assembly is disposed
within the wash chamber at the bottom portion of the wash chamber.
A top rack assembly is disposed within the wash chamber at the top
portion of the wash chamber. The top rack assembly includes a
frame, a first tray and a second tray. The first tray is removably
mounted to the frame. The first tray is sized and configured for
supporting a plurality of flatware therein. The second tray is also
removably mounted to the frame. The second tray is sized and
configured for supporting a plurality of cooking utensils therein.
A middle rack assembly is disposed within the wash chamber between
the top and bottom rack assemblies along the vertical
direction.
[0009] 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
[0010] 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.
[0011] FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a dishwasher
appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter.
[0012] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary
dishwasher appliance of FIG. 1 with trays of an upper rack assembly
of the exemplary dishwasher appliance in a first configuration on a
frame of the upper rack assembly.
[0013] FIG. 3 provides a partial, perspective view of the exemplary
dishwasher appliance of FIG. 1 with trays of the upper rack
assembly removed from the frame of the upper rack assembly.
[0014] FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of the exemplary
dishwasher appliance of FIG. 1 with trays of the upper rack
assembly in a second configuration on the frame of the upper rack
assembly.
[0015] FIG. 5 provides a top, perspective view of a first tray of
the exemplary dishwasher appliance of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 6 provides a side, section view of the first tray of
FIG. 5.
[0017] FIG. 7 provides a partial perspective view of the first tray
of FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 8 provides a bottom, perspective view of the first tray
of FIG. 5 mounted to the frame of the upper rack assembly.
[0019] FIG. 9 provides a top, perspective view of a second tray of
the exemplary dishwasher appliance of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 10 provides a side, section view of the second tray of
FIG. 9.
[0021] FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 provide top, plan views of the first
tray of FIG. 5 and the second tray of FIG. 9 with a plurality of
flatware positioned therein in various arrangements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] 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.
[0023] FIG. 1 provides a front, elevation view of a dishwasher
appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter. FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of dishwasher
appliance 100 with a wash chamber or compartment 106 of dishwasher
appliance 100 revealed. Dishwasher appliance 100 defines a vertical
direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T.
Vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction
T are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal directional
system.
[0024] Dishwasher appliance 100 includes a tub 104 that defines
wash compartment 106. Tub 104 has a pair of side walls 128, a back
wall 125, and a top wall 129 that assist with defining wash
compartment 106. Side walls 128 are spaced apart from each other,
e.g., along the lateral direction L. Back wall 125 and top wall 129
extend between and connect side walls 128, e.g., along the lateral
direction L. Tub 104 also includes door 120 hinged at its bottom
122 for movement between a normally closed configuration (shown in
FIG. 1) in which wash compartment 106 is sealed shut, e.g., for
washing operation, and an open configuration (shown in FIGS. 2, 3
and 4) for loading and unloading of articles from dishwasher
appliance 100.
[0025] Turning to FIG. 2, tub side walls 128 accommodate middle and
lower rack assemblies 130 and 132. Each of the middle and lower
racks assemblies 130 and 132 is fabricated from lattice structures
that include a plurality of wires or elongated members. Dishwasher
appliance 100 also includes an upper rack assembly 200 positioned
above middle and lower racks assemblies 130 and 132, e.g., along
the vertical direction V, at a top portion of wash compartment 106.
Each rack assembly 130, 132 and 200 is adapted for movement between
an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack assembly
is substantially positioned outside the wash compartment 106, and a
retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rack
assembly is located inside the wash compartment 106.
[0026] Dishwasher appliance 100 includes a lower spray assembly 144
that is mounted within a lower region 146 of the wash compartment
106 and above a tub sump portion 142 so as to be in relatively
close proximity to the lower rack assembly 132. A mid-level spray
assembly 148 is located in an upper region of the wash compartment
106 and may be located in close proximity to middle rack assembly
130. Additionally, an upper spray assembly (not shown) may be
located above the upper rack assembly 200 and mounted to top wall
129 of tub 104.
[0027] The lower and mid-level spray assemblies 144 and 148 and the
upper spray assembly are fed by a pump (not shown) for circulating
water and wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, and/or rinse aid) in
the tub 104. The pump is located in a machinery compartment 140
located below the bottom sump portion 142 of the tub 104, as
generally recognized in the art. A conduit or circulation piping
108 directs water and/or wash fluid from the pump to lower spray
assembly 144 and mid-level spray assembly 148.
[0028] Each spray assembly includes an arrangement of discharge
ports or orifices for directing wash fluid onto dishes or other
articles located in the middle and lower rack assemblies 130, 132,
silverware basket 160 and upper rack assembly 200. Lower spray
assembly 144 is rotatably mounted in wash compartment 106.
Accordingly, the arrangement of the discharge ports on lower spray
assembly 144 may provide a rotational force by virtue of washing
fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation
of the lower spray assembly 144 can provide coverage of dishes and
other dishwasher contents with a washing spray.
[0029] The dishwasher appliance 100 is further equipped with a
controller 137 to regulate operation of the dishwasher appliance
100. Controller 137 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. Alternatively,
controller 137 may be constructed without using a microprocessor,
e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic
circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators,
flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control
functionality instead of relying upon software.
[0030] Controller 137 may be positioned in a variety of locations
throughout dishwasher appliance 100. In the illustrated exemplary
embodiment, controller 137 is located within a control panel 116 of
door 120. In alternative exemplary embodiments, controller 116 may
be positioned beneath tub 104 or at any other suitable location on
dishwasher appliance 100. Typically, 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 appliance 100. In one exemplary embodiment, user
interface 136 represents a general purpose I/O ("GPIO") device or
functional block. In another exemplary embodiment, user interface
136 includes 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 136 may include a display component, such as a digital or
analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a
user.
[0031] It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is
not limited to any particular style, model, or other configuration
of dishwasher appliance and that dishwasher appliance 100 depicted
in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided for illustrative purposes only. For
example, the present subject matter may be used in dishwasher
appliances having other rack configurations or spray assembly
arrangements.
[0032] As may be seen in FIG. 2, upper rack assembly 200 includes,
e.g., molded plastic, baskets or trays 205 that are discrete from
each other. As discussed in greater detail below, trays 205 are
configured for receiving and supporting flatware and/or cooking
utensils therein. In FIG. 2, trays 205 are in a first configuration
on a frame 250 of upper rack assembly 200. FIG. 3 provides a
partial, perspective view dishwasher appliance 100 with trays 205
of upper rack assembly 200 removed from frame 250 of upper rack
assembly 200. FIG. 4 also provides a perspective view of dishwasher
appliance 100 with trays 205 of upper rack assembly 200 in a second
configuration on frame 250 of upper rack assembly 200. Thus, as may
be seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, trays 205 are removably mounted to
frame 250 and positions of trays 205 on frame 250 are selectively
adjustable. For example, a user of dishwasher appliance 100 can
remove trays 205 from frame 250 and flip the position of trays 205.
In such a manner, a user can place a desired one of trays 205
closer to the user or in a preferred position or configuration.
Trays 205 are discussed in greater detail below.
[0033] Upper rack assembly 200 also includes a pair of slide rails
260. Slide rails 260 are mounted to tub 104 and frame 250. Each
slide rail of slide rails 260 includes a first rail 262 and a
second rail 264 as may be seen in FIG. 3. First and second rails
262 and 264 are mounted to each other such that first and second
rails 262 and 264 are slidable relative to each other, e.g., along
the transverse direction T. In partial, bearings (not shown)
disposed between first and second rails 262 and 264 can permit
movement or sliding of second rail 264 relative to first rail 262.
First rail 262 is mounted to tub 104, and second rail 264 is
mounted to frame 250. First rail 262 can be mounted to tub 104
using any suitable method or mechanism, and second rail 264 can be
mounted to frame 250 using any suitable method or mechanism. As
will be understood by those skilled in the art, slide rail 260 can
also include a third rail (not shown). The third rail can permit
slide rail 260 to position trays 205 completely outside wash
compartment 106 of tub 104, e.g., when slide rail 260 is
extended.
[0034] Trays 205 include a first tray 210 and a second tray 230.
First and second trays 210 and 230 are removably mounted to frame
250 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. As discussed in greater detail
below, first tray 210 is sized and configured for supporting a
plurality of flatware 270 (FIG. 12) therein and second tray 230 is
sized and configured for supporting a plurality of cooking utensils
272 (FIG. 12) therein. Thus, first and second trays 210 can be
sized and configured differently in order to support various
articles for washing therein.
[0035] As may be seen in FIG. 3, first tray 210 defines a width W1,
e.g., along the lateral direction L. In particular, first tray 210
extends between a first side portion 214 and a second side portion
216, e.g., along the lateral direction L. First tray 210 extends,
e.g., along the lateral direction L, between first and second side
portions 214 and 216 of first tray 210 by about the width W1.
Similarly, second tray 230 defines a width W2, e.g., along the
lateral direction L. In particular, second tray 230 extends between
a first side portion 234 and a second side portion 236, e.g., along
the lateral direction L. Second tray 230 extends, e.g., along the
lateral direction L, between first and second side portions 234 and
236 of second tray 230 by about the width W2. The width W1 of first
tray 210 and the width W2 of second tray 230 can be any suitable
widths. For example, the width W2 of second tray 230 may be less
than the width W1 of first tray 210. As another example, the width
W2 of second tray 230 may be greater than the width W1 of first
tray 210. Thus, first and second trays 210 and 230 can have
different widths.
[0036] First tray 210 also defines a length L1, e.g., along the
transverse direction T. In particular, first tray 210 extends
between a first end portion 218 and a second end portion 220, e.g.,
along the transverse direction T. First tray 210 extends, e.g.,
along the transverse direction T, between first and second end
portions 218 and 220 of first tray 210 by about the length L1.
Similarly, second tray 230 defines a length L2, e.g., along the
transverse direction T. In particular, second tray 230 extends
between a first end portion 238 and a second end portion 240, e.g.,
along the transverse direction T. Second tray 230 extends, e.g.,
along the transverse direction T, between first and second end
portions 238 and 240 of second tray 230 by about the length L2. The
length L1 of first tray 210 and the length L2 of second tray 230
can be any suitable lengths. For example, the length L2 of second
tray 230 may be about equal to the length L1 of first tray 210.
Thus, first and second trays 210 and 230 can have the same
lengths.
[0037] Frame 250 can be constructed from any suitable material. For
example, frame 250 may be constructed of or with an elongated metal
wire, such as a plastic coated metal wire. Frame 250 extends
between a first side portion 252 and a second side portion 254,
e.g., along the lateral direction L. First and second trays 210 and
230 are selectively mountable to frame 250 at either of the first
side portion 252 of frame 250 or the second side portion 254 of
frame 250. In particular, as may be seen in FIG. 2, first tray 210
is positioned at or adjacent first side portion 252 of frame 250
and second tray 230 is positioned at or adjacent second side
portion 254 of frame 250 when rack assembly 200 is in the first
configuration. Conversely, as may be seen in FIG. 4, first tray 210
is positioned at or adjacent second side portion 254 of frame 250
and second tray 230 is positioned at or adjacent first side portion
252 of frame 250 when rack assembly 200 is in the second
configuration. As may be seen in FIG. 3, a user can remove first
and second trays 210 and 230 from frame 250 in order to adjust rack
assembly 200 between the first and second configurations.
[0038] FIG. 5 provides a top, perspective view of first tray 210.
FIG. 6 provides a side, section view of first tray 210. FIG. 7
provides a partial perspective view of first tray 210. As may be
seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, first tray 210 defines an interior volume
212. In particular, first tray 210 includes a bottom wall 222 and
side walls 224 that assist with defining interior volume 212 of
first tray 210. Flatware 270 and/or cooking utensils 272 (FIG. 12)
may be positioned or disposed within interior volume 212 of first
tray 210, e.g., on bottom wall 222. As may be seen in FIG. 6,
bottom wall 222 of first tray 210 may be sloped. In particular,
bottom wall 222 of first tray 210 may sloped downwardly from first
side portion 214 of first tray 210 to second side portion 216 of
first tray 210. As may be seen in FIG. 7, bottom wall 222 of first
tray 210 may also defines a plurality of openings to permit wash
fluid to drain from interior volume 212 of first tray 210. In
particular, bottom wall 222 of first tray 210 may define a weaved
shape or pattern, e.g., to support flatware 270 thereon and/or
permit wash fluid to drain from interior volume 212 of first tray
210. First tray 210 may be constructed with injection molded
plastic to assist with defining the weaved shape or pattern of
bottom wall 222 of first tray 210.
[0039] First tray 210 has a plurality of vertical projections 225
mounted to bottom wall 222 of first tray 210 and positioned within
interior volume 212 of first tray 210. Vertical projections 225 are
spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the transverse direction
T, at a middle portion of first tray 210. For example, vertical
projections 225 may be dispersed or distributed, e.g., along the
transverse direction T, between first and second end portions 218
and 220 of first tray 210 within interior volume 212 of first tray
210. Vertical projections 225 can have any suitable shape or
cross-section, e.g., in a plane that is perpendicular to the
vertical direction V. For example, vertical projections 225 may
have a circular, oval, diamond, square, star, triangular,
octagonal, hexagonal shape or cross-section, e.g., in a plane that
is perpendicular to the vertical direction V, or any combination
thereof. Vertical projections 225 are configured for supporting
flatware 270 therebetween as discussed in greater detail below.
[0040] First tray 210 also includes a plurality of first vertical
supports 226 and a plurality of second vertical supports 227. First
and second vertical supports 226 and 227 are mounted to bottom wall
222 of first tray 210 and positioned within interior volume 212 of
first tray 210. First vertical supports 226 are spaced apart from
each other, e.g., along the transverse direction T, and second
vertical supports 227 are also spaced apart from each other, e.g.,
along the transverse direction T. First and second vertical
supports 226 and 227 are positioned opposite each other relative to
vertical projections 225. In particular, first vertical supports
226 may be positioned at or adjacent first end portion 218 of first
tray 210, and second vertical supports 227 may be positioned at or
adjacent second end portion 220 of first tray 210. First and second
vertical supports 226 and 227 are configured for supporting
flatware 270 as discussed in greater detail below.
[0041] Each of vertical projections 225 define a height H1 along
the vertical direction V. Similarly, each of first and second
vertical supports 226 and 227 also define a height H2 along the
vertical direction V. The height H1 of vertical projections 225 and
the height H2 of first and second vertical supports 226 and 227 can
be any suitable heights. For example, the height H2 of first and
second vertical supports 226 and 227 may be less than the height H1
of vertical projections 225, e.g., less than half the height H1 of
vertical projections 225. Thus, vertical projections 225 can be
taller than first and second vertical supports 226 and 227. In such
a manner vertical projections 225 can support and orient flatware
270 within first tray 210, and first and second vertical supports
226 and 227 separate and maintain proper spacing between adjacent
flatware 270.
[0042] FIG. 8 provides a bottom, perspective view of first tray 210
mounted to frame 250. As may be seen in FIG. 8, rack assembly 200
includes a support bracket 229, such as an elongated metal rod, bar
or strap. Support bracket 229 is mounted to first tray 210, e.g.,
at bottom wall 222 of first tray 210. For example, support bracket
229 may be molded into bottom wall 222, snap fit to bottom wall
222, glued or adhered to bottom wall 222, fastened to bottom wall
222, etc. Support bracket 229 extends between first and second end
portions 218 and 220 of first tray 210 and opposite transverse
sides of frame 250. Support bracket 229 limits movement of bottom
wall 222 of first tray 210, e.g., downwardly, along the vertical
direction V. As an example, support bracket 229 includes hooked
ends for engaging frame 250 and coupling support bracket 229 to
frame 250. Thus, when flatware 270 is loaded into interior volume
212 of first tray 210, support bracket 229 can limit sagging or
creeping of bottom wall 222 of first tray 210. It should be
understood that second tray 230 can also include a support bracket,
such as support bracket 229.
[0043] FIG. 9 provides a top, perspective view of second tray 230.
FIG. 10 provides a side, section view of second tray 230. As may be
seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, second tray 230 defines an interior volume
232. In particular, second tray 230 includes a first bottom wall
241, a second bottom wall 242 and side walls 244 that assist with
defining interior volume 232 of second tray 230. Flatware 270
and/or cooking utensils 272 (FIG. 12) may be positioned or disposed
within interior volume 232 of second tray 230, e.g., on first
bottom wall 241 and/or second bottom wall 242.
[0044] As may be seen in FIG. 10, first and second bottom walls 241
and 242 of second tray 230 may be substantially parallel to each
other such that first and second bottom walls 241 and 242 of second
tray 230 are vertically offset from each other. In particular,
first and second bottom walls 241 and 242 may be spaced apart from
each other along the vertical direction V. First bottom wall 241 is
positioned at or adjacent first side portion 234 of second tray 230
and second bottom wall 242 is positioned at or adjacent second side
portion 236 of second tray 230.
[0045] By vertically offsetting first and second bottom walls 241
and 242 of second tray 230, various cooking utensils 272 can be
loaded or supported within interior volume 232 of second tray 230.
For example, relatively large cooking utensils 272, such as
spatulas, ladles, etc., can be supported on first bottom wall 241
of second tray 230, and relatively small cooking utensils, such as
chopsticks, fondue forks, etc., can be supported on second bottom
wall 242 of second tray 230. By providing separate spaces for
smaller and larger cooking utensils 272, wash fluid flow within
interior volume 232 of second tray 230 and across cooking utensils
272 can be facilitated.
[0046] Like first tray 210, first and second bottom walls 241 and
242 of second tray 230 may define a plurality of openings to permit
wash fluid to drain from interior volume 232 of second tray 230. In
particular, first and second bottom walls 241 and 242 of second
tray 230 may define a weaved shape or pattern, e.g., to support
flatware 270 and/or cooking utensils 272 thereon and/or permit wash
fluid to drain from interior volume 232 of second tray 230. Second
tray 230 may be constructed with injection molded plastic to assist
with defining the weaved shape or pattern of first and second
bottom walls 241 and 242 of second tray 230.
[0047] Second tray 230 also includes a plurality of vertical tines
246. Vertical tines 246 are mounted to first bottom wall 241 and
positioned within interior volume 232 of second tray 230. Vertical
tines 246 are spaced apart from each other, e.g., along the lateral
direction L. In particular, vertical tines 246 may be dispersed or
distributed, e.g., along the lateral direction L, between first and
second end portions 238 and 240 of second tray 230 within interior
volume 232 of second tray 230. Vertical tines 246 are configured
for supporting flatware 270 and/or cooking utensils 272
therebetween as discussed in greater detail below.
[0048] FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 provide top, plan views of first tray
210 and second tray 230 with flatware 270 and cooking utensils 272
positioned therein in various arrangements. In FIG. 11, flatware
270, including spoons and forks, are positioned within interior
volume 212 of first tray 210. In particular, handles of flatware
270 are positioned between vertical projections 225 and heads of
flatware 270 are positioned between first and second vertical
supports 226 and 227. Pieces of flatware 270 are alternatingly
placed (e.g., an orientation of flatware 270 within first tray 270
is alternated) such that a suitable space or gap between adjacent
flatware 270 is provided. Vertical projections 225 and first and
second vertical supports 226 and 227 also support flatware 270 by
portions of flatware 270 other than heads of flatware 270. In such
a manner, vertical projections 225 and first and second vertical
supports 226 and 227 may not hinder or obstruct a flow of wash
fluid towards heads of flatware 270 within first tray 210. Flatware
270, such as knives, is also positioned within interior volume 232
of second tray 230 and between vertical tines 246.
[0049] In FIG. 12, flatware 270, including spoons, forks and
knives, are also positioned within interior volume 212 of first
tray 210. In particular, handles of flatware 270 are positioned
between vertical projections 225 and heads of flatware 270 are
positioned between first and second vertical supports 226 and 227.
Pieces of flatware 270 are alternatingly placed such that a
suitable space or gap between adjacent flatware 270 is provided.
Cooking utensils 272 are also positioned within interior volume 232
of second tray 230.
[0050] Turning to FIG. 13, flatware 270 is loaded within first tray
210 such that pieces of flatware 270 are not alternatingly placed
as discussed above. In particular, flatware 270 is loaded within
first tray 210 such that pieces of flatware 270 are nested together
with heads and handles of adjacent flatware 270 aligned and
positioned adjacent each other. When flatware 270 is nested,
adjacent flatware 270 are positioned closer together relative to
the positioning of flatware 270 in FIGS. 11 and 12, and it can be
more difficult for wash fluid to hit surfaces of flatware 270. By
alternating the orientation of flatware 270 as shown in FIGS. 11
and 12, spacing between adjacent flatware 270 can be increased,
allowing more wash fluid to hit the surfaces of flatware 270.
However, certain consumers prefer nesting flatware 270 as shown in
FIG. 13. First tray 270 is configured for permitting both
alternating and nesting of flatware 270.
[0051] As may be seen in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, by providing first
and second trays 210 and 230, rack assembly 200 can support
flatware 270 and/or cooking utensils 272 in various arrangements
and/or orientations. In particular, rack assembly 200 can support
flatware 270 and/or cooking utensils 272 such that suitable spacing
is provided between adjacent flatware 270 and/or cooking utensils
272 in order to provide sufficient wash fluid flow therebetween and
permit suitable cleaning of flatware 270 and/or cooking utensils
272.
[0052] 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.
* * * * *