Patent Application
20220015604
The present subject matter relates generally to dishwashing appliances, and more particularly to dishwashing appliances and silverware baskets thereof.
A dishwasher or dishwashing appliance generally includes a tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. Certain dishwashing appliances also include a rack assembly slidably mounted within the wash chamber. A user can load articles, such as plates, bowls, glasses, or cups, into the rack assembly, and the rack assembly can support such articles within the wash chamber during operation of the dishwashing appliance.
Certain dishwashing appliances also include a silverware basket configured for receipt of articles (e.g., forks, knives, spoons, or other utensils) for washing. The silverware basket is often formed from multiple molded polymer pieces and can be mounted within the wash chamber in various configurations. For example, the silverware basket can be mounted within the rack assembly, on a front of the rack assembly, or on a door of the appliance. Typically, such silverware baskets can be selectively removed from the rack assembly or other portion of the dishwashing appliance on which such baskets are mounted. As a result, a handle is often attached to the silverware basket so that a user has something to hold when the silverware basket is removed from the dishwashing appliance.
In spite of the utility of existing appliance-basket configurations, several issues exist. For instance, since the handle is separately attached to the rest of the basket, the basket and handle may be more likely to break. Moreover, undesirable costs, difficulties, and inefficiencies may be incurred in order to assemble the basket and handle. Additionally or alternatively, since many silverware basket handles are made from plastics or polymers, it can be difficult to create a handle that does not include parting lines (e.g., created during an injection molding process) at the top or bottom of the handle. Unfortunately, these parting lines can define a narrow edge. If such parting lines are not removed by a post-molding process, a user's fingers may quickly become uncomfortable while holding the handle. Post-molding processes, though, again add expense and difficulties to the overall basket assembly. Further additionally or alternatively, under certain conditions, the handle may incur significant stresses, such as when the basket is full or is at a relatively high temperature (e.g., immediately following a wash cycle). Such stress can deform, break, or in some other manner damage the overall basket.
As a result, it would be useful to provide a dishwashing appliance or silverware basket having structures or features to address one or more of the above issues. In particular, it may be advantageous to provide an appliance or basket that could be comfortably held by a user (e.g., without requiring significant post-molding processing or assembly). Additionally or alternatively, it may be advantageous to provide an appliance or basket configured to resist deformation or damage, even at relatively high temperatures (e.g., without requiring significant post-molding processing or assembly).
Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance may include a tub, a pump, a spray assembly, a rack assembly, and a unitary basket. The tub may define a wash chamber. The pump may be configured to deliver a wash fluid into the wash chamber. The spray assembly may be housed within the wash chamber of the tub in fluid communication with the pump to receive wash fluid therefrom. The rack assembly may be slidably disposed within the wash chamber. The unitary basket may be selectively received within the rack assembly. The unitary basket may include a first base wall, a first sidewall, a second base wall, a second sidewall, a first transverse rail, a second transverse rail, and a handle. The first base wall may be disposed at a bottom container end. The first sidewall may extend vertically from the first base wall to a top container end. The first sidewall may define a first container volume with the first base wall. The second base wall may be disposed at the bottom container end. The second base wall may be transversely spaced apart from the first base wall. The second sidewall may extend vertically from the second base wall to the top container end. The second sidewall may define a second container volume with the second base wall. The first transverse rail may extend from the first sidewall to the second sidewall on a first lateral side of the unitary basket. The second transverse rail may extend from the first sidewall to the second sidewall on a second lateral side of the unitary basket. The handle may extend from the first transverse rail to the second transverse rail between the first container volume and the second container volume. The handle may have a first transverse edge proximal to the first container volume and a second transverse edge proximal to the second container volume.
In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a unitary silverware basket for a dishwashing appliance is provided. The silverware basket may include a first base wall, a first sidewall, a second base wall, a second sidewall, a transverse rail, and a handle. The first base wall may be disposed at a bottom container end. The first sidewall may extend vertically from the first base wall to a top container end. The first sidewall may define a first container volume with the first base wall. The second base wall may be disposed at the bottom container end. The second base wall may be transversely spaced apart from the first base wall. The second sidewall may extend vertically from the second base wall to the top container end. The second sidewall may define a second container volume with the second base wall. The transverse rail may extend from the first sidewall to the second sidewall The handle may extend from the transverse rail between the first container volume and the second container volume. The handle may have a first transverse edge proximal to the first container volume and a second transverse edge proximal to the second container volume. A first parting line may be defined along the first transverse edge. A second parting line may be defined along the second transverse edge.
In yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a silverware basket for a dishwashing appliance is provided. The silverware basket may include a first base wall, a first sidewall, a second base wall, a second sidewall, a transverse rail, and a handle. The first base wall may be disposed at a bottom container end. The first sidewall may extend vertically from the first base wall to a top container end. The first sidewall may define a first container volume with the first base wall. The second base wall may be disposed at the bottom container end. The second base wall may be transversely spaced apart from the first base wall. The second sidewall may extend vertically from the second base wall to the top container end. The second sidewall may define a second container volume with the second base wall. The transverse rail may extend from the first sidewall to the second sidewall The handle may extend from the transverse rail between the first container volume and the second container volume. The handle may have a first transverse edge proximal to the first container volume and a second transverse edge proximal to the second container volume. The handle may define a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom surface may extend from the first transverse edge to the second transverse edge. The top surface may extend from the first transverse edge to the second transverse edge opposite the bottom surface. The handle may further define a non-orthogonal first transition radius extending between the bottom surface and the first transverse edge. The handle may still further define a non-orthogonal second transition radius extending between the bottom surface and the second transverse edge.
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.
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.
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 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.
As used herein, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.
Turning now to the figures,
Generally, the tub 104 may define a discrete vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T. Vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are orthogonally oriented such that vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T form an orthogonal directional system.
As is understood, the tub 104 may generally have a rectangular cross-section defined by various wall panels or walls. For example, as shown in
As particularly shown in
In some embodiments, a silverware basket 170 is removably mounted to lower rack assembly 122. In additional or alternative exemplary embodiments, the basket can be selectively or removably attached to other portions of dishwashing appliance 100 (e.g., upper rack assembly 120 or door 108). As will be described in detail below, the silverware basket 170 defines one or more storage chambers or volumes. Generally, silverware basket 170 is configured to receive silverware, flatware, utensils, and the like, which might be too small to be accommodated by the upper and lower rack assemblies 120, 122.
The dishwashing appliance 100 includes one or more spray assemblies housed within the wash chamber 106. For instance, the dishwashing appliance 100 may include a lower spray-arm assembly 130 that is rotatably mounted within a lower region 132 of the wash chamber 106 directly above the bottom wall 162 of the tub 104 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to the rack assembly 122. As shown in
As is generally understood, the lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 130, 136 and the upper spray assembly 138 may generally form part of a fluid circulation assembly 140 for circulating fluid (e.g., water and dishwasher fluid) within the tub 104. As shown in
It should be appreciated that, although the dishwashing appliance 100 will generally be described herein as including three spray assemblies 130, 136, 138, the dishwashing appliance may, in alternative embodiments, include any other number of spray assemblies, including two spray assemblies, four spray assemblies or five or more spray assemblies. For instance, in addition to the lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 130, 136 and the upper spray assembly 138 (or as an alternative thereto), the dishwashing appliance 100 may include one or more other spray assemblies or wash zones for distributing fluid within the wash chamber 106.
The dishwashing appliance 100 may be further equipped with a controller 146 configured to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller 146 may generally include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as one or more general or special purpose microprocessors 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 some embodiments, 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.
The controller 146 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwashing appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 146 is located within a control panel area 148 of the door 108, as shown in
Additionally, as shown in
Moreover, as shown in
It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwashing appliance. The exemplary embodiments depicted in
Referring now to
As shown, the container body 210 of silverware basket 170 generally extends along the vertical direction V between a top container end 214 and a bottom container end 216, between the lateral direction L between a first lateral side 220 and a second lateral side 222, and along the transverse direction T between a first transverse end 224 and a second transverse end 226. As will be described in detail below, silverware basket 170 may be generally formed as a single, integral, unitary component, advantageously requiring no post-molding or post-formation processing (e.g., attachment of multiple parts, coating, or polishing). In particular, the handle 212 is formed as an integral unitary component with container body 210 and extends upward therefrom (e.g., at the top container end 214).
Generally, container body 210 defines two discrete container volumes that are spaced apart from each other along the transverse direction T. Specifically, a first base wall 232 and first sidewall 234 define a first container volume 228 proximal to first transverse end 224 (i.e., distal to second transverse end 226) while a second base wall 238 and a second sidewall 240 define a second container volume 230 proximal to second transverse end 226 (i.e., distal to first transverse end 224). First base wall 232 and second base wall 238 may be disposed at the bottom container end 216 to define a bottom of first and second container volumes 228, 230, respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second base walls 232, 238 are separated (e.g., along the transverse direction T) by an intermediate gap 244.
Extending vertically (e.g., upward) from the first and second base walls 232, 238, first sidewall 234 and second sidewall 240 may define the horizontal bounds of first and second container volumes 228, 230, respectively. In other words, first sidewall 234 extends vertically from first base wall 232 to further define first container volume 228 while second sidewall 240 extends from second base wall 238 to further define second container volume 230. In certain embodiments, first and second sidewalls 234, 240 extend to top container end 214. For instance, first sidewall 234 or second sidewall 240 may terminate at top container end 214. Moreover, first sidewall 234 and second sidewall 240 may each define a respective opening at top container end 214. Thus, access to first container volume 228 may be permitted through the opening defined by first sidewall 234, and access to second container volume 230 may be permitted through the opening defined by second sidewall 240.
In some embodiments, the openings of first and second sidewalls 234, 240 are spaced apart from each other (e.g., along the transverse direction T) while being connected by an intermediate segment 246 (e.g., above intermediate gap 244). The intermediate segment 246 may include one or more transverse rails.
In exemplary embodiments, a first transverse rail 248 forms a portion of the intermediate segment 246 extending (e.g., along the top container end 214) from the first sidewall 234 to the second sidewall 240. For instance, the first transverse rail 248 may extend on the first lateral side 220. In additional or alternative embodiments, a second transverse rail 250 forms a portion of the intermediate segment 246 extending (e.g., along the top container end 214) from the first sidewall 234 to the second sidewall 240. For instance, the second transverse rail 250 may extend on the second lateral side 222 (e.g., as a mirror-image member or parallel member with first transverse rail 250).
One or more portions of container body 210 may be defined as lattice or perforated members. Thus, multiple fluid slots or perforations may be defined therethrough (e.g., to permit water or wash fluid to flow to/from the container volumes 228, 230). In some embodiments, the first base wall 232 defines a first plurality of vertical perforations 252 in fluid communication with the first container volume 228. In additional or alterative embodiments, the second base wall 238 defines a second plurality of vertical perforations 254 in fluid communication with the second container volume 230. In further additional or alternative embodiments, the first sidewall 234 defines a first plurality of horizontal perforations 256 in fluid communication with the first container volume 228. In still further additional or alterative embodiments, the second base wall 238 defines a second plurality of horizontal perforations 258 in fluid communication with the second container volume 230.
In some embodiments, one or more braces are provided between the first sidewall 234 and second sidewall 240. For instance, a first brace 260 may extend between first sidewall 234 and second sidewall 240 (e.g., on first lateral side 220). Moreover, first brace 260 may be disposed below first transverse rail 248. Thus, first brace 260 may join the first sidewall 234 to the second sidewall 240 at a location below top container end 214 and, optionally, above bottom container end 216. Additionally or alternatively, a second brace 262 may extend between first sidewall 234 and second sidewall 240 (e.g., on second lateral side 222, apart from first brace 260). Moreover, second brace 262 may be disposed below second transverse rail 250. Thus, second brace 262 may join the first sidewall 234 to the second sidewall 240 at a location below top container end 214 and, optionally, above bottom container end 216. In some such embodiments, first brace 260 and second brace 262 may be disposed at opposite lateral sides of intermediate gap 244.
Generally, the first and second braces 260, 262 may span a vertical portion of container body 210 that is less than the entirety. Specifically, a vertical distance D (e.g., vertical maximum distance) is defined between top container end 214 and bottom container end 216 while the first and second braces 260, 262 each span a height H (e.g., along the vertical direction V) that is less than the vertical distance D. For instance, the height H of the braces 260, 262 may be greater than or equal to ten percent of the vertical distance D (e.g., while still being less than the same). Advantageously, the disclosed silverware basket 170 and braces 260, 262 may resist or prevent deformation that may otherwise occur (e.g., at the handle 212 or intermediate segment 246).
As noted above, handle 212 is formed as a single, integral, unitary component with container body 210 and extends upward therefrom (e.g., at the top container end 214). In some embodiments, handle 212 is shaped as an elevated loop formed from intermediate segment 246. In other words, handle 212 may form a shape similar to a lower-case “n” or inverted “U” (e.g., having a flat portion elevated between a pair of downward-sloped portions). Thus, handle 212 may define an apex above and between two terminating ends (e.g., lateral ends). Specifically, handle 212 may have a first lateral end 264 proximal to first lateral side 220 (i.e., distal to second lateral side 222) and a second lateral end 266 proximal to second lateral side 222 (i.e., distal to first lateral side 220). First lateral end 264 may joined to first transverse rail 248 (e.g., integrally therewith at top container end 214). Second lateral end 266 may be joined to second transverse rail 250 (e.g., integrally therewith at top container end 214).
Since handle 212 extends upward from or above container body 210, one or more edges of handle 212 may be separated from container body 210 (e.g., as free or uncovered edges). In exemplary embodiments, this includes a first transverse edge 268 and a second transverse edge 270 defined opposite of the first transverse edge 268 relative to the transverse direction T. When assembled, first transverse edge 268 is disposed proximal to first container volume 228 (i.e., distal to second container volume 230) while second transverse edge 270 is positioned proximal to second container volume 230 (i.e., distal to first container volume 228. First transverse edge 268 and second transverse edge 270 may be mirror images of each other (e.g., on opposite sides of a plane defined by the vertical direction V and lateral direction L).
Between first transverse edge 268 and second transverse edge 270, a solid substrate of handle 212 may be formed. Such a substrate may be defined according to a constant profile or cross-section. Thus, the first and second transverse edges 268, 270 may define or share a common thickness dimension with the solid substrate. As shown, the solid substrate may define a bottom surface 236 and a top surface 242 (i.e., extending between the first transverse edge 268 and the second transverse edge 270). In particular, the bottom and top surfaces 236, 242 may be spaced apart by transverse edges 268, 270 (e.g., vertically or laterally by the thickness dimensioned defined by transverse edges 268, 270). The bottom surface 236 may be directed generally downward toward the intermediate gap 244 between container volumes 228, 230 while top surface 242 is directed upward or outward, away from the intermediate gap 244. One or both of bottom and top surfaces 236, 242 may be advantageously smooth or otherwise free of any sharp or abrasive formation that may be felt by a user's hand.
Turning especially to
In some embodiments, bottom surface 236 extends along a flat (e.g., horizontal plane) and defines an angle with first transverse edge 268, which extends along another flat plane. For instance, the angle between bottom surface 236 and first transverse edge 268 may be greater than or equal to 150 degrees. In other words, the unoccupied space between the two flat planes of bottom surface 236 and first transverse edge 268 may be defined according to an angle that is greater than or equal to 150 degrees. Nonetheless, first transition radius 272 may be defined according to one or more predetermined radii of curvature such that a sharp corner is not defined along first transverse edge 268. For instance, first transition radius 272 may have a radius of curvature between 0.01 inches and 0.5 inches (e.g., between 0.02 inches and 0.25 inches) at an apex of first transition radius 272.
In additional or alternative embodiments, bottom surface 236 extends along a flat (e.g., horizontal plane) and defines an angle with second transverse edge 270 which extends along another flat plane. For instance, the angle between bottom surface 236 and second transverse edge 270 may be greater than or equal to 150 degrees. In other words, the unoccupied space between the two flat planes of bottom surface 236 and second transverse edge 270 may be defined according to an angle that is greater than or equal to 150 degrees. Nonetheless, second transition radius 274 may be defined according to one or more predetermined radii of curvature such that a sharp corner is not defined along second transverse edge 270. For instance, second transition radius 274 may have a radius of curvature between 0.01 inches and 0.5 inches (e.g., between 0.02 inches and 0.25 inches) at an apex of second transition radius 274.
Returning generally to
Since the handle 212 is formed from a previously-continuous segment of material, parting lines 276, 278 may be formed above the raised rims as the handle 212 is being pushed upward. Specifically, a first parting line 276 is defined along first transverse edge 268 (e.g., above bottom surface 236 or first transition radius 272). Thus, first parting line 276 may extend apart from bottom surface 236 (e.g., from first lateral end 264 to second lateral end 266). First transition radius 272 may be positioned between first parting line 276 and bottom surface 236. Additionally or alternatively, a second parting line 278 is defined along second transverse edge 270 (e.g., above bottom surface 236 or second transition radius 274). Thus, second parting line 278 may extend apart from bottom surface 236 (e.g., from first lateral end 264 to second lateral end 266). Second transition radius 274 may be positioned between second parting line 278 and bottom surface 236.
Advantageously, the parting lines 276, 278 may be defined away from bottom surface 236 (e.g., on respective transverse edges 268, 270). In turn, a user holding handle 212 naturally (e.g., such the user's fingers are positioned along bottom surface 236) would not have the weight of basket 170 transferred through any parting line or abrasive surface.
In optional embodiments, one or more enlarged notches are defined for one or more corresponding joints between handle 212 and container body 210. Each of the enlarged notches may be defined as a circular cutout or fillet that extends into the corresponding joint (e.g., such that the enlarged notch forms a semi-circular profile when viewed along the vertical direction V, such as above or below container volumes 228, 230). In other words, a center point of each notch may be disposed closer to an adjacent container volume or transverse rail than the actual point at which handle 212 meets container body 210. As shown, a first enlarged notch 280 may be defined at a joint of the first sidewall 234, the first transverse rail 248, and the handle 212. The center point of first enlarged notch 280 may be disposed proximal to first sidewall 234 and thus distal to first lateral end 264 of handle 212. A second enlarged notch 282 may be defined at a joint of the second sidewall 240, the first transverse rail 248, and the handle 212. The center point of second enlarged notch 282 may be disposed proximal to second sidewall 240 and thus distal to first lateral end 264 of handle 212. A third enlarged notch 284 may be defined at a joint of the first sidewall 234, the second transverse rail 250, and the handle 212. The center point of the third enlarged notch 284 may be disposed proximal to first sidewall 234 and thus distal to second lateral end 266 of handle 212. A fourth enlarged notch 286 may be defined at a joint of the second sidewall 240, the second transverse rail 250, and the handle 212. The center point of fourth enlarged notch 286 may be disposed proximal to second sidewall 240 and thus distal to second lateral end 266 of handle 212.
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.
