Patent ID: 8460479
Filing Date: 2013-06-11
Classification: A47L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A door assembly for a dishwashing appliance having a tub portion defining a forward access opening, the door assembly being pivotably engaged with the tub portion and adapted to cooperate with the tub portion to cover the forward access opening, the door assembly comprising: an integrally-formed inner door member having a liner surface facing toward the tub portion and an opposing structural surface, the inner door member being adapted to pivotably engage the tub portion about a lower end thereof, the liner surface defining at least one contour, and the structural surface having at least one reinforcing member integrally engaged therewith in correspondence with the at least one contour defined by the liner surface, so as to structurally reinforce the inner door member; and at least one attachment structure associated with the at least one reinforcing member, wherein the at least one attachment structure comprises at least one engagement feature configured to cooperate with the tub portion to provide the pivotable engagement therebetween; wherein the at least one reinforcing member defines a plurality of vertical ribs and a plurality of transverse buttress ribs extending therebetween to provide structural reinforcement for the engagement feature; wherein the at least one attachment structure further defines at least one hook configured to engage a complementary engagement portion associated with an outer decorative panel member to secure the outer decorative panel member to the inner door member by the effect of gravity or an interference fit.