Patent ID: 6431188
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: A47L,Y10T

Abstract:
A dishwasher, comprising:a tub having a sump and a side wall; a pump fluidly connected with the sump; at least one adjustable height basket supported within the tub and arranged to be pulled out of the tub and inserted back into the tub; a supply tube extending adjacent the tub side wall and receiving wash liquid from the pump, the supply tube having a manifold portion formed into the supply tube including a plurality of outlet openings; a coupling retainer, connected to the supply tube and having a plurality of coupling ports corresponding in number and spacing to the outlet openings of the supply tube, the coupling ports having, center openings; a gasket member having a plurality of openings that generally align with the coupling ports wherein each of the openings forms a sealing surface; a valve member supporting a plurality of flapper valve elements for closing the coupling ports and disposed adjacent the gasket member such that said flapper valve elements close against said gasket, said valve member and said gasket being captured between the coupling retainer and the supply tube such that the gasket opening sealing surfaces and flapper valve elements generally align with the coupling ports; a spray arm mounted to the adjustable height basket and having a feed tube extending toward the supply tube, the feed tube having a coupling end, the coupling end arranged to be inserted into one of the coupling ports for fluidly connecting the feed tube to the supply tube when said basket is inserted into said tub, wherein the coupling end is sealingly engaged by the sealing surface upon insertion into one of the coupling ports and opens the flapper valve element corresponding to the coupling port into which the coupling end is inserted.