Patent ID: 7422036
Filing Date: 2008-09-09
Classification: A47L

Abstract:
1. A tubular manifold device for a dishwasher, the manifold device having opposed inlet and outlet ends and defining a contiguous interior channel therebetween, the manifold device also having an inner surface defining the interior channel and an opposing outer surface, said manifold device comprising: at least two discretely-formed manifold portions, each extending between and at least bisecting the opposed inlet and outlet ends of the interior channel, the at least two manifold portions being configured to cooperate to form an arcuate portion about the outlet end of the interior channel, with the outlet end being adapted to operably engage a spray arm mechanism, the arcuate portion being further configured to have one of a varying radius and a substantially constant radius for reducing a pressure drop of a fluid flow therethrough into the spray arm mechanism, the at least two discretely-formed manifold portions further being capable of cooperating via respective engagable longitudinal edges so as to form at least two joints therebetween; and at least one overmold member configured to sealingly engage the at least two manifold portions, across each of the at least two joints, such that the interior channel is fluid-tight between the inlet and outlet ends.