Abstract:
A dishwasher rack basket assembly that includes a water impervious basket of open mesh construction, the basket is selectively positionable between a first size and a second size, the first size securing small items while permitting flow of liquid therethrough, the second size smaller than the first size and not securing small items while permitting flow of liquid therethrough, and a projection positioned on the basket, wherein the projection is engageable to transform the basket from the first size to the second size.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates generally to basket assemblies, and, more particularly, to small, item basket assemblies for use in automatic washing machines.  
         [0002]     Conventional dishwashing machines include a washing chamber in which upper and lower dishware racks are slidably mounted. Each rack is typically supported on side walls of the dishwasher and includes rollers for sliding movement between an extended position wherein the rack is substantially outside of the washing chamber and a retracted position wherein the rack is substantially inside the washing chamber. As dishware items are loaded and unloaded, the racks are moved to their extended positions for substantially unobstructed loading of items. The racks are lattice structures adapted for holding dishes, plates, cups, pots, pans and other dishware, cookware, and food storage containers while permitting water spray action for cleaning items in the racks. As at least some small items, such as bottle tops, lids, and measuring spoons, are too small for the racks to accommodate, a small item basket containing one or more compartments is typically attached to one of the racks to hold smaller items within the washing chamber.  
         [0003]     Typically, users remove the small items basket when not in use and store under the sink or in a drawer. Removing the basket increases usable rack space. However, attaching and detaching the basket may be time consuming and awkward. Eliminating the need to remove the basket while not in use and increasing usable rack space during dishwasher operations are desirable features of a small items basket.  
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     In one aspect, a dishwasher rack basket assembly is provided that includes a water impervious basket of open mesh construction, the basket is selectively positionable between a first size and a second size, the first size securing small items while permitting flow of liquid therethrough, the second size smaller than the first size and not securing small items while permitting flow of liquid therethrough, and a projection positioned on the basket, wherein the projection is engageable to transform the basket from the first size to the second size.  
         [0005]     In another aspect, a rack assembly for a dishwasher machine is provided that includes a dish rack for retaining items to be washed, a basket assembly removably attached to the rack, wherein the basket includes a plurality of longitudinal walls having a first length, a plurality of lateral walls having a second length, each of the lateral walls is pivotably attached to at least one of the longitudinal walls, a bottom wall pivotably attached to at least one of the longitudinal walls, a lid pivotably attached to at least one of the longitudinal walls, and a knob positioned on at least one of the longitudinal walls.  
         [0006]     In another aspect, a dishwasher is provided that includes a cabinet including an interiorly disposed washing chamber, a dish rack disposed in the washing chamber, and at least one basket assembly collapsible between a first size and a second size having a generally rectangular cross section and removably attached to the. The basket assembly includes a pair of spaced apart end walls movably coupled to a pair of spaced apart elongate walls, such that the end walls and the elongate walls are movable between a first position and a second position, the second position collapsing the basket assembly, a bottom wall pivotably coupled to at least one of the elongate walls, such that the bottom wall is rotatable between a first position and a second position, a lid pivotably coupled to at least one of the elongate walls, and a knob positioned on at least one of the elongate walls. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a dishwasher including a small items basket with a lid in a closed position.  
         [0008]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the basket in  FIG. 1  with the lid open.  
         [0009]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the front wall of the basket in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0010]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the front wall in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0011]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the back wall of the basket in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0012]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the back wall in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0013]      FIG. 7  is a front view of a side wall of the basket in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0014]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the side wall in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0015]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the bottom wall of the basket in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the bottom wall in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the lid of the basket in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the lid in  FIG. 11 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 13  is perspective view of the basket in  FIG. 2  in an expanded position.  
         [0020]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the basket in  FIG. 13  in transition to a collapsed position.  
         [0021]      FIG. 15  is a partial top view of the basket in  FIG. 13  in transition to a collapsed position.  
         [0022]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the basket in  FIG. 13  in the collapsed position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of an under the counter type automatic domestic dishwasher  10  installed in a typical kitchen cabinet  12 . The dishwasher  10  includes a cabinet  14  defining a wash chamber  16 . A door  18  is hinged  20  to move between a horizontal position (shown in  FIG. 1 ), providing access to the chamber  16  and a vertical position (not shown). A lower rack  22  is moveable into and out of chamber  16  and supports dishes, glasses, utensils, and other items to be washed, as is well known in the art. Typically dishwashers also include an upper rack (not shown), also moveable into and out of the chamber  16 , and various other parts and components, which are well known and have been omitted for the sake of simplicity.  
         [0024]     Rack  22  has a reticulated or open network construction so that wash and rinse liquid sprayed into chamber  16  can freely impinge upon items supported on rack  22  and drain back into the bottom of chamber  16 . A network of spaced apart, vertical tines or fingers  24  extend upward from a bottom  26  of rack  22  to support dishes, glasses, and other items placed in rack  22 . Tines  24  may be omitted from an area of rack  22  to provide an open area  28  to receive a small item basket assembly  30 . Basket assembly  30  may be used for placement of tops, lids, measuring spoons, and other dishwasher items that are too small to be accommodated by the open network construction.  
         [0025]     Basket assembly  30  includes at least one connector  31  for removably securing at least one wall of basket assembly  30  to rack  22 . In one embodiment, connector  31  is a plastic snap ring. It is understood that various types of connectors, fasteners, or clasps may be implemented to attach and detach basket assembly  30  to rack  22 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary small item basket assembly  30  including a basket  32  that includes a front wall  34 , a back wall  36 , a pair of opposite side walls  38 , a bottom wall  40 , and a lid  42 . Back wall  36  is substantially parallel to front wall  34  and to a longitudinal axis  44 . Bottom wall  40  is substantially parallel to lid  42  and to longitudinal axis  44 . Side walls  38  are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to front, back, and bottom walls  34 ,  36 ,  40  and lid  42 . Thus, when basket assembly  32  is in an expanded position as shown in  FIG. 1 , basket  32  defines a compartment  46 . In one embodiment, compartment  46  is rectangular-shaped. In another embodiment, compartment  46  is cubical-shaped.  
         [0027]     Front and back walls  34 ,  36  extend a length  48  and a height  50 . Each of side walls  38  extend a length  52  and height  50 . Bottom wall  40  and lid  42  extend length  48  and height  50 . In one embodiment height  50  is equal to length  52  and length  48  is greater than height  50  and length  52 . In an alternative embodiment, height  50  is not equal to length  52  and length  48  is greater than height  50  and length  52 . In the illustrated embodiment, length  48  is approximately eight inches, height  50  is approximately five inches, and length  52  is approximately five inches.  
         [0028]     Each of walls  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40  and lid  42  is fabricated from materials and techniques known in the art to form a lattice structure or framework therein that permits water spray action cleaning of items in basket  32  and to drain out. In one embodiment, each of walls  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40  and lid  42  is fabricated from a rigid, but flexible, plastic material, such as polypropylene. In an alternate embodiment, each of walls  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40  and lid  42  is fabricated from steel wires which have been welded together and coated with a vinyl or plastic material.  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is a front view and  FIG. 4 s  a side view of front wall  34 . Front wall  34  is moveable between a forward position (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to a collapsed position  180  (shown in  FIG. 15 ). Front wall  34  is slidable attached to side walls  38  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Front wall  34  has a lattice structure that includes a plurality of apertures  60  that permit water to pass therethrough.  
         [0030]     Front wall  34  includes substantially horizontal upper and lower edges  62 ,  64 , opposite substantially vertical ends or corners  66 , and a width  68 . In one embodiment, each of ends  66  includes at least two slide portions  70  positioned proximate upper edge  62  and lower edge  64 , respectively. In another embodiment, each of ends  66  includes a plurality of slide portions  70  positioned equal distant through out the length of each end  66 .  
         [0031]     Each of slide portions  70  extends substantially perpendicular to end  66  and include a body  72  and a head  74 , each approximately centered thereon and extending outward from slide portion  70 . Head  74  has a diameter  75  and is configured to slidably engage a side wall slot  114  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). In one embodiment, head  74  is spherically shaped. In another embodiment, head  74  is cubical-shaped.  
         [0032]     Front wall  34  includes a knob  76  positioned on and extending outward from a front wall outer surface  77 . Knob  76  is sized such that a user may securely grasp knob  76 . In one embodiment, knob  76  is formed integrally with front wall  34 . In an alternate embodiment, knob  76  is coupled to front wall  34  using a chemical fastener, including, but not limited to, an adhesive. Knob  76  extends a distance  78  above upper edge  62  is configured to snap fit engage lid slot  152  and secure lid  42  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) adjacent to upper edge  62 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 5  is a front view and  FIG. 6  is a side view of back wall  36 . Back wall  36  is fixed in a vertical position (shown in  FIG. 2 ) when basket  32  is in an expanded position  170  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) or in collapsed position  180  (shown in  FIG. 15 ). Back wall  36  has a lattice structure that includes a plurality of apertures  80  that permit water to pass therethrough.  
         [0034]     Back wall  36  includes substantially horizontal upper and lower edges  82 ,  84 , opposite substantially vertical ends or corners  86 , and a width  88 . Back wall  36  includes a plurality of upper and lower hinges  90  positioned adjacent upper edge  82  and lower edge  84 , respectively. Hinges  90  are fabricated from the same material as basket  32 . In one embodiment, hinges  90  are fabricated from polypropylene. Hinges  90  are sized relative to basket assembly  30 . In one embodiment, hinges  90  are integral with back wall  36 . In another embodiment, hinges  90  are coupled to back wall  36  using a chemical fastener, including, but not limited to, an adhesive.  
         [0035]     Each of hinges  90  is configured to permit rotation of side walls  38  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), bottom wall  40  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), and lid  42  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Specifically, each of hinges  90  has a receptacle  94  that cooperates with a side wall pivot pin  140  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) and a receptacle  96  that cooperates with a lid pivot pin  160  (shown in  FIG. 11 ) and a bottom wall pivot pin (shown in  FIG. 9 ).  
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is a front view and  FIG. 8  is a side view of side wall  38 . Side wall  38  is moveable between a side position (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to a collapsed position  180  (shown in  FIG. 15 ). Each of side walls  38  is slidable attached to front walls  34  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and rotably attached to back wall  36  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Side walls  38  have a lattice structure that includes a plurality of apertures  100  that permit water to pass therethrough.  
         [0037]     Each of side walls  38  includes substantially horizontal upper and lower edges  102 ,  104 , a substantially vertical front end  106 , a substantially vertical back end  108 , and a width  110 . A plurality of pivot pins  112  extend perpendicularly from each of upper edge  102  and lower edge  104 , respectively, and are positioned proximate back end  108 . Pins  112  are sized and configured to engage and cooperate with back wall hinges  90  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) such that side walls  38  are rotable.  
         [0038]     Each of side walls  38  includes at least two slots  114  that extend between front end  106  and back end  108  and parallel along each of upper edge  102  and lower edge  104 , respectively. In another embodiment, each of side walls  38  includes a plurality of slots  114  positioned in a plurality of rows that extend parallel between front end  106  and back end  108 .  
         [0039]     Each of slots  114  extends substantially the length of edges  102 ,  104  and includes an opening  116  and a projection  118  disposed therein. Opening  116  includes a diameter  120  that extends throughout a length  122  of each slot  114  and is configured to receive front wall head  74  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). In one embodiment, opening  116  is sized such that head  74  has a snap-fit engagement. In another embodiment, opening  116  is sized such that head diameter  75  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) is approximately equal to slot diameter  120 .  
         [0040]     Additionally, each of slots  114  includes a front slot end  124  and a back slot end  126  disposed therein. Each projection  118  is positioned proximate front slot end  124  and sized to permit each front wall head  74  to frictionally pass over each projection  118  such that front wall  34  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) is adjacent side wall front end  106  when front wall  34  is in the front position (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Slots  114  are configured to permit front wall  34  to slide from front slot end  124  to back slot end  126 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 9  is a top view and  FIG. 10  is a side view of bottom wall  40 . Bottom wall  40  is moveable between a horizontal position (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to a vertical position (shown in  FIG. 13 ). Bottom wall  40  is snap-fit attached to side walls  38  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and rotatably attached to back wall  36  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Bottom wall  40  has a lattice structure that includes a plurality of apertures  130  that permit water to pass therethrough.  
         [0042]     Bottom wall  40  includes substantially horizontal front and back ends  132 ,  134 , opposite substantially horizontal side ends  136 , and a width  138 . A plurality of pivot pins  140  extend perpendicular from each of ends  136  and are positioned proximate back end  134 . Pins  140  are sized and configured to engage and cooperate with back wall hinges  90  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) such that bottom wall  40  is rotatable upward towards back wall  36 .  
         [0043]     A plurality of projections  142  extend perpendicular from each of ends  136  and are positioned proximate front end  132 . Projections  142  are sized and configured to engage and cooperate with side wall slots  114  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) such that bottom wall  40  is fixed in a horizontal position when basket  32  is in expanded position  170  (shown in  FIG. 13 ). Projections  142  permit bottom wall  40  to rotate upward towards back wall  36  in a vertical position when basket  32  is in collapsed position  180  (shown in  FIG. 15 ).  
         [0044]      FIG. 11  is a top view and  FIG. 12  is a side view of lid  42 . A lid  42  is moveable between a horizontal open position (shown in  FIG. 2 ), so as to provide access to basket  32  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and so small and light weight items can be secured within basket  32 , and a vertical closed position (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) overlying basket  32  so that the small and light weight items will not be blown or ejected out of basket  32  by the force of the water during the wash and rinse cycles of dishwasher  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Lid  42  is rotatably attached to back wall  38  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and snap-fit attached to front wall  34  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Lid  42  has a lattice structure that includes a plurality of apertures  150  that permit water to pass therethrough and a slot  152  for snap-fit attachment to front wall knob  76 .  
         [0045]     Lid  42  includes substantially horizontal front and back ends  154 ,  156  and opposite substantially horizontal side ends  158 . A plurality of pivot pins  160  extend perpendicular from each of ends  158  and are positioned proximate back end  156 . Pins  160  are sized and configured to engage and cooperate with back wall hinges  90 ,  92  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) such that lid  42  is rotatable upward.  
         [0046]      FIG. 13  is perspective view of basket  32  in expanded position  170 .  FIG. 14  is a perspective view and  FIG. 15  is a partial top view of basket  32  in transition to collapsed position  180 .  FIG. 16  is a perspective view of basket  32  in collapsed position  180 . User can selectively position basket  32  between expanded position  170  and collapsed position  180  in order to increase usable space on rack  22  (shown in  FIG. 1 ).  
         [0047]     To collapse basket  32  from expanded position  170 , user may grasp front wall knob  76  and push front wall  34  horizontally towards back wall  36 . Simultaneously, as front wall slides  70  pass over side wall projections  118 , bottom wall projections  142  disengage from side wall slot  114  and bottom wall front end  132  rotates upward and back towards back wall  36  about bottom wall pins  140 .  
         [0048]     Front wall  34  remains vertical and continues to slide horizontally within side wall slots  114  and forces bottom wall  40  into a vertical position adjacent to back wall  36 . Front wall  34  remains adjacent to bottom wall  40 , both in a vertical position and adjacent back wall  36 . Simultaneously, as front wall  34  slides toward back wall  36  and bottom wall  40  rotates toward back wall  36 , side walls  38  rotate on sidewall pivot pins  112  toward back wall  36 . Side walls  38  rotate such that each of side wall front ends  106  are adjacent each other adjacent front wall  34 . After side walls  38  rotate inward, lid  42  rotates downward about lid pivot pins  160  such that lid  42  is adjacent side walls  38 . In the collapsed position, basket assembly  30  has a height  182  and a width  184 . In one embodiment, height  182  is approximately 5 inches and width  184  is 0.5 inches.  
         [0049]     To expand basket assembly from collapsed position  180 , user lifts lid  42  upward about pivot pins  160 , rotates side walls  38  outward about pivot pins  112 , slides front wall  34  within slots  114  until bottom wall  40  rotates downward about pivot pins  140 . Bottom wall projections  142  are snapped into slots  114 , front wall  34  is pulled past side wall projections  118  until front wall  34  is adjacent side walls front ends  106 .  
         [0050]     The above-described small items basket is cost effective and versatile. The small items basket includes a plurality of rotatable and slidable walls such that the small items basket is collapsible, thus eliminating the need to remove the basket while not in use and increasing usable space during dishwasher operations. As a result of the collapsible nature of the basket, the user does not waste time searching for a basket. As a result of the increased usable capacity, the operator may add additional wash items to the dishwasher. Thus a basket is provided which reduces wasted time and conserves energy.  
         [0051]     Exemplary embodiments of dishwasher racks and basket assemblies are described above in detail. The racks and baskets are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein. Each racks and basket component can also be used in combination with other dishwasher components.  
         [0052]     While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.