Removable basket for a dishwashing appliance

A basket is selectively receivable within a dishwashing appliance. The basket includes a plurality of vertically arranged receiving bosses that receive spray tines therein and a lid having a domed interior surface for dispersing liquid dispensed from the spray tines throughout the basket.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to dishwashing appliances, and more particularly to removable baskets for dishwashing appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dishwashing appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. Certain dishwashing appliances include racks capable of supporting accessories for washing specific articles, such as silverware or bottles. A user can load the wash articles in or on the racks in predetermined manners to effectively wash or rinse the articles. Typically, the water used in washing and rinsing operations is dispensed from multiple locations to provide for multiple cleaning modes. Recently, some dishwashing appliances have incorporated specific spray assemblies to accommodate certain articles for washing that may otherwise not be properly cleaned.

For instance, users have become increasingly concerned with cleanliness of certain items, such as food items or other items for consumption. Accordingly, a demand has been established for more efficient and more thorough ways of cleaning food items, such as vegetables. Currently, handwashing vegetables can be time consuming and cumbersome, and may not provide a satisfactory level of cleanliness. Further, washing or rinsing food items within dishwashing appliances can damage the food, destroy the food, or create clogs or malfunctions within the dishwashing appliance due to food particles breaking apart.

Accordingly, a dishwashing appliance that obviates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be beneficial. Particularly, a removable basket for a dishwashing appliance would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a basket assembly for a dishwashing appliance is provided. The basket assembly may include a basket body comprising a floor and a plurality of sidewalls extending from the floor, the basket body being removably provided within the dishwashing appliance; a receiving boss defined through the floor of the basket body, the receiving boss defining an inlet at the floor and an outlet opposite the inlet through which fluid is dispensed; and a lid selectively coupled to the basket body via a pair of latch bars, wherein the lid comprises a concave dome formed therein, and wherein the dome is located over the receiving boss such that liquid dispensed through the receiving boss is distributed within the basket via the dome.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance may include a tub defining a wash chamber; a pump configured to deliver a liquid to the wash chamber; a conduit in fluid communication with the pump; a variable spray assembly provided within the wash chamber, the variable spray assembly receiving the liquid from the conduit, the variable spray assembly comprising a plurality of spray tines arranged along the vertical direction; and a basket selectively received over the variable spray assembly. The basket may include a basket body comprising a floor and a plurality of sidewalls extending from the floor, the basket body being removably provided within the dishwashing appliance; a receiving boss defined through the floor of the basket, wherein the receiving boss selectively receives one of the plurality of spray tines therein; and a lid selectively coupled to the basket body via a pair of latch bars, wherein the lid comprises a dome formed therein, the dome being concave upward along the vertical direction, and wherein the dome is located over the receiving boss such that liquid dispensed through the one of the plurality of spray tines is distributed within the basket via the dome.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows.

Turning now to the figures,FIGS.1and2illustrate exemplary embodiments of a domestic dishwashing appliance100that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown inFIGS.1and2, the dishwashing appliance100may include a cabinet102having a tub104therein defining a wash chamber106. The tub104may generally include a front opening (not shown) and a door108hinged at its bottom110for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown inFIGS.1and2), wherein the wash chamber106is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher. Optionally, a latch112may be used to lock and unlock the door108for access to the chamber106.

Generally, the tub104may 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 tub104may generally have a rectangular cross-section defined by various wall panels or walls. For example, as shown inFIG.2, the tub104may include a top wall160and a bottom wall162spaced apart from one another along a vertical direction V of the dishwashing appliance100. Additionally, the tub104may include a plurality of sidewalls164(e.g., three sidewalls) extending between the top and bottom walls160,162. It should be appreciated that the tub104may generally be formed from any suitable material. For instance, in several embodiments, the tub104is formed from a ferritic material, such as stainless steel, or a polymeric material.

As particularly shown inFIG.2, upper and lower guide rails114,116may be mounted on opposing sidewalls164of the tub104and may be configured to accommodate roller-equipped rack assemblies120and122. Each of the rack assemblies120,122may be fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members124(for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up assemblies120and122are shown inFIG.2). Additionally, each rack120,122may be adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack120,122is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber106, and a retracted position (shown inFIGS.1and2) in which the rack120,122is located inside the wash chamber106. This may be facilitated by rollers126and128, for example, mounted onto racks120and122, respectively.

In some embodiments, a utensil basket170(e.g., a silverware basket) is removably mounted to lower rack assembly122. In additional or alternative exemplary embodiments, utensil basket170can be selectively or removably attached to other portions of dishwashing appliance100(e.g., upper rack assembly120or door108). The utensil basket170defines one or more storage chambers and is generally configured to receive of silverware, flatware, utensils, and the like, that are too small to be accommodated by the upper and lower rack assemblies120,122. The utensil basket170may be constructed of any suitable material (e.g., metal or polymer) and define a plurality of fluid slots178for permitting wash fluid therethrough.

The dishwashing appliance100includes one or more spray assemblies housed within the wash chamber106. For instance, the dishwashing appliance100may include a lower spray-arm assembly130that is rotatably mounted within a lower region132of the wash chamber106directly above the bottom wall162of the tub104so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to the rack assembly122. As shown inFIG.2, a mid-level spray-arm assembly136may be located in an upper region of the wash chamber106, such as by being located in close proximity to the upper rack120. Moreover, an upper spray assembly138may be located above the upper rack120.

As is generally understood, the lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies130,136and the upper spray assembly138may generally form part of a fluid circulation assembly140for circulating fluid (e.g., water and dishwasher fluid) within the tub104. As shown inFIG.2, the fluid circulation assembly140may also include a pump142located in a machinery compartment144located below the bottom wall162of the tub104. One or all of the spray assemblies130,136,138may be in fluid communication with the pump142(e.g., to receive a pressurized wash fluid therefrom). Additionally or alternatively, each spray-arm assembly130,136may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing washing liquid onto dishes or other articles located in rack assemblies120and122, which may provide a rotational force by virtue of wash fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower spray-arm assembly130provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a spray (e.g., a spray of wash fluid).

It should be appreciated that, although the dishwashing appliance100will generally be described herein as including three spray assemblies130,136,138, 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 assemblies130,136and the upper spray assembly138(or as an alternative thereto), the dishwashing appliance100may include one or more other spray assemblies or wash zones for distributing fluid within the wash chamber106.

In addition to the three spray assemblies130,136,138, the appliance100also includes a variable jet assembly300disposed within the wash chamber106. In some embodiments, the variable jet assembly300may remain generally stationary during use of the dishwashing appliance100(e.g., such that there is no intentional movement of variable jet assembly300outside of vibration, etc.). In additional or alternative embodiments, one or more movable nozzles (not pictured) may be provided on a manifold body304to rotate during use of the dishwashing appliance100(e.g., while manifold body304remains stationary).

The variable jet assembly300may be positioned to alternately direct wash fluid to multiple predetermined locations within the wash chamber106(e.g., different subsections of the wash chamber106or a corresponding rack314). For instance, the variable jet assembly300may be disposed within wash tub104(e.g., on or within the lower rack assembly122or upper rack assembly120) and directed toward a discrete first spray zone and second spray zone of the utensil basket170. In exemplary embodiments, the variable jet assembly300may provide advantageously focused cleaning to utensils at different portions of utensil basket170. Additionally or alternatively, delivery of wash fluid may be advantageously determined or influenced based on where utensils are within utensil basket170. Further additionally or alternatively, delivery of wash fluid from variable jet assembly300may be provided without significantly blocking spray from a spray assembly (e.g., lower spray-arm assembly130).

The dishwashing appliance100may be further equipped with a controller146configured to regulate operation of the dishwasher100. The controller146may 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 controller146may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwashing appliance100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller146is located within a control panel area148of the door108, as shown inFIG.1. In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwashing appliance100along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom110of the door108. Typically, the controller146includes a user interface panel/controls150through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher100. In one embodiment, the user interface150may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. Additionally, the user interface150may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface150may also include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface150may be in communication with the controller146via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

Additionally, as shown inFIG.2, a portion of the bottom wall162of the tub104may be configured as a tub sump portion152that is configured to accommodate one or more components of the fluid recirculation assembly140(e.g., a filter assembly (not shown) or other components). It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, the bottom wall162of the tub104may be formed as a single, unitary component such that the tub sump portion152as well as the surrounding portions of the bottom wall162are formed integrally with one another. Alternatively, the tub sump portion152may be configured as a separate component configured to be attached to the remaining portion(s) of the bottom wall162.

Moreover, as shown inFIG.2, the fluid recirculation assembly140may also include a diverter assembly184in fluid communication with the pump142for diverting fluid between one or more of the spray-arm assemblies130,136,138. For example, the diverter assembly184may, in several embodiments, include an inlet192coupled to the pump142(e.g., via pump conduit180shown inFIG.2) for directing fluid into the diverter assembly184and first and second outlets186,188for directing the fluid received from the pump142to the lower spray-arm assembly130or the mid-level and upper spray-arm assemblies136,138, respectively. In some such embodiments, the first outlet186may be configured to be directly coupled to the lower spray-arm assembly130and the second outlet188may be coupled to a suitable fluid conduit182of the fluid recirculation assembly140for directing fluid to the mid-level and upper spray-arm assemblies136,138. Optionally, a third outlet190may be direct the fluid received from the pump142to the variable jet assembly300. Additionally, the diverter assembly184may also include a diverting valve194to selectively divert the flow of fluid through the assembly184to the first outlet186, the second outlet188, or the third outlet190.

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 inFIGS.1and2are simply provided for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for the user interface150, different configurations may be provided for the racks120,122, and other differences may be applied as well.

Referring now toFIGS.3and4, multiple views of an exemplary embodiment of the variable jet assembly300, including components thereof, are provided. Variable jet assembly300may include a fluid conduit302and manifold body304in selective fluid communication with pump142(FIG.2). Generally, variable jet assembly300defines a discrete first spray zone and second spray zone at which water or wash fluid may be dispensed (e.g., from pump142or diverter assembly184). In some embodiments, first spray zone is configured to receive one or more elongated utensils (e.g., bottles). In additional or alternative embodiments, the utensil basket170can be selectively positioned or mounted proximate to the variable jet assembly300(e.g., at second spray zone). In still other embodiments, as will be described below in further detail, a separate basket assembly may be selectively mounted to variable jet assembly300.

As illustrated inFIGS.3and4, the variable jet assembly300includes a manifold body304defining an interior passage306to direct wash fluid from the fluid conduit302. The manifold body304may define a fluid inlet334upstream from an interior passage306that defines a separate first flow path350and second flow path352. First and second flow paths350,352are generally defined in fluid parallel upstream from one or more respective first spray outlet(s)354and second spray outlet(s)356. During use, wash fluid may thus be directed into the wash chamber106from the first or second spray outlets354,356(e.g., after passing into the interior passage306through fluid inlet334from the fluid conduit302).

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the variable jet assembly300(e.g., the manifold body304) is mounted to a rack assembly314. It should be noted that the rack assembly314may be embodied as a lower rack assembly122or an upper rack assembly120, as illustrated inFIG.2. In turn, in some embodiments wherein the rack assembly314is a lower rack assembly122, the upper rack assembly120will be disposed above the rack assembly314. The rack assembly314may generally include a bottom wall316and a plurality of side walls318defining an interior volume or wash compartment319for receiving articles to be washed. Each wall316,318may be formed from a lattice structure, as described above. Optionally, the wash compartment319may receive the manifold body304. Additionally or alternatively, the wash compartment319may selectively receive the basket170therein.

In optional embodiments, the first spray zone is defined at a portion of manifold body304that includes a bottle washer assembly358. Such a bottle washer assembly358may be positioned or oriented for directing a fluid from first flow path350towards or into rack assembly314through one or more first spray outlets354(e.g., a plurality of outlets354in fluid parallel with each other). In some such embodiments, bottle washer assembly358includes a base360mounted to rack assembly314at bottom wall316of rack assembly314. Bottle washer assembly358may include one or more spray tines362, each of which defining a discrete first spray outlet354. Articles, and in particulars bottles (such as baby bottles), cups, glasses, etc., may be positioned on or over spray tines362. Spray tines362are mounted to a main conduit of base360and can extend into the wash compartment319of rack assembly314(e.g., upwardly along the vertical direction V). In particular, spray tines362of bottle washer assembly358may be distributed between fixed tines of bottom wall316. For example, each spray tine362of bottle washer assembly358may be positioned between respective pairs of fixed tines. Spray tines362may assist with supporting articles within wash compartment319of rack assembly314. In addition, each spray tine362may emit a stream of wash fluid during operation of bottle washer assembly358. The stream of wash fluid is directed against or onto an article positioned over or on each respective one of spray tines362. The first spray outlet(s)354may thus be in fluid communication between the interior passage306and the wash chamber106(FIG.2).

In additional or alternative exemplary embodiments, the second spray zone is defined at a portion of manifold body304that includes utensil basket washer assembly368. Such a utensil basket washer assembly may be positioned or oriented for directing a fluid from second flow path352towards or into rack assembly314. Utensil basket washer assembly368may include a nozzle having an upper face370and a lower face372that are joined together (e.g., selectively or, alternatively, fixedly) to define the second flow path352. When assembled, upper face370may defining one or more second spray outlets356(e.g., a plurality of outlets356in fluid parallel with each other). Optionally, the upper face370and lower face372may extend about one or more exterior holes308at second spray zone. Each exterior hole308may extend along a central axis (e.g., parallel to the vertical direction V from the upper face370of the manifold body304to the lower face372of the manifold body304. Exterior hole308may thus provide a void through which fluid may pass, independent of the second spray outlet(s)356. During use, the second spray outlet(s)356direct a stream of wash fluid upward. For instance, the stream of wash fluid may be directed against or onto basket170or an article positioned over basket washer assembly368(e.g., separately and in fluid parallel to first spray outlet(s)354). The second spray outlet(s)356may thus be in fluid communication between the interior passage306and the wash chamber106(FIG.2).

As illustrated inFIG.4, the fluid conduit302may be provided in selective fluid communication with the manifold body304. When assembled, the fluid conduit302is generally disposed inside the tub104. Specifically, the fluid conduit302may be fixed to the tub104within the wash chamber106. In some such embodiments, the fluid conduit302is mounted to the tub104via one or more mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts, clasps, screws, ties, etc.). The fluid conduit302may define a conduit passage322extending between a conduit inlet324and a conduit outlet326(e.g., to direct wash fluid therethrough). The conduit inlet324may be attached to the diverting valve194to selectively receive wash fluid from the pump142(FIG.2), as described above. For instance, a pair of male-female tabs may be provided at the conduit inlet324to removably secure the fluid conduit302to the diverting valve194. The conduit outlet326may selectively attach to the manifold body304(e.g., as the rack assembly314alternately moves in and out of wash chamber106).

Now that the variable jet assembly300has been described, embodiments of a basket assembly400configured to be selectively attached to variable jet assembly300will be described in detail with specific reference toFIGS.5through12. For instance, basket assembly400may selectively receive one or more of the spray tines362therein to receive a flow of water or liquid from pump142. Basket assembly400may rest within rack assembly120or122having spray tines362inserted therein. For instance, as shown inFIG.5, basket assembly400may be arranged within the rack assembly adjacent to a side and on top of variable jet assembly300(see alsoFIG.3). As will be described, basket assembly400may have a plurality of shapes and sizes, and the descriptions herein are for exemplary purposes. Additionally or alternatively, basket assembly400may be easily removable from the interior of dishwashing appliance100.

Referring now toFIGS.6through9, an exemplary embodiment of basket assembly400will be described. Basket assembly400may include a basket body402. Basket body402may be predominantly hexahedral in shape. For instance, basket body402may include a plurality of sidewalls forming a cavity. The plurality of sidewalls may include a first lateral sidewall404, a second lateral sidewall406, a first transverse sidewall408, a second transverse sidewall410, and a floor412. Each of the plurality of sidewalls may be formed from a lattice-style structure. For instance, each of the plurality of sidewalls may be considered skeletal, forming a frame including a plurality of through holes. Thus, liquid supplied to the cavity may easily drain from basket body402. An interior of basket body402may have a plurality of curved or filleted intersection points. For instance, a junction of each of the plurality of sidewalls and floor412may be curved or filleted to induce water and debris to flow toward the lattice structure of floor412, increasing drainage.

According to at least one embodiment, basket body402may include a base414. Base414may extend from a bottom of floor412(e.g., along the vertical direction V). Accordingly, base414may be considered an extension of floor412. Further, floor412may define a first perimeter. The first perimeter may be an outer edge of floor412. Base414may define a second perimeter. The second perimeter may be an outer edge of base414. According to at least one embodiment, the first perimeter is larger than the second perimeter. Thus, an overhang or undercut424may be formed between the perimeter of floor412and one or more sidewalls of base414(e.g., as a bottom of the plurality of sidewalls forming the cavity). Advantageously, a user may easily grab basket assembly400via the overhang424.

Base414and floor412may together define a grate or grating as a bottom of basket body402. For instance, a plurality of intersecting vertical walls may form the grate (e.g., as seen inFIG.9). The gaps formed between the intersecting walls may have a predetermined cross-section width such that certain larger items (e.g., food items) placed within the cavity do not fall through floor412. In some embodiments, the predetermined cross-section width of each gap is between about ¾″ and about ½″. Thus, water and small debris may be flushed through floor412and base414while larger items remain within basket body402.

The first and second lateral sidewalls404,406may be longer than the first and second transverse sidewalls408,410. It should be understood that the reference to “lateral” and “transverse” are for description purposes only, and that the orientation of the sidewalls may be adjusted according to specific embodiments. The first and second lateral sidewalls404,406may be longer than the first and second transverse sidewalls408,410. Thus, a transverse length407may be longer than a lateral length411of basket body402.

Each of first and second transverse sidewalls408,410may include an aperture416formed therein. With reference toFIG.8, first transverse sidewall408will be described. It should be understood that the description applies to second transverse sidewall410as well. Aperture416may be predominantly oval shaped and may be formed through first transverse sidewall408(e.g., along the transverse direction). Aperture416may be generally centrally located on first transverse sidewall408(e.g., along the lateral direction L). Aperture416may be configured to selectively receive a latch bar (described in more detail below).

Basket body402may include one or more receiving bosses418. For instance, the one or more receiving bosses418may protrude from floor412along the vertical direction V (e.g., within the cavity formed by the plurality of sidewalls). Hereinafter, a single receiving boss418will be described with the understanding that the description applies to each receiving boss418. In detail, receiving boss418may be configured to fit over spray tine362of variable jet assembly300. Thus, a diameter of receiving boss418may be larger than a diameter of spray tine362. Moreover, receiving boss418may form a through hole allowing the cavity of basket body402to fluidly communicate with an external space (e.g., chamber106). For instance, with reference toFIG.9, each of the plurality of receiving bosses418may form an inlet419defined in base414. Thus, spray tine362may penetrate floor412via inlet419.

Receiving boss418may include a base portion4181and a sleeve portion4182. As described above, receiving boss418may selectively receive spray tine362therein (e.g., in the installed position). In some embodiments, spray tine362includes a taper at or near a bottom portion thereof. In detail, a diameter of spray tine362may be wider at a bottom or base portion (e.g., connected to base360). Accordingly, a diameter (or width) of base portion4181of receiving boss418may be larger than a diameter (or width) of sleeve portion4182. As shown inFIG.7, base portion may be provided in base414of basket body402. Base portion4181may be integral with base414, or may be a separate piece attached to base414. Base portion4181may be predominantly cylindrical in shape. However, base portion4181may have any suitable shape so as to accommodate spray tine362therein.

Sleeve portion4182may extend from base portion4181(e.g., along the vertical direction V). As shown inFIG.7, sleeve portion may be provided above base portion4181along the vertical direction V, within the cavity of basket body402. As described above, the diameter or width of sleeve portion4182may be less than the diameter or width of base portion4181. In some embodiments, the extension length of sleeve portion4182is approximately equal to the extension length of spray tine362. Additionally or alternatively, the extension length of sleeve portion4182may be less than or greater than the extension length of spray tine362.

Receiving boss418may have an axial length extending into the cavity of basket body402. Referring briefly toFIG.7, the axial length may be parallel to the vertical direction V. A base of receiving boss418may be provided within base414. Receiving boss418may thus extend upward into the cavity. For example, the extending height421of receiving boss418may be between about 45% and about 55% of a total height401of basket assembly400. Accordingly, the entire height of spray tine362may be received within receiving boss418(e.g., within sleeve portion4182). Additionally or alternatively, receiving boss418may form an outlet420opposite inlet419. For instance, outlet420may be defined at a top of receiving boss418along the vertical direction V. In detail, outlet420may be defined at the top of sleeve portion4182. Water or liquid dispensed from spray tine362may exit receiving boss418via outlet420. Moreover, the top of sleeve portion4182(e.g., outlet420) may be horizontally flat. Accordingly, the water or liquid dispensed from spray tine362may be dispensed along the vertical direction V.

As described above, a plurality of receiving bosses418may be provided. According to one example, e.g., as shown inFIG.7, four receiving bosses418are provided. Thus, each of the spray tines362may be accepted within a respective receiving boss418. However, more or fewer receiving bosses418may be incorporated as certain embodiments dictate. Further, the plurality of receiving bosses418may be spaced evenly apart within the cavity of basket body402. For instance, the plurality of receiving bosses418may be spaced apart along the transverse direction T. Additionally or alternatively, the extending height421of receiving boss418may vary according to specific embodiments. For instance, the extending height421of receiving boss418may be less than about 45% of the total height401or may be greater than about 55% of the total height401. Moreover, each of the receiving bosses418may have a different height. It should be understood that variations to the height and number of receiving bosses418is within the scope of the present disclosure.

Basket assembly400may include a lid430selectively coupled to basket body402. With reference toFIGS.6through8, an exemplary embodiment of lid430will be described. Lid430may be removably coupled to basket body402. For instance, lid430may include a pair of latch bars432extending along the vertical direction V (e.g., when lid430is attached to basket body402).FIG.8shows lid430in a detached position, placed upside-down next to basket body402. Hereinafter, a single latch bar432will be described in detail with the understanding that the description will apply to each latch bar432.

Lid430may include one or more concave domes (or dome features)440formed therein. For instance, with reference toFIGS.6and7, concave dome440is formed into lid430above receiving boss418along the vertical direction V. According to at least one example, concave dome440is concave upward along the vertical direction V (e.g., such that a portion of lid430is concave when viewed from receiving boss418). When water or liquid is dispensed from spray tine362and exits outlet420of receiving boss418, the relatively powerful jet may strike concave dome440and disperse throughout the cavity of basket body402. Advantageously, food items or other delicate items placed within the cavity may not be damaged by water jets but be gently bathed in a low velocity shower of water from concave dome440. In detail, concave dome440may in effect create a cascade of water that falls over a greater area within basket body402. The water may thus be more dispersed over a greater area as compared to a jet, offering more rinsing ability. The number of concave domes440may be equal to the number of receiving bosses418, such that each receiving boss418is positioned beneath a concave dome440.

The spherical concavity of concave dome440may vary according to embodiments. For instance, concave dome440may have a constant spherical arc therethrough. Additionally or alternatively, a concave dome440may form a varying spherical arc. In some embodiments, concave dome440is concave downward along the vertical direction V (e.g., convex toward receiving boss418). In still other embodiments, concave dome440includes a flat portion at a top dead center thereof. It should be understood that minor variations to the design and construction of concave dome440is within the purview of this disclosure.

Lid430may further include one or more apertures formed therethrough. In detail, similar to basket body402(e.g., the plurality of sidewalls), lid430may have a lattice structure (or skeletal structure) such that water or liquid may easily exit basket body402. As shown inFIG.6, some of the apertures may extend through concave dome440. Thus, some of the water or liquid dispensed from spray tine362and receiving boss418may pass through the apertures (e.g., apertures formed within concave dome440). Accordingly, items placed within basket assembly400may not be flooded or damaged from oversaturation.

As described above, the pair of latch bars432may extend along the vertical direction V from lid430. According to this embodiment, latch bar432extends from a transverse end of lid430. As shown inFIG.8, latch bar432may extend a predetermined distance from lid430. Latch bar432may be configured to interact with aperture416of first transverse sidewall408(and/or second transverse sidewall410).

In detail, latch bar432may include a latch434at a distal end thereof. Latch434may be shaped commensurate to aperture416. For example, when aperture416is predominantly oval shaped, latch434is also predominantly oval shaped. Accordingly, when lid is latched to basket body402, latch434may be selectively inserted into aperture416to couple lid430to basket body402. Latch bar432may be flexible (e.g., relative to lid430). In detail, a user may press latch434toward an interior of basket body402(e.g., the cavity of basket body402) to selectively release lid430from basket body402. Therefore, lid430may be selectively removed completely from basket body402. As mentioned above, each of the pair of latch bars432may include a latch434, as would be understood.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will not be discussed with reference toFIGS.10through12. Like features will be referred to with like reference numerals, with the differences pointed out herein. According to another exemplary embodiment, basket assembly400includes the basket body402. Basket body402includes the plurality of sidewalls including first and second lateral sidewalls404,406, and first and second transverse sidewalls408,410, as well as floor412. Similar to the above-described embodiment, each of the plurality of sidewalls and floor412may have a lattice or skeletal structure including a plurality of apertures through which water or liquid main drain. One or more receiving bosses418may extend from floor412. According to the embodiment, two receiving bosses418are formed. Receiving bosses418are similar to those described above, and thus a repeat description will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

Basket assembly400may include a lid450. Lid450may be rotatably attached to basket body402. For instance, lid450may include one or more hinges456provided on a lateral edge thereof. Hereinafter, a single hinge456will be described with the understanding that the description applies to each hinge456. Hinge456may be selectively attached to first or second lateral sidewall404,406. For instance, hinge456may be a clip extending from lid450along the vertical direction V. The clip may be C-shaped and may curl about the lateral edge of lid450. Accordingly, hinge456may be selectively coupled to a lattice feature of first or second lateral sidewall404,406. In detail, hinge456may partially wrap around the lattice feature to allow lid450to rotate with respect to the lattice feature. In some implementations, the partial wrap allows lid450to be easily removed from basket body402, e.g., to avoid basket assembly400from tipping over when empty.

Lid450may include a pair of latch bars452. According to the embodiment, each of the pair of latch bars452may extend from a lateral edge of lid450(i.e., an opposite lateral edge from a location of hinge456). As shown inFIG.10, the pair of latch bars452may be spaced apart along the transverse direction T. Further, each of the pair of latch bars452may extend downward along the vertical direction V (e.g., when the lid is in an attached position). Thus, a user may detach each of the plurality of latches452to rotate lid450with respect to basket body402, thereby allowing access to a cavity formed by the plurality of sidewalls. Hereinafter, a single latch bar452will be described.

Latch bar452may include a latch454. Latch454may be a protrusion protruding from a distal end of latch bar452, e.g., toward basket body402. For instance, latch454may have a triangular cross section (e.g., along the transverse direction T). A top end458of latch454may extend further toward basket body402from latch bar452than a bottom end450of latch454. Thus, when lid450is moved toward the attached position, latch454may ramp over a lattice feature of one of the plurality of sidewalls e.g., second lateral sidewall406, and snap into an aperture formed through second lateral sidewall406. To unhook latch454from the aperture, the user may pull latch bar452away from second lateral sidewall406and rotate lid450about hinge456.

The basket assembly described herein provides a way to easily rinse vegetables or other delicate items within a dishwashing appliance, particularly utilizing vertical spray tines. The basket may include a plurality of lattice walls to allow fluid to easily drain therefrom. The basket may be easily removable from the dishwashing appliance so as to move the basket from the dishwashing assembly to a sink or to a refrigerator appliance. The basket may include one or more receiving bosses formed therein. The receiving bosses may selectively receive spray tines (e.g., vertical spray tines) therein, through which water may be dispensed. The basket assembly may include a lid having one or more domes or dome features. The dome features may be concave and may be positioned above the receiving bosses (for example, one dome per receiving boss). Accordingly, water dispensed from the spray tines via the receiving bosses may contact the domes. The water may then be dispersed throughout an interior of the basket assembly to gently rinse items within the basket. A first lid may be removable from a basket body via a push button latch on either end of the basket. A second lid may be rotatable with respect to the basket body. Advantageously, delicate items and food such as vegetables may be easily and thoroughly cleaned without suffering damage from high pressure water jets.