Dishwasher rack clip

A clip is provided for mounting in a dishwasher rack to hold objects to be washed. The clip includes a base having opposite ends with an opening adjacent each end so that the clip can be mounted on at least a pair of rack tines. At least one resilient tab extends upwardly from the base and is adapted to retain a cup or other object in the rack. Mounting the clip on at least a pair of tines provides strength and stability for the clip.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of clips and article retainers are well known for use in dishwasher racks to hold objects to be washed. Such clips and retainers typically mount onto one of the wire members on the bottom or sides of the rack, or on one of the upstanding tines in the rack. The tine mounted clips have a problem with stability, since the clip is mounted on a single tine. Also, a clip that is snap fit onto a single tine can be accidentally disengaged from the tine by excessive force, since there is no lateral support for the clip.

Therefore, a primary objective of the present invention is an improved clip for use on a dishwasher rack to hold objects to be washed.

Another objective of the present invention is the provision of an improved clip for a dishwasher rack wherein the clip is mounted on a pair of tines so as to provide stability and lateral support for the clip.

A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a dishwasher rack clip having a pair of upwardly extending resilient tabs each being adapted to retain an object to be washed.

A further objective of the present invention is the provision of an improved dishwasher rack clip which is quick and easy to install.

Another objective of the present invention is the provision of an improved dishwasher rack clip which is economical to manufacture and durable in use.

These and other objectives will become apparent from the following description of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The dishwasher rack clip of the present invention includes a base adapted to mount onto a pair of upstanding tines of the dishwasher rack, and a pair of resilient tabs extend upwardly from the base, with each tab being adapted to retain or restrain an article to be washed in the rack. The base includes a pair of C-shaped mounting members for receiving the tines, and a web extending between the mounting members. The tabs are S-shaped and have laterally offset upper and lower ends. The base and tabs are formed so as to have an integral construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A dishwasher is generally designated by the reference numeral 10 in the drawings. The dishwasher 10 includes a washing chamber 12 , and a door 14 movable between open and closed positions relative to the washing chamber 12 . The dishwasher 10 includes an upper rack 16 and a lower rack 18 mounted in the washing chamber 12 for holding objects to be washed.

The construction of the dishwasher 10 and the racks 16 , 18 is conventional, and does not constitute a part of the present invention.

The present invention is directed towards a rack clip 20 , which is sometimes referred to in the industry as a cup clip. The clip 20 includes a base 22 and a pair of upwardly extending resilient tabs 24 . The base 22 has a pair of mounting members 26 , 27 and a web 28 extending between the mounting members 26 , 27 .

The mounting members 26 , 27 define openings 34 which are adapted to retentively engage a pair of generally upwardly extending tines 36 in either of the racks 16 , 18 . In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-9 , the openings 34 of the mounting members 26 , 27 extend in the same lateral directions. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-16 , the openings 34 A of the mounting members 26 A, 27 A extend in the opposite lateral direction for mounting the clip 20 A to the tines 36 . The mounting members 26 , 26 A are preferably in the form of a hook to hook around a tine 36 , while the mounting member 27 , 27 A are C-shaped to snap fit onto a tine 36 . The hook 26 , 26 A allows for variations in the spacing between tines 36 . Mounting the clips 20 , 20 A to at least a pair of generally upwardly extending tines 36 enhance the lateral stability of the clips 20 , 20 A. The web 28 also increases the strength and stability of the clips 20 , 20 A.

It is understood that the mounting members 26 , 27 , 26 A, 27 A may take other forms without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the mounting members may be an O-shaped circular ring adapted to fit over the tines 36 , or hinged members to fasten around the tines. Also, both ends may be C-shaped snap fit members, similar to the mounting members 27 , 27 A with a flexible web 28 to allow for variation in the spacing of the tines 36 . Yet another embodiment (not shown) would incorporate multiple mounting members similar to 26 , 26 A, 27 , 27 A attaching to at least three generally upwardly extending tines 36 with at least two webs 28 connecting the mounting members. This embodiment would have at least one tab 24 .

The tabs 24 extend from the mounting members 26 , 27 , 26 A, 27 A. The tabs 24 generally are S-shaped to substantially match the angular profile of the tines. Thus, each of the tabs 24 has a reverse-curve profile.

In use, the clips 20 , 20 A can be quickly and easily mounted on a pair of tines 36 in either the upper rack 16 or the lower rack 18 of the dishwasher. An object, such as a cup or glass, can then be fit on each tab 24 , such that each clip 20 , 20 A is adapted to retain two objects for washing. Alternatively, a single object can be located for retention between both tabs 24 and associated tines 36 . The clips 20 , 20 A can also be quickly removed from the tines 36 , if desired. Preferably, the clips 20 , 20 A are molded, such that the base 22 and tabs 24 are integrally formed.