Low profile rack and wash assembly for dishwasher

A dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation can include a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber receiving dishes for treatment, a spray system providing treating liquid to the treating chamber, a low profile dish rack located in the tub and having a bottom wall and at least a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, with a depending portion extending downwardly from the bottom wall and oriented at an angle to the bottom wall to define an incline angle, and at least one spray tube carried by the dish rack and located below the bottom wall, the spray tube having nozzles emitting spray into the depending portion.

BACKGROUND

Household dishwashers typically include one or more dish racks for holding various types of dishes in the dishwasher tub. Traditionally, a dishwasher includes an upper rack that holds glassware and small dishes, and a lower rack that holds larger dishes, such as plates. These two dish racks usually consume most of the space inside the dishwasher tub. Some dishwashers can also include a third dish rack, often for silverware or other low profile utensils.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation, the dishwasher including a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber receiving dishes for treatment, a spray system providing treating liquid to the treating chamber, a dish rack located in the tub and having a bottom wall and at least a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, with a depending portion extending downwardly from the bottom wall to define a nook below the bottom wall and the depending portion is oriented at an angle to the bottom wall to define an incline angle, and at least one spray tube carried by the dish rack and located within the nook below the bottom wall, the spray tube having nozzles emitting spray into the depending portion, wherein the dish rack has a low profile with the height of the side wall being less than the height of the depending portion.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a dishwasher for treating dishes according to an automatic cycle of operation, the dishwasher including a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber receiving dishes for treatment, a spray system providing treating liquid to the treating chamber, a low profile dish rack located in the tub and having a bottom wall and at least a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, with a depending portion extending downwardly from the bottom wall and oriented at an angle to the bottom wall to define an incline angle, and at least one spray tube carried by the dish rack and located below the bottom wall, the spray tube having a non-circular cross-sectional shape having nozzles emitting spray into the depending portion.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of an exemplary automated dishwasher10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The dishwasher10shares many features of a conventional automated dishwasher, which will not be described in detail herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of the invention. While the present invention is described in terms of a conventional dishwashing unit, it can also be implemented in other types of dishwashing units, such as in-sink dishwashers, multi-tub dishwashers, or drawer-type dishwashers. A chassis12can define an interior of the dishwasher10and can include a frame, with or without panels mounted to the frame. For built-in dishwashers, outer panels are typically not needed. For dishwashers that are not built into existing cabinetry, the chassis12can include the panels mounted to the frame to form a cabinet for the dishwasher10. An open-faced tub14can be provided within the interior of and mounted to the chassis12and can at least partially define a treating chamber16for washing or otherwise treating dishes. The open face of the tub14defines an access opening for the treating chamber16.

A closure element, such as a door assembly18, can be movably mounted to the dishwasher10for movement between opened and closed positions to selectively open and close the treating chamber access opening defined by the open face of the tub14. Thus, the door assembly18provides accessibility to the treating chamber16for the loading and unloading of dishes or other washable items. It should be appreciated that the door assembly18can be secured to the lower front edge of the chassis12or to the lower front edge of the tub14via a hinge assembly (not shown) configured to pivot the door assembly18. When the door assembly18is closed, user access to the treating chamber16can be prevented, whereas user access to the treating chamber16can be permitted when the door assembly18is open. Alternatively, the closure element can be slidable relative to the chassis12, such as in a drawer-type dishwasher, wherein the access opening for the treating chamber16is formed by an open-top tub. Other configurations of the closure element relative to the chassis12and the tub14are also within the scope of the invention.

Dish holders, illustrated in the form of upper, middle, and lower dish racks20,22,24, can be located within the treating chamber16and receive dishes for treatment, such as washing. The upper, middle, and lower racks20,22,24are typically mounted for slidable movement in and out of the treating chamber16for ease of loading and unloading. Other dish holders can be provided, such as a silverware basket, separate from or combined with the upper, middle, and lower racks20,22,24. As used in this description, the term “dish(es)” is intended to be generic to any item, single or plural, that may be treated in the dishwasher10, including, without limitation, dishes, plates, pots, bowls, pans, glassware, and silverware. While the dishwasher10is illustrated herein as having three dish racks20,22,24, it will be understood that any suitable number and configuration of dish racks is also within the scope of the invention.

A spray system can be provided for spraying liquid in the treating chamber16and may be provided in the form of, for example, an upper spray assembly26, a middle spray assembly28, and a lower spray assembly30. The upper spray assembly26, the middle spray assembly28, and the lower spray assembly30are located, respectively, above the upper rack assembly20, beneath the middle rack assembly22, and beneath the lower rack assembly24and are illustrated as rotating spray arms by example but are not limited to such positions and sprayer type. The spray system can further include a rack spray assembly32coupled to the upper dish rack20; the rack spray assembly32will be discussed in further detail below. Furthermore, the spray system can include additional and/or alternative spray assemblies. For example, a distribution header or spray manifold can be located at the rear of the tub14at any vertical position. An exemplary spray manifold is set forth in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,594,513, issued Sep. 29, 2009, and titled “Multiple Wash Zone Dishwasher,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

A recirculation system can be provided for recirculating liquid from the treating chamber16to the spray system. The recirculation system can include a sump34and a pump assembly36. The sump34collects the liquid sprayed in the treating chamber16and can be formed by a sloped or recess portion of a bottom wall of the tub14. The pump assembly36can include both a drain pump38and a recirculation pump40. The drain pump38can draw liquid from the sump34and pump the liquid out of the dishwasher10to a household drain line (not shown). The recirculation pump40can draw liquid from the sump34, and the liquid can be simultaneously or selectively pumped through a supply conduit or tube42to each of the spray assemblies26,28,30,32for selective spraying. The liquid supply tube42extends along a wall of the tub14and fluidly connect the pump assembly36to the spray assemblies26,28,30,32. While not shown, a liquid supply system can include a water supply conduit coupled with a household water supply for supplying water to the treating chamber16.

While the pump assembly36is illustrated herein as having separate drain and recirculation pumps38,40, in an alternative embodiment, the pump assembly36can include a single pump configured to selectively supply wash liquid to either the spray system or the drain line, such as by configuring the pump to rotate in opposite directions, or by providing a suitable valve system.

A heating system including a heater44can be located, for example, within the sump34for heating the liquid contained in the sump34. The heater44can also heat air contained in the treating chamber16. Alternatively, a separate heating element (not shown) can be provided for heating the air circulated through the treating chamber16. A filtering system (not shown) can be fluidly coupled with the recirculation flow path for filtering the recirculated liquid.

A control system including a controller46can also be included in the dishwasher10, which can be operably coupled with various components of the dishwasher10to implement a cycle of operation. The controller46can be located within the door assembly18as illustrated, or it can alternatively be located somewhere within the chassis12. The controller46can also be operably coupled with a control panel or user interface48for receiving user-selected inputs and communicating information to the user. The user interface48can include operational controls such as dials, lights, switches, and displays enabling a user to input commands, such as a cycle of operation, to the controller46and receive information.

As illustrated schematically inFIG. 2, the controller46can be coupled with the heater44for heating the wash liquid during a cycle of operation, the drain pump38for draining liquid from the treating chamber16, and the recirculation pump40for recirculating the wash liquid during the cycle of operation. The controller46can be provided with a memory50and a central processing unit (CPU)52. The memory50can be used for storing control software that can be executed by the CPU52in completing an automatic cycle of operation using the dishwasher10and any additional software. For example, the memory50can store one or more pre-programmed cycles of operation that can be selected by a user and completed by the dishwasher10. A cycle of operation for the dishwasher10can include one or more of the following steps: a wash step, a rinse step, and a drying step. The wash step can further include a pre-wash step and a main wash step. The rinse step can also include multiple steps such as one or more additional rinsing steps performed in addition to a first rinsing. The amounts of water and/or rinse aid used during each of the multiple rinse steps can be varied. The drying step can have a non-heated drying step (so called “air only”), a heated drying step or a combination thereof. These multiple steps can also be performed by the dishwasher10in any desired combination.

The controller46can also receive input from one or more sensors54. Non-limiting examples of sensors that can be communicably coupled with the controller46include a temperature sensor and turbidity sensor to determine the soil load associated with a selected grouping of dishes, such as the dishes associated with a particular area of the treating chamber16.

The dishwasher10can include all of the above exemplary systems, a selection of the above exemplary systems, and/or other systems not listed above as desired. Further, some of the systems can be combined with other systems and/or can share components with other systems. Examples of other systems that the dishwasher can further include are a dispensing system that supplies one or more treating agents or chemistries to the treating chamber16and an air supply system that can provide air, which can be heated or not heated, to the treating chamber16, such as for drying and/or cooling the dishes. An exemplary air supply system is set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/959,673, filed Dec. 3, 2010 and published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0138106 on Jun. 7, 2012, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIG. 3illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary upper rack assembly120with at least one rotatable sprayer132according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The upper rack assembly120can be constructed of a wire frame forming opposing side walls122, front wall124, rear wall126, and a bottom wall128that together define an open-top holding compartment130with the side walls122, front wall124, and rear wall126extending upwardly from the bottom wall128. While the bottom wall128is illustrated as flat, the bottom wall128can have a constant profile or can have a varied profile comprising any combination of inclined, curved, or flat sections or plurality of sections. The varying profile can be utilized to support various dishes as will be described in more detail below. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of supports such as panels, tines, or other structures, can extend upwardly from the bottom wall128and/or the side walls122, or the front and rear walls124,126to support various dish items, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a short tumbler133and a tall tumbler134(FIG. 4).

The upper rack assembly120can be particularly configured to hold drinking vessels or other low profile items, such as, for example, tall and short tumblers, including old fashioned glasses and highballs, stemware, such as wine glasses,martiniglasses, and tulip and saucer champagne glasses, snifters, goblets, bottles, mugs, bowls, containers, and the like, which are hereinafter referred to as “dish items” with it being understand that “dish items” includes those exemplary dishes listed above in addition to others not listed herein. The dish items can be made of any suitable material, including glass, ceramics, plastic, and metals and are not limited to glass materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper rack assembly120can be located near the top of the tub14as the uppermost dish rack in the tub14, which is commonly provided as a low profile rack compared to the other, lower dish racks, because the low profile rack can be sized to hold silverware on its edge. However, it will be understood that the upper rack assembly120need not be the uppermost dish rack in the tub14and is only heretofore and hereinafter referred to as “upper” for convenience.

The upper rack assembly120can be equipped with the at least one rotatable sprayer132adapted to provide treating liquid to dish items placed on the upper rack assembly120. Each of the at least one rotatable sprayers132can be selectively rotatable about an axis of rotation136. The axis of rotation136can be parallel to the bottom wall128. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotatable sprayer132includes a body in the form of a rod that has a longitudinal axis, which is the longitudinal axis of rotation136about which the rotatable sprayer132is selectively rotatable. While the sprayers132are illustrated herein as being rotatable, it will be understood that the sprayers132are not required to be rotatable.

Rotation of the rotatable sprayer132can be driven by a single drive mechanism that is coupled directly to the rotatable sprayer132. It will also be understood that rotations of a plurality of rotatable sprayers132can be driven concurrently by a single unified drive mechanism that can control the rotation of multiple rotatable sprayers132by the use of, for example, a series of gears that connects the rotatable sprayers132and drives them all to rotate in parallel. The mechanism of actuator for driving the rotation of the rotatable sprayers132, either in series or individually, can be any suitable driving mechanism, non-limiting examples of which include an electric or hydraulic motor selectively operable to directly drive rotation of one or more rotatable sprayers132or a gear assembly, which could be provided in the form of a worm gear assembly, spur gears, etc.

The rotatable sprayers132can be carried by the upper rack assembly120and located below the bottom wall128and can be fixedly mounted to the upper rack assembly120for movement therewith when the upper rack assembly120is slid relative to the tub14, as illustrated, or the rotatable sprayers132can be fixedly mounted to the tub14so as to retain its position relative to the tub14upon movement of the upper rack assembly120. In the former case, the rotatable sprayers132can dock with the supply tube42(FIG. 1) or other structure of the liquid supply and/or recirculation systems when the upper rack assembly120is slid to its most rearward position in the tub14to establish fluid communication with the liquid supply and/or recirculation systems. By example, the illustrated rotatable sprayers132include a connector96located at the rear end of the rotatable sprayers132and adapted to mate or dock with a receiver98in the tub14. The receiver98can be mounted at the rear of the tub14, such as to the supply tube42(FIG. 1), or in any other suitable location.

The rotatable sprayers132have been illustrated in the form of a rod or tube sprayer, but it will be understood that the rotatable sprayers132can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as, by way of non-limiting example, circular, oval, hexagonal, trapezoidal, etc. A plurality of spray nozzles138that collectively form an outlet of the rotatable sprayer132can also be included along at least a portion of a length of the tube. The spray nozzles138can be positioned to spray treating liquid onto the dish items contained within the holding compartment130of the upper rack assembly120. The spray nozzles138can be provided along the length of the rotatable sprayer132in any suitable configuration, which can be linear or non-linear. By rotating the rotatable sprayer132, treating liquid can be sprayed in multiple spray angles and trajectories from a single one of the plurality of spray nozzles138. The nozzles138can be provided on the surface of the rotatable sprayer132, or they can be indented or recessed into the surface of the rotatable sprayer132. The volume and velocity of the treating liquid emitted from the spray nozzles138can be based on the type of dish item contained within the upper rack assembly120, can be generic for all types of dish items, and/or can be variable from one treating cycle of operation to another and/or within a single treating cycle of operation. Additionally, the spray nozzles138can spray liquid alternately (e.g., between rows—one row at a time wherein the rows are sequenced on and off, within rows—sets of nozzles138within a row sequenced on and off, where a set refers to any suitable number of nozzles138, including only one nozzle138), continuously, and/or intermittently.

FIG. 4illustrates a front view of the upper rack assembly120and the at least one rotatable sprayer132. The bottom wall128of the upper rack assembly120can include a depending portion142that depends downwardly from the bottom wall128and is oriented at an angle relative to the bottom wall128to define an incline angle. While the remaining portion of the bottom wall128, outside of the depending portion142, is illustrated herein as being substantially horizontal, it will be understood that the bottom wall128need not be horizontal or flat, but can have other shapes or profiles. By way of non-limiting example, the bottom wall128can accommodate low profile dish items such as utensils, serving spoons, or a silverware basket144. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper rack assembly120can be a low profile dish rack assembly, such that the vertical height of the depending portion142is greater than the height of the side walls122of the upper rack assembly120. Additionally, the height of the side walls122can be selected to be commensurate with a low profile utensil, such as a spoon or a spatula, placed on its side on the bottom wall128.

In an exemplary embodiment, the depending portion142comprises two side walls, an outer side wall146and an inner side wall148, as well as a sprayer supporting portion150extending downwardly from the inner side wall148, and a curved support portion147provided between the outer and inner side walls146,148. The outer and inner side walls146,148can be provided at any angled suitable for supporting items to be washed, such as the short tumbler133and tall tumbler134. While the curved support portion147is illustrated herein as having an inverted u-shape, it will be understood that any suitable curved profile is acceptable such that the curved support portion147can provide support for items to be washed and can accommodate the rotatable sprayer132. The angle and relative positions of the outer and inner side walls146,148and the curved support portion147can be selected to optimize the angle at which treating liquid is sprayed from the rotatable sprayers132into dish items provided on the upper rack assembly120, and specifically the depending portion142. Further, at least the depending portion142, or the depending portion142together with the bottom wall128can define a nook located vertically below the bottom wall128within which the rotatable sprayer132can be located. By way of non-limiting example, the nook can be formed by the curved support portion147, the sprayer supporting portion150, or the incline angle of the depending portion142relative to the bottom wall128.

Another rotatable sprayer132can be accommodated within the sprayer supporting portion150such that the wires of the upper rack assembly120are provided about the rotatable sprayer132. In an exemplary embodiment, both the rotatable sprayers132accommodated within either the curved support portion147or the sprayer supporting portion150are provided vertically at or above the lowermost point of the depending portion142such that the rotatable sprayers132are provided within the vertical height of the upper rack assembly120, rather than exterior to the vertical height of the upper rack assembly120. More specifically, the rotatable sprayers132can be provided within the vertical height of the depending portion142. By way of non-limiting example, one rotatable sprayer132can be provided within the vertical height of the curved support portion while the other rotatable sprayer132can be provided within the vertical height of the sprayer supporting portion150, such that neither of the rotatable sprayers132requires additional vertical space beyond the height of the upper rack assembly120. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotatable sprayer132provided within the curved support portion147can provide treating liquid to dishes placed within the depending portion142, while the rotatable sprayer132provided within the sprayer supporting portion150can provide treating liquid to dishes placed on the bottom wall128.

FIG. 5illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary upper rack assembly220and sprayer232according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The upper rack assembly220can be constructed of a wire frame forming opposing side walls222, front wall224, rear wall226, and a bottom wall228that together define an open-top holding compartment230. The bottom wall228can have a varied configuration comprising any combination of inclined, curved, or flat sections or plurality of sections. The varying profile can be utilized to support various dishes as will be described in more detail below. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of supports such as panels, tines, or other structures, can extend upwardly from the bottom wall228and/or the side walls222, or the front and rear walls224,226to support various dish items, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a tumbler234(FIG. 6).

The upper rack assembly220can be particularly configured to hold drinking vessels or other low profile items, such as, for example, tall and short tumblers, including old fashioned glasses, rocks glasses, and highballs, stemware, such as wine glasses,martiniglasses, and tulip and saucer champagne glasses, snifters, goblets, bottles, mugs, bowls, containers, and the like, which are hereinafter referred to as “dish items” with it being understand that “dish items” includes those exemplary dishes listed above in addition to others not listed herein. The dish items can be made of any suitable material, including glass, ceramics, plastic, and metals and are not limited to glass materials. While the upper rack assembly220can be located near the top of the tub14, the upper rack assembly220need not be the uppermost dish rack in the tub14and is only heretofore and hereinafter referred to as “upper” for convenience.

The upper rack assembly220can be equipped with the sprayer232adapted to provide treating liquid to dish items placed on the upper rack assembly220. The sprayer232can be provided as a static tube, though it will be understood that the sprayer232can also be rotatable. The sprayer232can be carried by the upper rack assembly220and located below the bottom wall228and can be fixedly mounted to the upper rack assembly220for movement therewith when the upper rack assembly220is slid relative to the tub14, as illustrated, or the sprayer232can be fixedly mounted to the tub14so as to retain its position relative to the tub14upon movement of the upper rack assembly220. In the former case, the sprayer232can dock with the supply tube42(FIG. 1) or other structure of the liquid supply and/or recirculation systems when the upper rack assembly220is slid to its most rearward position in the tub14to establish fluid communication with the liquid supply and/or recirculation systems. By example, the illustrated sprayer232includes a connector96located at the rear end of the spray tube90and adapted to mate or dock with a receiver98in the tub14. The receiver98can be mounted at the rear of the tub14, such as to the supply tube42(FIG. 1), or in any other suitable location. While the upper rack assembly220is illustrated herein as containing one sprayer232, it will be understood that any suitable number of sprayers232can be provided with the upper rack assembly220.

The sprayer232has been illustrated in the form of a rod or tube sprayer, but it will be understood that the sprayer232can have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as, by way of non-limiting example, circular, oval, hexagonal, trapezoidal, etc, as will be discussed in more detail below. A plurality of spray nozzles238A,238B that collectively form an outlet of the sprayer232can also be included along at least a portion of a length of the tube. The spray nozzles238A,238B can be positioned to spray treating liquid onto the dish items contained within the holding compartment230of the upper rack assembly220. The spray nozzles238A,238B can be provided along the length of the sprayer232in any suitable configuration, which can be linear or non-linear. The nozzles238A,238B can be provided on the surface of the sprayer232, or they can be indented or recessed into the surface of the sprayer232. The volume and velocity of the treating liquid emitted from the spray nozzles238A,238B can be based on the type of dish item contained within the upper rack assembly220, can be generic for all types of dish items, and/or can be variable from one treating cycle of operation to another and/or within a single treating cycle of operation. Additionally, the spray nozzles238A,238B can spray liquid alternately (e.g., between rows—one row at a time wherein the rows are sequenced on and off, within rows—sets of nozzles238A,238B within a row sequenced on and off, where a set refers to any suitable number of nozzles238A,238B, including only one nozzle238A,238B), continuously, and/or intermittently.

FIG. 6illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the upper rack assembly220and sprayer232. The bottom wall228of the upper rack assembly220can include a depending portion242that depends downwardly from the bottom wall228and is oriented at an angle relative to the bottom wall228to define an incline angle. While the remaining portion of the bottom wall228, outside of the depending portion242, is illustrated herein as being substantially horizontal, it will be understood that the bottom wall228need not be horizontal or flat, but can have other shapes or profiles. By way of non-limiting example, the bottom wall228can accommodate low profile dish items such as utensils, serving spoons, or a silverware basket. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper rack assembly220can be a low profile dish rack assembly, such that the vertical height of the depending portion242is greater than the height of the side walls222of the upper rack assembly220. Additionally, the height of the side walls222can be selected to be commensurate with a low profile utensil, such as a spoon or a spatula, placed on its side on the bottom wall228.

In an exemplary embodiment, the depending portion242comprises two side walls, an outer side wall246and an inner side wall248. The inner side wall248can include a detent250for supporting dish items such that the opening of the dish items is oriented toward the sprayer232. The outer and inner side walls246,248can be provided at any angled suitable for supporting items to be washed, such as the tumbler244. The angle and relative positions of the outer and inner side walls246,248can be selected to optimize the angle at which treating liquid is sprayed from the sprayer232into dish items provided on the upper rack assembly220, and specifically the depending portion242. The sprayer232can be provided vertically at or above the lowermost point of the depending portion242, such that the sprayer232is provided within the vertical height of the upper rack assembly220, rather than exterior to the vertical height of the upper rack assembly220. More specifically, the sprayer232can be provided within the vertical height of the depending portion242. Further, at least the depending portion242, or the depending portion242together with the bottom wall228can define a nook located vertically below the bottom wall228within which the sprayer232can be located. By way of non-limiting example, the nook can be formed by the incline angle of the depending portion242relative to the bottom wall228.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sprayer232can have a non-circular cross-sectional shape as shown inFIG. 6. Such a cross-sectional shape can allow for appropriate distribution of the treating liquid through the nozzles238A,238B. By way of non-limiting example, the nozzles238A can be provided on a portion, or a first face, of the sprayer232such that treating liquid exiting the nozzles238A is sprayed as a jet252, such as by stream nozzles, into dish items placed on the depending portion242, though it will be understood that other liquid spray patterns, such as a fan spray, are also contemplated. The nozzles238B can be provided on a different portion, or a second face at a different orientation from the first face, of the sprayer232than the nozzles238A, such that treating liquid exiting the nozzles238B is sprayed as a fan254(FIG. 7), such as by stand nozzles, towards dish items placed on the bottom wall228, though it will be understood that other liquid spray patterns are also contemplated. The positions of the nozzles238A,238B can be selected to optimize the spraying of treating liquid onto dish items placed on the upper rack assembly220.

FIG. 7illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the sprayer232in which the sprayer232has the non-circular cross-sectional shape of a hexagon. As in the embodiment ofFIG. 6, the nozzles238A,238B are provided on at least two different faces of the sprayer232, the faces provided at different orientations to each other, such that treating liquid exiting the nozzles238A is sprayed as a jet252, such as by stream nozzles, toward the depending portion242, while treating liquid exiting the nozzles238B is sprayed as a fan254, such as by stand nozzles, toward the bottom wall228. Specifically, the placement of the nozzles238B at a corner of the hexagonal shape allows for fanning of the treating liquid toward the bottom wall228.

The embodiments described herein can be used to provide a low profile rack and wash assembly for a dishwasher for improved use of space and improved washing performance within the dishwasher. While traditional sprayers, such as rotating spray arms, must be provided outside the vertical height of a dish rack and result in the use of additional vertical space for the sprayer that could otherwise be used for dishes, the low profile rack and wash assembly of the present disclosure integrates a rotating or static sprayer tube within the vertical height of the dish rack, so that no additional vertical space is required for the spray assembly beyond the vertical space occupied by the dish rack. Further, by integrating the sprayer within the vertical height of the dish rack, the sprayer and the contours of the dish rack can be strategically placed relative to one another for optimal dishwashing performance. Specifically, for example, the curved support portion holds dish items securely, and also prevents a user from mis-loading the dish rack such that the dish items would be oriented away from the water jets of the sprayer.

It will also be understood that various changes and/or modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. By way of non-limiting example, although the present disclosure is described for use with a wire dish rack, it will be recognized that the rack height adjustment assembly can be employed with various rack constructions, including molded racks, such as racks molded of plastic.

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments may be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature may not be illustrated in all of the embodiments is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described. All combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure.