DISHWASHING APPLIANCE WITH TINE ARRANGEMENT SYSTEM

A tine arrangement assembly for a dishwasher includes an outer frame defining a perimeter. A plurality of supporting cross-members extend across the outer frame within the perimeter. A first elongated tine apparatus includes a first elongated base member and a plurality of first elongated tines that extend from the first elongated base member a first height. A first shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the first elongated tine apparatus and includes a first shortened base member and a plurality of first shortened tines that extend from the first shortened base member a second height that is less than the first height.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a dishwashing appliance and, more specifically, to a dishwashing appliance with a tine arrangement assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a tine arrangement assembly for a dishwasher includes an outer frame defining a perimeter. A plurality of supporting cross-members extend across the outer frame within the perimeter. A first elongated tine apparatus includes a first elongated base member and a plurality of first elongated tines that extend from the first elongated base member a first height. A first shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the first elongated tine apparatus and includes a first shortened base member and a plurality of first shortened tines that extend from the first shortened base member a second height that is less than the first height.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher appliance includes a body that defines an internal chamber and an opening to the internal chamber. A door is mounted to the body and selectively moveable relative to the opening to open and close the opening. The dishwasher includes a lower track system and a tine arrangement assembly operably connected to the lower track system and moveable in and out of the opening. The tine arrangement assembly includes an outer frame defining a perimeter and a plurality of supporting cross-members extending across the outer frame within the perimeter. A first elongated tine apparatus includes a first elongated base member and a plurality of first elongated tines that extend from the first elongated base member a first height. A first shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the first elongated tine apparatus and includes a first shortened base member and a plurality of first shortened tines that extend from the first shortened base member a second height that is less than half the first height.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher rack with a tine arrangement assembly includes an outer frame defining a perimeter. A plurality of supporting cross-members extend across the outer frame within the perimeter. An elongated tine apparatus is pivotally connected to at least two of the supporting cross-members. The elongated tine apparatus includes an elongated base member and a plurality of elongated tines that extend from the elongated base member a first height. A shortened tine apparatus is statically connected to at least two of the supporting cross-members. The shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the elongated tine apparatus and includes a shortened base member and a plurality of shortened tines that extend from the shortened base member a second height that is less than the first height.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS.1-3, reference numeral10generally designates a tine arrangement assembly (i.e., a dishwasher rack with a tine arrangement) for a dishwasher12. The tine arrangement assembly10includes an outer frame14defining a perimeter. A plurality of supporting cross-members16extend across the outer frame14within the perimeter. A first elongated tine apparatus18A includes a first elongated base member20A and a plurality of first elongated tines22A that extend from the first elongated base member20A a first height “H”. A first shortened tine apparatus24A is spaced from the first elongated tine apparatus18A and includes a first shortened base member26A and a plurality of first shortened tines28A that extend from the first shortened base member26A a second height “h” that is less than the first height H.

With reference now toFIG.1, the dishwasher12may include a body30defining an internal chamber32and a door31that is moveable between an open position, providing access to the internal chamber32through an opening33, and a closed position that seals against the body30and around the opening33. The internal chamber32is defined by an inner surface34of the body30. The inner surface34of the body30may define one or more internally projecting tracks or a lower track system35(FIG.2) in sliding and/or rolling engagement with the tine arrangement assembly10to permit the tine arrangement assembly10to be pulled at least partially out from the internal chamber32. In this manner, dishes and other cooking utensils can be easily loaded and unloaded into the dishwasher12when the tine arrangement assembly10is pulled from the internal chamber32. The dishwasher12may further include an upper frame36located in the internal chamber32that may be configured for holding additional dishes and other cooking utensils. The upper frame36may be on an upper track system (not shown) similar to tine arrangement assembly10. In some embodiments, the tine arrangement assembly10may be located below the upper frame36.

With reference now toFIG.2, the first elongated base member20A may extend parallel to the first shortened base member26A. In this manner, the first elongated tines22A and the first shortened tines28A may be utilized for holding plates, bowls, or other cooking utensils that extend between adjacent or semi-adjacent ones of the first elongated tines22A and the first shortened tines28A. The plurality of supporting cross-members16extend perpendicularly to and support the first elongated base member20A and the first shortened base member26A. The first elongated base member20A and the first shortened base member26A may both be connected to at least two of the supporting cross-members16. For example, the first shortened base member26A may be statically connected to at least two of the plurality of supporting cross-members16and the first elongated base member20A may be pivotally connected to at least two of the plurality of supporting cross-members16. More particularly, a plurality of pivot linkages38pivotally connect the first elongated base member20A to the plurality of supporting cross-members16. The pivot linkages38may pivotally connect to at least one of the first elongated base member20A and/or the plurality of supporting cross-members16. In this manner, the first elongated tine apparatus18A may pivot between an erected position and a stowed position. In the stowed position, the first elongated tines22A may be oriented in a general direction of the first shortened base member26A. The first shortened base member26A may be statically connected to the plurality of supporting cross-members16(e.g., at least two) and out the outer frame14via welds. In some embodiments, the outer frame14includes a plurality of supporting members39that extend generally perpendicular to the cross-members16and are statically connected to the cross-members16(e.g., via welds). In some embodiments, the pivot linkages38are connected to both the cross-members and the supporting members39.

With continued reference toFIG.2, the first height H may be more than double the second height h. For example, the first height H may be more than the second height h by a ratio of more than 1:2, more than 1:4, more than 1:6, more than 1:8, or between about 1:2 and about 1:8. The plurality of first elongated tines22A may be aligned with the plurality of first shortened tines28A, such that semi planar dishware (e.g., plates and bowls) can be inserted into pairs of aligned elongated tines22A and shortened tines28A. The first elongated tine apparatus18A may be located outwardly from the first shortened tine apparatus24A. In this manner, the first elongated tine apparatus18A may extend generally parallel to a side of outer frame14(e.g., the perimeter) and the first shortened tine apparatus24A may be located on an opposite side of the first elongated tine apparatus18A than the side of outer frame14.

With reference now toFIG.2, the tine arrangement assembly10may include a second elongated tine apparatus18B that includes a second elongated base member20B and a plurality of second elongated tines22B that extend from the second elongated base member20B the first height H. The tine arrangement assembly10may further include a second shortened tine apparatus24B that is spaced from the second elongated tine apparatus18B and that includes a second shortened base member26B and a plurality of second shortened tines28B that extend from the second shortened base member26B the second height h. In some embodiments, the first shortened tine apparatus24A and the second shortened tine apparatus24B are located between the first shortened tine apparatus24A and the second shortened tine apparatus24B. In other words, the outer frame14may include a front edge40, a rear edge42, and a pair of side edges44that extend between the front edge40and the rear edge42. The pair of side edges44may extend in a general direction between the opening33and a back surface of the internal chamber32. The first shortened tine apparatus24A may be located nearest one of the front edge40or the rear edge42and the second shortened tine apparatus24B may be located nearest the other of the front edge40or the rear edge42. The side edges44may both include wheel mounts46(e.g., two wheel mounts46) and each wheel mount46may include a pair of wheel pockets48for retaining wheels (not shown) that interface with the lower track system35. The second shortened base member26B may be statically connected (e.g., via a weld) to at least two of the plurality of supporting cross-members16, and the second elongated base member20B may be pivotally connected to at least two of the plurality of supporting cross-members16(e.g., via the pivot linkages38).

With reference now toFIGS.2and3, the elongated tines22A,22B may extend from the elongated base members20A,20B at a first transverse angle “α” and the shortened tines28A,28B may extend from the shortened base members26A,26B a second transverse angle “β.” In some embodiments, the first transverse angle α is not perpendicular. For example, the first transverse angle α may be one of acute or obtuse. In some embodiments, the first transverse angle α is defined inwardly from the elongated base members20A,20B such that the elongated tines22A,22B extend at least partially in a direction of the respective shortened tines28A,28B. In some embodiments, the second transverse angle β is not perpendicular. For example, the second transverse angle β may be one of acute or obtuse. In some embodiments, the second transverse angle β is defined outwardly from the shortened base members26A,26B such that shortened tines28A,28B extend at least partially in a direction of the respective elongated tines22A,22B. In other embodiments, both the elongated tines22A,22B and the shortened tines28A,28B may extend at opposite or opposing transverse angles α, β. More particularly, the first transverse angle α may traverse the second transverse angle β (e.g., in an opposing configuration) or the first transverse angle α may extend in a generally opposite (e.g., equal but opposite) direction from the second transverse angle β. In some embodiments, the first transverse angle α and/or the second transverse angle β may extend generally in a direction of the front edge40, the rear edge42, or the side edges44.

With continued reference now toFIGS.2and3, the first elongated base member20A may include a first front portion50A and a first rear portion52A that, together, define the first elongated tines22A (e.g., split equally). The first front portion50A and the first rear portion52A may be connected to one of the pivot linkages38spaced centrally. In this manner, the first front portion50A and the first rear portion52A can be individually articulated between the erected position and the stowed position. More particularly, the pivot linkage38spaced centrally may include a pair of pivot linkages38located on a common base54, with one pivot linkage38connected to the front portion50A and one pivot linkage38connected to the rear portion52A. Similarly, the second elongated base member20B may include a second front portion50B and a second rear portion52B that, together, define the second elongated tines22B (e.g., split equally). The second front portion50B and the second rear portion52B may be connected to one of the pivot linkages38spaced centrally. In this manner, the second front portion50B and the second rear portion52B can be individually articulated between the erected position and the stowed position. More particularly, the pivot linkage38spaced centrally may include a pair of pivot linkages38located on a common base54, with one pivot linkage38connected to the front portion50B and one pivot linkage38connected to the rear portion52B. In some embodiments, the shortened base members26A,26B are each integrally formed.

With reference now toFIGS.1-3, the tine arrangement assembly10(e.g., other than the pivot linkages38and wheel mounts46) are formed substantially of wires (e.g., metal with or without a protective coating) that have been interweaved and/or otherwise connected together. In this manner, wires forming the outer frame14, the supporting cross-members16, and the shortened tine apparatuses24A,24B may be statically connected (e.g., via welding) while the elongated tine apparatuses18A,18B are pivotally connected via the linkages38. Each of the tines22A,22B,28A,28B may, likewise, be formed of wire that is welded and or otherwise statically connected to the base members20A,20B,26A,26B. The wire may define a gauge that permits a small amount of flexibility, but is ridged enough to maintain the positioning of dishes and other cooking utensils during operation.

With reference now toFIG.3, the difference between the first height H of the elongated tines22A,22B and the second height h of the shorted tines28A,28B may be configured to provide three points of contact for each pair of one of the elongated tines22A,22B and one of the shorted tines28A,28B, as generally designated by reference numeral56. More particularly, dishes that have planar and/or semi planar resting surfaces (e.g., the outer perimeter of a bowl or plate) may have a single point of contact56with one of the shorted tines28A,28B and two points of contact56with one of the elongated tines22A,22B. In this manner, more loading options are available to a user. For example, dishware and other cooking utensils can be staggered between non-aligned ones of the elongated tines22A,22B and the shorted tines28A,28B and larger dishware, such as pots and pans, can be placed centrally without being supported by the elongated tines22A,22B that have a greater first height H.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a tine arrangement assembly for a dishwasher includes an outer frame defining a perimeter. A plurality of supporting cross-members extend across the outer frame within the perimeter. A first elongated tine apparatus includes a first elongated base member and a plurality of first elongated tines that extend from the first elongated base member a first height. A first shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the first elongated tine apparatus and includes a first shortened base member and a plurality of first shortened tines that extend from the first shortened base member a second height that is less than the first height.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first elongated base member extends parallel to a first shortened base member.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of supporting cross-members extend perpendicularly to a first elongated base member and a first shortened base member.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a first shortened base member is statically connected to at least two of a plurality of supporting cross-members.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first elongated base member is pivotally connected to at least two of a plurality of supporting cross-members.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a first shortened base member is welded to at least two of a plurality of supporting cross-members.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a first height is more than double a second height.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of first elongated tines are aligned with a plurality of first shortened tines.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a first elongated tine apparatus is located outwardly from a first shortened tine apparatus.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a second elongated tine apparatus includes a second elongated base member and a plurality of second elongated tines extend from the second elongated base member the first height. A second shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the second elongated tine apparatus and includes a second shortened base member and a plurality of second shortened tines extend from the second shortened base member the second height.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first shortened tine apparatus and a second shortened tine apparatus are located between the first shortened tine apparatus and the second shortened tine apparatus.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher appliance includes a body that defines an internal chamber and an opening to the internal chamber. A door is mounted to the body and selectively moveable relative to the opening to open and close the opening. The dishwasher includes a lower track system and a tine arrangement assembly operably connected to the lower track system and moveable in and out of the opening. The tine arrangement assembly includes an outer frame defining a perimeter and a plurality of supporting cross-members extending across the outer frame within the perimeter. A first elongated tine apparatus includes a first elongated base member and a plurality of first elongated tines that extend from the first elongated base member a first height. A first shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the first elongated tine apparatus and includes a first shortened base member and a plurality of first shortened tines that extend from the first shortened base member a second height that is less than half the first height.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a tine arrangement assembly includes a second elongated tine apparatus that includes a second elongated base member and a plurality of second elongated tines extend from the second elongated base member the first height. A second shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the second elongated tine apparatus and includes a second shortened base member and a plurality of second shortened tines extend from the second shortened base member the second height.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a first shortened tine apparatus and a second shortened tine apparatus are located between the first shortened tine apparatus and the second shortened tine apparatus.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of first elongated tines are aligned with a plurality of first shortened tines and a plurality of second elongated tines are aligned with a plurality of second shortened tines.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of first shortened tines and a plurality of second shortened tines are statically connected to at least two supporting cross-members.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of first elongated tines and a plurality of second elongated tines are pivotally connected to at least two supporting cross-members.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher rack with a tine arrangement assembly includes an outer frame defining a perimeter. A plurality of supporting cross-members extend across the outer frame within the perimeter. An elongated tine apparatus is pivotally connected to at least two of the supporting cross-members. The elongated tine apparatus includes an elongated base member and a plurality of elongated tines that extend from the elongated base member a first height. A shortened tine apparatus is statically connected to at least two of the supporting cross-members. The shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the elongated tine apparatus and includes a shortened base member and a plurality of shortened tines that extend from the shortened base member a second height that is less than the first height.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a first height is more than double a second height.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of elongated tines are aligned with a plurality of shortened tines.