Dishwasher with straw carrier

A carrier for one or more straws of an appliance such as a dish washing appliance. The carrier and/or rack may be in fluid communication with one or more spray elements when in a stowed position within a dishwasher tub. The one or more carriers may route fluid from the one or more spray elements to wash an interior and/or an exterior of at least one straw. The carrier may include one or more bridges projecting inwardly towards the one or more straws defining one or more pathways for received fluid. The body of the carrier may include a lid and/or latch.

BACKGROUND

The present embodiments relate to a carrier for one or more straws, with particular embodiments shown for a dishwasher rack of a dishwasher appliance.

Typical straws are placed in a vertical position within a silverware basket and/or a dishwasher rack. However, this practice often is inconsistent in cleaning the inside and/or outside of the one or more straws with fluid randomly being used during the wash cycle. Thus, there is a need to improve washing of one or more straws in a dishwasher appliance.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments of the invention, for example, a dish washing appliance may include a dishwasher tub. In various embodiments, the appliance may include a spray element disposed in the dishwasher tub, wherein the spray element may include one or more apertures, and the spray element may be in fluid communication with a fluid supply to direct fluid from the fluid supply into the dishwasher tub through the one or more apertures. In some embodiments, the appliance may include a carrier having an elongated body, wherein the elongated body may include a first end having one or more inlets and a second end having one or more outlets, wherein opposing ends of at least one straw may be positioned between the one or more inlets and the one or more outlets of the elongated body. In various embodiments, the carrier may be configured to receive fluid from the spray element and route the received fluid out of the one or more outlets to wash an interior of at least one straw through the opposing ends and exterior of at least one straw from the opposing ends of at least one straw that is positioned between the first end and the second end of the carrier.

In various embodiments, the carrier may include a channel, and wherein the channel of the carrier is orientated in a horizontal position. In some embodiments, the carrier may include a channel, and wherein the channel of the carrier is orientated in an angled position. In various embodiments, the one or more outlets may be at a lower elevation than the one or more inlets. In some embodiments, the carrier may be positioned within a rack and the spray element may be one or more docking stations positioned in a rear wall of the dishwasher tub, and wherein the one or more outlets of the carrier may be in downstream fluid communication with the one or more docking stations when the rack is in a stowed position. In various embodiments, the elongated body of the carrier may include an interior, wherein the interior may include a first end wall and a second end wall interconnected by an internal wall. In various embodiments, the appliance may include one or more protrusions projecting from at least one of the internal wall, the first end wall, and the second end wall to position an outer periphery of at least one straw from a remaining portion of the interior of the elongated body not containing the one or more protrusions. In some embodiments, the one or more protrusions may project in an annular pattern about a cylindrical surface of the internal wall. In various embodiments, the one or more protrusions may be elongated along one or more lengths of the elongated body of the carrier. In various embodiments, the one or more protrusions may project axially inward from at least one of the first end wall and the second end wall of the interior. In some embodiments, the one or more protrusions may be elongated along a radius of at least one of the first end wall and the second end wall of the interior. In various embodiments, the carrier may include a closed body wherein there is only fluid communication between the one or more inlets of the first end and the one or more outlets of the second end. In some embodiments, the carrier may include an open body, wherein the elongated body includes one or more secondary openings within the elongated body between the first end and the second end. In various embodiments, the elongated body may include a lid positionable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the open position at least one straw may be inserted and/or removed and in the closed position the one or more outlets of the elongated body are in fluid communication with the one or more inlets of the elongated body. In various embodiments, the first end of the elongated body of the carrier may include a spray collector receiving the fluid from the spray element.

In some embodiments, a dish washing appliance may include a dishwasher tub having an opening defined by at least a rear wall opposite the opening. In various embodiments, the appliance may include a spray element disposed adjacent the rear wall of the dishwasher tub, wherein the spray element may include one or more apertures, and the spray element in fluid communication with a fluid supply to direct fluid from the fluid supply into the dishwasher tub through the one or more apertures. In some embodiments, the appliance may include a rack positionable between a stowed position and a deployed position different from the stowed position. In various embodiments, the appliance may include a carrier having an elongated body supported in the rack, wherein the elongated body may include a first end having one or more inlets adjacent to and in fluid communication with the spray element when the rack is in the stowed position and a second end having one or more outlets, wherein opposing ends of at least one straw are positioned between the one or more inlets and the one or more outlets of the elongated body, the carrier configured to receive fluid from the spray element and route the received fluid out of the one or more outlets to wash an interior of at least one straw through the opposing ends and exterior of at least one straw from the opposing ends of at least one straw that is positioned between the first end and the second end of the carrier.

In various embodiments, an interior of the elongated body may include at least one of an axial protrusion and a radial protrusion projecting inwardly from the interior towards at least one straw. In some embodiments, the carrier may be a closed body wherein there is only fluid communication between the one or more inlets of the first end and the one or more outlets of the second end. In various embodiments, the carrier may include an open body, wherein the elongated body may include one or more secondary openings within the elongated body between the first end and the second end. In some embodiments, the first end of the carrier may include a divider routing the received fluid to a plurality of channels defined by the elongated body of the carrier. In various embodiments, the spray element may be a docking station adjacent the rear wall, and the first end of the carrier fluidly engages the docking station when the rack is in the stowed position. In some embodiments, the elongated body may include a lid positionable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the open position at least one straw may be inserted and/or removed and in the closed position the one or more outlets of the elongated body are in fluid communication with the one or more inlets of the elongated body. In various embodiments, the carrier may include one or more pin jet sprayers. In some embodiments, the elongated body includes a latch positionable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the open position at least one straw may be inserted and/or removed and in the closed position at least one straw is secured. In various embodiments, the carrier may include a channel, and wherein the channel of the carrier is orientated in an angled position.

These and other advantages and features, which characterize the embodiments, are set forth in the claims annexed hereto and form a further part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the embodiments, and of the advantages and objectives attained through its use, reference should be made to the drawings and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are described example embodiments. This summary is merely provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description, and is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, nor to define the field of endeavor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Numerous variations and modifications will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, as will become apparent from the description below. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific implementations discussed herein.

The embodiments discussed hereinafter will focus on the implementation of the hereinafter-described apparatus and techniques within a front-load residential dish washing machine such as dish washing or dishwasher appliance10, such as the type that may be used in single-family or multi-family dwellings, or in other similar applications. However, it will be appreciated that the herein-described apparatus and techniques may also be used in connection with other types of dish washing machines in some embodiments. For example, the herein-described apparatus and techniques may be used in commercial applications in some embodiments.

Embodiments for a dish washing machine10are shown herein for ease of understanding. For example, a front-load dish washing machine that includes a front-mounted door12in a cabinet or housing11that provides access to a horizontally-oriented dishwasher rack30housed within the cabinet or housing11may be used. More specifically, the dishwasher rack30may be housed in a dishwasher tub14. Implementation of the herein-described apparatus and techniques within a variety of appliances would be well within the abilities of one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure, so the invention is not limited to the front-load dish washing implementation discussed further herein. For example, the apparatus and techniques may be used with a dishwasher drawer of a dish washing appliance.

Turning now to the drawings, wherein like numbers denote like parts throughout the several views,FIG.1illustrates an example dish washing appliance10in which the various technologies and techniques described herein may be implemented. Dish washing appliance10is a front-load dish washing machine, and as such may include a front-mounted door12defining an opening13that provides access to a horizontally-oriented dishwasher tub14. The tub14may be defined by at least a rear wall15interconnected by two opposing side walls, bottom wall, and a top wall. The door12may be coupled with a cabinet or housing11that may house the dishwasher tub14in some embodiments. Door12is generally hinged along a front or front edge of the housing11adjacent the opening13and is pivotable between the closed position illustrated inFIG.1and an open position (not shown). When door12is in the open position, dishes, utensils, pans, straws1, one or more carriers20,120,220, and/or320, and other washable items may be inserted into and removed from the one or more dishwasher racks30through the opening13in the front of cabinet or housing11. Control over dish washing appliance10by a user is generally managed through a control panel (not shown) disposed on a door12and implementing a user interface, and it will be appreciated that in different dish washing machine designs, control panel may include various types of input and/or output devices, including various knobs, buttons, lights, switches, textual and/or graphical displays, touch screens, etc. through which a user may configure one or more settings and start and stop the wash cycle or straw washing operation as described herein. For example, the control panel, or portions thereof, may be included with the dishwasher rack, on the interior or exterior of the door, and/or adjacent the rack within the opening of the dish washing machine. For example, in some embodiments, portions of the controls may be accessible when the door is in the open position.

As shown in the figures, the one or more dishwasher racks30, or portions thereof, may be positionable relative to the dish washing appliance10between a stowed or un-deployed position (FIGS.1,2,4, and8) and a deployed or different position (FIGS.5and6). At least one of the stowed positions of the dishwasher rack30may be used when one or more of the washing or straw washing cycles is in operation. In use, the deployed position may be one or more horizontal positions different from one or more of the stowed positions. For example, one deployed position or partially opened position may be a position other than when the rack is in its fully extended position out of the dishwasher tub14. One or more deployed positions may be a horizontal position to dry, load, and/or unload dishes, utensils, one or more straws1, one or more carrier(s)20,120,220,320, or the like. The one or more dishwasher racks30and/or carrier may travel in a substantially horizontal plane. The horizontal plane may be into and/or out of the dishwasher tub14or cavity. Although the substantially linear movement of the dishwasher rack cycle and/or carrier may occur along the horizontal plane in a variety of heights as shown, the linear travel may be in a variety of angles in one or both the directions into or out of a position.

As illustrated in the figures, one or more straw carriers or carriers20,120,220,320may be used to receive or temporarily retain one or more straws1to be washed within the dishwasher10and/or rack30. The straws1may be a variety of shapes, sizes, constructions, and quantities. The one or more carriers20,120,220,320may be supported within the rack30(e.g. upper or third rack) and deployed with the rack30from at least one stowed position (SeeFIGS.1,2,4,7, and8) to at least one deployed position (SeeFIGS.5and6). Alternatively, the carrier may be positioned in the tub separate from the rack. In the deployed position, one or more straws1may be inserted or removed from the carrier20,120,220,320. In the stowed position, the carrier20,120,220,320may be in fluid communication with and/or used to receive fluid (e.g. first fluid F1, second fluid F2, etc.) from one or more spray elements40(e.g. docking station41, spray arm42, etc.) to wash an interior and/or exterior of the one or more straws1positioned/received within the carrier20,120,220,320. The carrier may fluidly engage or be configured to receive fluid from the one or more spray elements40when in a position (e.g. stowed/deployed rack position). A spray collector27a, if used, may receive fluid from the spray element40. A pin jet sprayer27b, if used, may receive fluid from the spray element40. Although the carrier20,120,220,320, or portions thereof, (e.g. first end20a, inlet(s)22a, spray collector27a, pin jet sprayer27b) is shown inFIGS.1,2,4,7, and8as fluidly engaging and/or sealing against the spray element40(e.g. docking station41) when in the stowed position (e.g. rack30and/or carrier), it should be understood that the carrier, or portions thereof, may be spaced (e.g. one or more distances) from the spray element and still be in fluid communication with the water supply/spray element during one or more wash or straw wash cycles.

In some implementations, the carrier20,120,220,320may temporarily receive one or more straws1to receive fluid directed from the one or more spray elements40and route the received fluid across the one or more surfaces or peripheries of the respective straw1. The carrier20,120,220,320may include an elongated body21having a first end20aand an opposing second end20b. The first end20aof the carrier20,120,220,320may define one or more inlets22a. The second end20bof the carrier20,120,220,320may define one or more outlets22b. The inlets22aare in fluid communication with the outlets22balong the length, or portion thereof, of the elongated body21. The elongated body21defines one or more channels22interconnected between the inlet22aand the outlet22b. The straw1, when received within the carrier20,120,220,320, is positioned within the one or more channels22between the first end20a(e.g. inlet22a) and the second end20b(e.g. outlet22b). The opposing ends1a,1bof the straw1are positioned between the inlet22aand the outlet22b, or downstream of the inlet22aand upstream of the outlet22b. The received fluid (e.g. first fluid F1) is directed from the inlet22apast one end1aof the straw1(e.g. first opening), progressively along the interior1cand/or exterior1dperiphery of the straw1, and past the other end1b(e.g. second opening) to discharge from the outlet22b. In some embodiments, the forced or received fluid is channeled through one or more pathways25along the full length of the body21(e.g. including the opposing ends1a,1b), or portions thereof, and the interior and/or exterior periphery1c,1d(e.g. portion, entire or full length) from the inlet22ato the outlet22bof the channel22or elongated body21to wash the straw1, or portions thereof. A single straw1may be positioned in the channel22or carrier20,120,220,320. However, if more than one straw is received within the carrier, two or more straws may be placed in a single channel22(e.g. in series within the fluid flow) or each straw may be received in its respective channel22(e.g. in parallel within parallel fluid flows). For example, as shown in the one embodiment inFIG.6, a plurality of straws1may be inserted into a respective channel22or interior1cof a carrier120(e.g. between respective inlet and outlets of each channel). The first end20aor axial/terminating end of the carrier20,120,220,320may define at least one inlet22a. The inlet22amay face axially away or upstream from the body21(e.g. elongated cylindrical shape) towards the spray element40, rear wall15, and/or in the direction of travel of the rack30. The first end20aof the body may include a spray collector27a. In the one embodiment shown, the spray collector27a, if used, may be a conical shape or funnel tapering towards the remaining portion of the carrier body21or second end20baway from the first end20a. In some implementations, the carrier20,120,220,320and/or application/rack may include one or more pin jet sprayers27b. The first end20amay include the one or more pin jet sprayers27b. The pin jet sprayer27b, if used, may be used downstream of one or more docking stations41and/or spray collectors27a, if used, to force received fluid (e.g. F1) through the carrier20,120,220,320and/or straw interior1c. As shown in the one embodiment inFIG.7, the pin jet sprayer27bmay be carried or supported by the rack within the carrier220and force fluid into the interior1c/exterior1dof the straw1. The second end20bor axial/terminating end of the carrier20,120,220,320may define the outlet22b. The outlet22bmay face axially away or downstream from the body21(e.g. elongated cylindrical shape) towards the door12, opening13, and/or in the direction of travel of the rack30. In the one embodiment shown in the Figures, the first end20amay include a single inlet22adefined by a first end wall21aand the downstream second end may include a plurality of outlets22bdivided/defined by a second end wall21b, or portions thereof.

In some implementations, the elongated body21of the carrier20,120,220,320may include an exterior or outer periphery21cand an interior or inner periphery21dto direct one or more fluid sources and/or fluids (e.g. first fluid F1, second fluid F2, etc.) at one or more time periods (e.g. same, different, overlap periods) in relation to the one or more straws1. The interior21d, or portions thereof, may define the one or more channels22therein. The inlet(s)22aand/or the outlet(s)22bmay be defined as one or more apertures23extending from the exterior21cthrough the interior (e.g. end walls). The interior21d(e.g. channel22) and/or exterior21cmay be substantially cylindrical in shape. The interior21dmay define one or more channels22to receive the one or more straws1. The one or more channels22and/or straw(s) may define a portion of the pathways25of fluid flow. The interior21dmay include or define a first end wall21a(e.g. adjacent the carrier first end20a) and a second end wall21b(e.g. adjacent the carrier second end20b) on opposing ends of the channel22and/or body21. The first end wall21aand second end wall21bmay be connected by a cylindrical or internal wall/surface21eor channel22therebetween.

In some implementations, the carrier20,120,220,320may be releasably or fixedly supported in one or more racks30. The carrier20,120,220,320may be releasably attached to the rack. This may allow for different straw carriers20,120,220,320to be used in one or more locations within the appliance10and/or racks30. For example, a user may switch out a single carrier20capable of holding at least one straw1for a carrier120capable of holding a plurality of straws1. Another example, the user may change a straight straw carrier (e.g. that receives straight straws) for an angled straw carrier, not shown, (e.g. angled channel, that receives bent/angled straws). In other embodiments, the carrier20,120,220,320may be fixed in position with the rack30or appliance. Further, although a single carrier20,120,220,320is shown in the Figures within the rack30, two or more carriers (e.g. same or different shapes, sizes, orientations, and/or positions) may be used in the rack30at the same time engaging one or more spray elements (e.g. same, different). One or more carriers may be positioned in a variety of orientations within the rack30and still be in fluid communication with one or more spray elements40. In the one embodiment shown inFIGS.1-7, the carrier20,120,220, straw1, channel22, inlets22a, outlets22b, and/or pathways25are orientated in a substantially horizontal position. In the one embodiment shown inFIG.8, the carrier320, straw1, channel22, inlets22a, outlets22b, and/or pathways25may be angled/orientated (e.g. downwardly) in a substantially angled configuration/position relative to the horizontal. Although the outlet22bmay be at a lower elevation than the inlet22aas shown in theFIG.8, it should be understood that the inlet22amay be at a lower elevation than the outlet22b. For example, in one embodiment the angle θ may be greater than zero degrees to about 2 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle θ may be greater than zero degrees to about 4 degrees. However, other angles may be used. The angle θ, if used, may allow the carrier/straw/channel to drain by gravity and/or accelerate the drying process. The carrier20,120,220,320may be positioned adjacent the rear of the rack30. In some embodiments, the first end20aand/or inlets22amay be positioned adjacent the rear of the rack30or adjacent the rear wall15of the dishwasher tub14when in the stowed position. The second end20band/or outlets22bmay be positioned towards or adjacent the front of the rack30or adjacent the opening13of the dishwasher tub14when in the stowed position. When the carrier20,120,220,320receives fluid from the spray element40in the one embodiment shown, at least some water or fluid (e.g. F1) is forced (e.g. horizontally) through the carrier20,120,220,320from the inlet22atowards the outlet22b(e.g. from the rear wall15towards the opening13of the tub14).

In some implementations, the appliance10and/or carrier20,120,220,320may include one or more spray elements40or apertures. The spray element(s)40may be in fluid communication with one or more fluid supplies16to direct fluid from the fluid supply16into the dishwasher tub14and/or carrier(s) through the one or more spray elements40(e.g. one or more apertures, pathways, devices). One embodiment of the spray element40includes one or more docking stations41in fluid communication with the one or more carriers20,120,220,320. As shown inFIGS.1,2,4, and5-8, the docking stations41, if used, may be adjacent to or in the rear wall15of the dishwasher tub14. The one or more inlets22a/outlets22bof the carrier20,120,220,320are in downstream fluid communication with the one or more docking stations41or spray elements40when the rack/carrier is in the stowed position. Further, in some embodiments as shown inFIGS.1and7, the spray element40may include one or more spray arms42. The spray arms42, if used, may direct water or fluid into or towards the carrier20,120,220,320to wash one or more portions of the straw(s)1. As shown in the one embodiment inFIG.7, the spray arm42(e.g. positioned above the carrier220) sprays or directs fluid (e.g. F2) from one or more apertures towards (e.g. downwardly) at least an exterior of the straw1and/or interior/exterior of the carrier (e.g. secondary openings) and/or the docking station41sprays or directs fluid (e.g. F1) from one or more apertures towards the interior/exterior of the straw1and/or interior of the carrier. Although not shown, it should be understood that the spray arm, in some embodiments, may direct fluid towards the interior of the straw alone or in combination with the exterior of the straw.

In some implementations, the carrier20,120,220,320and/or dish washing appliance10may include one or more bridges, stands, or offsets24to create or define fluid pathways25around the one or more straws1(e.g. interior and/or exterior). In the one embodiment shown in the Figures, the one or more bridges24may include one or more protrusions24aprojecting from the internal wall21e, the first end wall21a, and/or second end wall21bof the carrier interior21d, or portions thereof. The one or more protrusions24a, if used, may space/position the one or more exterior peripheries1dof the straw(s) from the remaining portion of the interior21dof the body21and/or carrier20,120,220,320. The remaining portion of the interior21d(e.g. first end wall, second end wall, and/or internal wall) may not include the one or more protrusions24a. The one or more protrusions24amay project inwardly from the interior21dof the body21towards the one or more straws1, or portions thereof. One or more pathways25for received fluid (e.g. F1, F2) may be defined between the remaining portion, one or more protrusions24a, and the interior/exterior periphery1c,1dof the one or more straws1. The one or more protrusions24amay taper inwardly towards the straw1. In some implementations, the one or more protrusions24amay be axial protrusions24aaand/or radial protrusions24ab. The one or more protrusions24a(e.g. radial protrusions24ab) may project (e.g. radially) from at least the internal wall21e(e.g. cylindrical surface) inwardly (e.g. radially) towards the one or more straws1. The one or more protrusions24a(e.g. axial protrusion24aa) may project (e.g. axially) from at least the first end wall21aand/or second end wall21b(e.g. adjacent the opposing ends1a,1bof the straw) of the interior21dinwardly (e.g. axially) towards the one or more straws (e.g. one or more ends). The distal free end of the protrusion(s) may contact the exterior periphery and/or end(s) of the straw. The one or more pathways25may be defined between one or more adjacent protrusions24a, and/or portions of the carrier/straw. The one or more protrusions24a(e.g. radial, axial) may be elongated. As shown inFIGS.2-6and8, the radial protrusions24ab, if used, may be elongated and extend for a length L along one or more lengths or portions of the body (e.g. interior wall) of the carrier to engage one or more lengths/portions of the straw outer periphery. The elongated protrusion may extend for the entire length of the straw, may extend beyond the length and/or one or more ends1a,1bof the straw, or may not extend past the extent or terminal ends1a,1bof the straw. As shown inFIGS.2-3, the axial protrusions24aa, if used, may be elongated and extend along one or more radii of the one or more end walls21a,21bof the interior21dof the carrier20,120,220,320to engage/position/space the first end1aand/or second end1bof the straw outer periphery from the remaining portion of the end wall(s). The axial protrusions24aamay extend for a distance D in the radial direction or along a radius to engage across the first end1aand/or second end1b, or portions thereof (e.g. one or more cylindrical ends defining the straw opening). Although the axial protrusions24aaare shown as being in an annular pattern or annular spaced about the straw diameter/axis and/or interior, the axial protrusions24aamay extend across the entire diameter of the straw in some embodiments. Although the carrier220does not include the offsets24(e.g. axial and/or radial), it should be understood that the carrier may include one or more offsets (e.g. axial and/or radial) in some embodiments. Further, although the carriers20and120do not have offsets24(e.g. axial protrusions) adjacent the first end20a(e.g. first end wall), it should be understood that axial protrusions may be used on the first end wall21aand/or first end20a. It should be understood that the protrusions (e.g. axial, radial) may be of a variety of shapes, sizes, quantities, orientations, positions, and constructions and still be within the scope of the invention. For example, the elongated protrusions (e.g. radial) may be in a nonlinear, spiral, or curve pattern about the longitudinal axis of the carrier/channel/straw in some embodiments rather than straight/axial in length as shown. Moreover, in some embodiments, the one or more protrusions may be curved, bumps, or domes in shape projecting from the one or more walls of the interior. Further, a plurality of protrusions may be aligned/patterned to form or define an elongated protrusion or offset extending for one or more lengths/circumferences.

In some implementations, the carrier20,120,220,320and/or dish washing appliance10may include one or more lids26. The lid26may be positionable between a closed position (seeFIGS.1-4and8) and an open position (seeFIGS.5and6). In the open position, one or more straws1may be inserted and/or removed from the carrier/rack/appliance. In the closed position, the one or more outlets22bof the body are in fluid communication with the one or more inlets22aand/or the channel22is operational to receive fluid (e.g. F1) and force fluid around (e.g. interior and/or exterior) the one or more straws1. The lid26, if used, may include one or more hinges26a(e.g. living hinge) between the remaining portion(s) of the carrier. The lid26may be used for a single channel/straw as shown inFIG.5or may be used for access to a plurality of straws or channels as shown inFIG.6. In some embodiments, a lid may not be used to close the channel and/or body. For example, as shown in the one embodiment inFIG.7, the carrier220may include a catch or latch226to hold the straw(s) in position within the carrier/channel. The latch may cover a portion of one or more secondary openings when in the closed position as shown. The latch226, if used, may be a single member hinged or clasped over a portion of a straw to secure the one or more straws during the wash cycle or washing of the straw(s). The latch may be an elastic band in some embodiments. It should be understood that the latch and/or lid may be a variety of shapes, sizes, quantities, and constructions and still be within the scope of the invention.

In some implementations, the carrier20,120,320may be described as having a substantially closed body. In some embodiments as shown inFIGS.1-6and8, the closed body21of the carrier20,120,320may only include received fluid (e.g. F1) from the spray element (e.g. single) entering through the one or more inlets and exiting the one or more outlets. Being substantially closed may be defined by not having any additional apertures between the inlet and outlet of the carrier or no apertures within the internal wall (e.g. between the end walls). As shown in the one embodiment inFIGS.1-6and8, the inlet22ais defined by the first end wall21aopposite the outlet22bdefined by the other or second end wall21b. A first or single spray element40(e.g.41) may be used to force fluid into the inlet(s) to wash both the inner and outer peripheries of the straw(s) of the closed body without the need of additional spray elements. The received fluid enters and exits from the closed body, end to end, similar to a nozzle to force fluid past the surfaces of the straw. Alternatively, in some implementations as shown inFIG.7, the body21may be described as having a substantially open body. The open body21may use a plurality of spray elements40to wash the straw(s), or portions thereof. The open body21of the carrier220may include one or more additional or secondary openings223within the elongated body21(e.g. internal wall21e) between the first end20aor inlet22aand the second end20bor outlet22b. The secondary openings223, if used, may receive a second fluid F2from a first spray element40(e.g. spray arms42) to wash the exterior periphery1dof the straw(s)1while a second spray element40(e.g. docking station41) may at least wash the inner periphery of the straw(s) with the first fluid F1. The pin jet sprayer27b, if used, of the carrier220may force the first fluid F1through the interior periphery1cand/or end1aof the straw and/or exterior periphery1d. The pin jet sprayer27bmay be one or more nozzles to provide one or more spray patterns and/or flow rates.

In some implementations, a carrier120and/or dish washing appliance10may receive a plurality of straws1. In the one embodiment shown inFIG.6, the carrier120may include a plurality of channels22that each may receive at least one straw and/or a portion of the received fluid (e.g. F1). The lid26, if used, may define a plurality of channels22and/or interiors21dof the carrier. It should be understood that the lid may define at least one channel of a plurality of channels in some embodiments. The inlet22aof the carrier120may be in fluid communication with the channels22and the respective outlets22bthereof. The carrier120may include a divider or split120c, if used, routing the received fluid from the inlet22aand/or spray collector27ato the plurality of channels22therein. The divider120c, if used, may be positioned downstream of the spray collector27a, if used. The divider120cmay distribute an upstream flow (e.g. single) of received fluid into multiple fluid pathways25towards the corresponding plurality of channels22each containing at least one straw, respectively. It should be understood that all the channels22do not need a corresponding straw therein. Although the carrier20,120,320ofFIGS.1,6, and8is a closed body, it should be understood that the body may be open in some embodiments.

It is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” “in communication with,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

The foregoing description of several embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.