Adjustable rack assembly and dishwashing appliance

A dishwashing appliance or rack assembly may include a rack, a front bracket, a rear bracket, and a joiner bar. The rack may include a sidewall having a transverse rail and slide in a transverse direction between an extended position and a retracted position. The front bracket may be attached to the sidewall and extend vertically between a fixed end secured to the sidewall and a free end laterally pivotable apart from the transverse rail. The rear bracket may be attached to the sidewall rearward from the front bracket. The rear bracket may extend vertically from a fixed end secured to the sidewall to a free end laterally pivotable apart from the transverse rail. The joiner bar may extend along the transverse direction from the front bracket to the rear bracket and be laterally translatable relative to the transverse rail to motivate the free end of the front bracket.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to rack assemblies for appliances, such as dishwasher appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various appliances have slidable rack assemblies for holding articles therein. For example, a dishwasher appliance is typically provided with one or more rack assemblies into which various articles may be loaded for cleaning. The rack assemblies may include features such as, for example, tines that hold and orient the articles to receive sprays of wash and rinse fluids during the cleaning process. The articles to be cleaned may include a variety of dishes, cooking utensils, silverware, and other items.

The size of the articles can vary significantly. For example, glasses are available in a variety of different heights. Dishes are manufactured with various diameters between large and small. Pots used for cooking can have different depths.

In order to accommodate the larger articles, some dishwasher appliances include an upper rack assembly of a dishwasher appliance with features for height adjustment of the rack assembly. Such adjustability allows for movement of the upper rack assembly along a vertical direction V. By moving or lifting the upper rack to a higher vertical height setting, larger articles can be accommodated in, for example, a lower rack assembly positioned beneath the upper rack assembly. Conversely, by lowering the upper rack to a lower vertical height setting, larger articles can be accommodated in, for instance, the upper rack assembly.

Certain adjustment features have been proposed for providing height adjustability for a rack assembly. Typically, these features include multiple moving parts that may require the user to engage or move both the rack assembly and the adjustment features at the same time as the user lifts or lowers the rack assembly. For certain users, these adjustment features can be difficult to operate.

Some conventional adjustment features for rack assemblies require a rack to move uniformly from one height to the next. Specifically, the rack is forced to remain horizontal as it is raised or lowered. Nonetheless, certain articles may be difficult to load in such an orientation, irrespective of the height.

Accordingly, a rack assembly for an appliance that can be easily adjusted to different vertical positions would be useful. Moreover, a rack assembly for an appliance that can be easily adjusted to different vertical positions while being tiltable to accommodate various articles would be advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a rack assembly is provided. The rack assembly may include a rack, a front bracket, a rear bracket, and a joiner bar. The rack may include a sidewall having a transverse rail. The rack may be slidable in a transverse direction between an extended position and a retracted position. The front bracket may be attached to the sidewall. The front bracket may extend vertically between a fixed end secured to the sidewall and a free end laterally pivotable apart from the transverse rail to permit vertical movement of the rack relative to the front bracket. The rear bracket may be attached to the sidewall rearward from the front bracket. The rear bracket may extend vertically from a fixed end secured to the sidewall to a free end laterally pivotable apart from the transverse rail to permit vertical movement of the rack relative to the rear bracket. The joiner bar may extend along the transverse direction from the front bracket to the rear bracket. The joiner bar may be vertically offset from the fixed end of the front bracket. The joiner bar may be laterally translatable relative to the transverse rail to motivate the free end of the front bracket.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance may include a cabinet, a tub, and an elevated rack assembly. The tub may define a wash chamber within the cabinet, The elevated rack assembly may be mounted to the tub. The elevated rack assembly may include a frame, a rack, a front bracket, a rear bracket, and a joiner bar. The frame may be positioned within the wash chamber. The rack may include a sidewall having a transverse rail. The rack may be mounted to the frame to receive articles for washing. The rack may be slidable along the frame in a transverse direction between an extended position and a retracted position. The front bracket may be attached to the sidewall. The front bracket may support the rack on the frame. The front bracket may extend vertically between a fixed end secured to the sidewall and a free end laterally pivotable apart from the transverse rail to permit vertical movement of the rack relative to the front bracket. The rear bracket may be attached to the sidewall rearward from the front bracket. The rear bracket may support the rack on the frame. The rear bracket may extend vertically from a fixed end secured to the sidewall to a free end laterally pivotable apart from the transverse rail to permit vertical movement of the rack relative to the rear bracket. The joiner bar may extend along the transverse direction from the front bracket to the rear bracket. The joiner bar may be vertically offset from the fixed end of the front bracket. The joiner bar may be laterally translatable relative to the transverse rail to motivate the free end of the front bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to aid understanding of this disclosure, several terms are defined below. The defined terms are understood to have meanings commonly recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the arts relevant to the present invention. The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Furthermore, as used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error.

Turning now to the figures,FIGS. 1 and 2depict a dishwasher appliance100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Dishwasher appliance100defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L (FIG. 1), and a transverse direction T (FIG. 2). The vertical, lateral, and transverse directions V, L, and T are mutually perpendicular and form an orthogonal direction system.

Dishwasher appliance100also includes a cabinet102(or chassis) having a tub104therein that defines a wash chamber106. The tub104includes a front opening and a door120hinged at its bottom122for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown inFIGS. 1 and 2), wherein the wash chamber106is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from dishwasher appliance100. In some embodiments, a latch114is used to lock and unlock door120for access to chamber106.

Slide assemblies124are mounted on opposing tub sidewalls128to support and provide for movement for a rack assembly130(e.g., upper rack assembly130). In some embodiments, lower guides126are positioned in opposing manner of the sides of chamber106and provide a ridge or shelf for roller assemblies136so as to support and provide for movement of lower rack assembly130132. Each of the upper and lower rack assemblies130,132is include a rack (e.g., rack210) fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members134and135that extend in lateral (L), transverse (T), or vertical (V) directions. Each rack assembly130,132is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber106, and a retracted position (shown inFIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber106. This is facilitated by slide assemblies124and roller assemblies136that carry rack assemblies130and132, respectively. Optionally, a silverware basket150may be removably attached to the lower rack assembly132for placement of silverware, small utensils, and the like, that are too small to be accommodated by the upper and lower racks130,132.

The dishwasher appliance100further includes a lower spray assembly144that is rotatably mounted within a lower region146of the wash chamber106and above a tub sump portion142so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to the lower rack132. A mid-level spray assembly148is located in an upper region of the wash chamber106and may be located in close proximity to upper rack130. Additionally, an upper spray assembly (not shown) may be located above the upper rack130.

The lower and mid-level spray assemblies144,148and the upper spray assembly are fed by a fluid circulation assembly for circulating water and wash fluid in the tub104. Portions of the fluid circulation assembly may be located in a machinery compartment140located below the bottom sump portion142of the tub104, as generally recognized in the art. Each spray assembly includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing washing liquid onto dishes or other articles located in the upper and lower racks130,132, respectively. The arrangement of the discharge ports in at least the lower spray assembly144provides a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower spray assembly144provides coverage of dishes and other articles with a washing spray.

Dishwasher appliance100is further equipped with a controller116to regulate operation of dishwasher appliance100. Controller116may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive memory) and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

Controller116may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher appliance100. In the illustrated embodiment, controller116may be located within a control panel area110of door120as shown. In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher appliance100along wiring harnesses that may be routed through bottom122of door120. In certain embodiments, the controller116includes a user interface panel112through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher appliance100. In one embodiment, user interface panel112may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface panel112may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. User interface112may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. User interface112may be in communication with controller116via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher appliance. Thus, the exemplary embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2is for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for a user interface112, different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies130and132, and other differences may be applied as well.

Turning generally toFIGS. 2 through 12, dishwasher appliance100includes one or more features for permitting easy adjustment or movement of rack210to different heights (i.e., height settings) along the vertical direction V such that rack210may be placed in various predetermined positions along the vertical direction V. As described herein, the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T described with respect to various elements of rack assembly130are, except as otherwise indicated, generally understood to correspond to the position of those elements when rack assembly130is mounted within wash chamber106and to the rest of appliance100(e.g., such that rack210can slide along a frame220in or along the transverse direction T).

It is noted that although adjustable rack assembly130is described as an upper rack assembly130, alternative embodiments may include the adjustable rack assembly130at another suitable location (e.g., as a lower rack assembly130). Moreover, although described within the context of a dishwasher appliance, the present disclosure may be utilized in any other suitable appliance, such as a refrigerator appliance.

As show, dish rack210includes a one or more walls (e.g., sidewalls212and214or bottom wall216formed by lattice members) that define a rack cavity218for the receipt of articles therein. In particular, a pair of lateral sidewalls212extend from the bottom wall216at opposite lateral sides of dish rack210. Each lateral sidewall212includes at least one transverse rail234(e.g., wire, rod, etc.) that extends along the transverse direction T (e.g., between a front end202and a rear end204of dish rack210). At each lateral sidewall212, a discrete bracket assembly222is provided. For the purposes of clarity, a single bracket assembly222having a discrete front bracket224and rear bracket226is generally described herein. Nonetheless, it is understood that a pair of bracket assemblies222may be provided with an identical or mirrored bracket assembly222on each of the opposite lateral sidewalls212.

When assembled, rack assembly130is attached (e.g., slidably attached) to a frame220mounted to tub104such that a dish rack210is permitted to move along the transverse direction T (e.g., between an extended position and a retracted position) irrespective of a height or vertical position of the dish rack210. Generally, a frame220of a slide assembly124may be mounted within wash chamber106at each lateral sidewall128of wash chamber106. As would be understood, each frame220may include includes a pair of mated rails, such as a first rail that is fixed within wash chamber106(e.g., mounted to a sidewall128of wash chamber106) and a second rail that is slidably attached to the first rail (e.g., to slide along the transverse direction T).

In exemplary embodiments, one or more wheels are provided on a frame220of a corresponding slide assembly (e.g., slide assembly124). For instance multiple rows of wheels may bound a frame220of a corresponding slide assembly (e.g., slide assembly124).

In some embodiments, a set of front wheels is provided on rack210(e.g., at each lateral side of rack210). For instance, the set of front wheels may include a first front wheel232A and a second front wheel232B at the same lateral side of rack210. First front wheel232A may be disposed above frame220while second front wheel232B is mounted below frame220. Each wheel of the set of front wheels232A,232B may be attached to rack210. For example, each wheel232A,232B may be rotatably attached to front bracket224(e.g., a bracket body240thereof) to rotate about a unique rotation axis. Each rotation axis of front wheels232A,232B may be parallel to the other rotation axis of front wheels232B,232A and, in certain embodiments, parallel to the lateral direction L (e.g., when rack210is mounted within wash chamber106and on frame220).

In additional or alternative embodiments, a set of rear wheels is provided on rack210(e.g., at each lateral side of rack210). For instance, the set of rear wheels may include a first rear wheel242A and a second rear wheel242B at the same lateral side of rack210. First rear wheel242A may be disposed above frame220while second rear wheel242B is mounted below frame220. Each wheel of the set of rear wheels242A,242B may be attached to rack210. For example, each wheel242A,242B may be rotatably attached to rear bracket226(e.g., a bracket body240thereof) to rotate about a unique rotation axis. Each rotation axis of rear wheels242A,242B may be parallel to the other rotation axis of rear wheels242B,242A and, in certain embodiments, parallel to the lateral direction L (e.g., when rack210is mounted within wash chamber106and on frame220).

As illustrated, the set of rear wheels242A,242B is generally spaced apart from (e.g., rearward relative to) the set of front wheels232A,232B in or along the transverse direction T. Each rear wheel242A,242B may be transversely aligned with a corresponding front wheel232A,232B (e.g., parallel to the transverse direction T such that each rotation axis of a rear wheel242A,242B is orthogonal to a common line extending along the transverse direction T to a corresponding front wheel232A,232B). When rack210is mounted on frame220, at least one rear wheel242A,242B may thus further support rack210on frame220. First rear wheel242A may be transversely aligned with first front wheel232A. Second rear wheel242B may be transversely aligned with second front wheel232B. A transverse spacing may be defined between each transversely-aligned pair of front and rear wheels from the rotation axis of a front wheel to the rotation axis of the transversely-aligned rear wheel). Optionally, the transverse spacing between each transversely-aligned pair of wheels may be equal.

Turning especially toFIGS. 2 through 7,FIGS. 3 through 7provide various views of an exemplary rack assembly130(e.g., rack assembly130) having a dish rack210according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,FIG. 3provides a partial, perspective view of rack assembly130.FIG. 4provides a sectional elevation view along a sidewall212of the dish rack210.FIG. 5provides a side elevation view of rack assembly130with the dish rack210in a lowered position.FIG. 6provides a side elevation view of rack assembly130with the dish rack210in a raised position.FIG. 7provides a side elevation view of rack assembly130with the dish rack210in a tilted position between the lowered and raised positions.

As noted above, rack assembly130includes a front bracket224attached to a corresponding sidewall212. For instance, front bracket224may be secured to transverse rail234. In some such embodiments, transverse rail234is received within a guide slot242defined by front bracket224. Optionally, guide slot242of front bracket224may be defined between an outer arm244and an inner arm246(e.g., both extending vertically from bracket body240). Guide slot242of front bracket224may generally extend along the vertical direction V between an upper limit248and a lower limit250. Between the upper and lower limits248,250of front bracket224; transverse rail234may be permitted to move or slide along the vertical direction V. Optionally, a notch or support shelf254of front bracket224may laterally extend into or from the guide slot242of front bracket224proximal to the upper limit248(i.e., distal to the lower limit250). Front bracket224may include support shelf254directly below the upper limit248thereof. For instance, support shelf254of front bracket224may extend laterally inwards (e.g., towards rack cavity218) from outer arm244. Generally, support shelf254of front bracket224defines a shelf surface254that faces upwards towards upper limit248(i.e., away from lower limit250). Optionally, a sloped surface256may extend generally downward from shelf surface254(e.g., at an acute angle relative to the vertical direction V) to permit the transverse rail234to slide therealong (e.g., as the dish rack210moves vertically upward) while also motivating the support shelf254of front bracket224laterally outward until the transverse rail234exceeds the height of the support shelf254, similar to a cam. Thus, in certain positions (e.g., in a raised position) transverse rail234may rest on support shelf254of front bracket224. In other positions (e.g., a lowered or tilted position) transverse rail234may be disposed below support shelf254of front bracket224, such as within the guide slot242on front bracket224at the lower limit250.

In some embodiments, front bracket224extends vertically between a fixed end258and a free end260. For instance, fixed end258may be defined at a bottom portion of bracket body240of front bracket224while free end260is defined at one of the tabs (e.g., outer arm244). Generally, fixed end258of front bracket224is laterally anchored or braced against sidewall212while free end260of front bracket224is movable or pivotable along the lateral direction L. In some embodiments, one or more lateral feet262are disposed against an inner surface of sidewall212. For instance, one or more lateral feet262of front bracket224may extend along the transverse direction T from bracket body240of front bracket224inside of rack cavity218to engage a vertically-disposed lattice member of sidewall212. Additionally or alternatively, one or more lateral feet262may be disposed against an outer surface of sidewall212. For instance, one or more lateral feet262of front bracket224may extend along the transverse direction T from bracket body240of front bracket224outside of rack cavity218to engage a vertically-disposed lattice member of sidewall212. As shown lateral feet262may be formed below guide slot242.

In the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 3 through 7, free end260of front bracket224is disposed within dish rack210(i.e., within rack cavity218). In particular, free end260of front bracket224is held inward from sidewall212. During use, free end260may thus be pivoted outward towards the corresponding sidewall212(e.g., by a user's thumb engagement while one or more of the user's fingers hold dish rack210vertically), thereby moving support shelf254and clearing guide slot242such that transverse rail234is permitted to slide (e.g., downward) within front bracket224. In optional embodiments, sidewall212includes an upper rim264that extends outward at a top end of dish rack210apart from free end260. Thus, upper rim264may define a laterally flared groove within which free end260of front bracket224may be received (e.g., when free end260is pivoted outward).

Returning generally toFIGS. 2 through 7, rack assembly130includes a rear bracket226attached to a corresponding sidewall212(e.g., the same sidewall212as front bracket224). For instance, rear bracket226may be secured to transverse rail234. In some such embodiments, transverse rail234is received within a guide slot242defined by rear bracket226. Optionally, guide slot242may be defined between an outer arm244and an inner arm246(e.g., both extending vertically from bracket body240) of rear bracket226. Guide slot242may generally extend along the vertical direction V between an upper limit248and a lower limit250. Between the upper and lower limits248,250; transverse rail234may be permitted to move or slide along the vertical direction V within rear bracket226. Optionally, a notch or support shelf254of rear bracket226may laterally extend into or from guide slot242proximal to the upper limit248(i.e., distal to the lower limit250) of rear bracket226. Rear bracket226may include support shelf254directly below the corresponding upper limit248. For instance, support shelf254may extend laterally inwards (e.g., towards rack cavity218) from outer arm244of rear bracket226. Generally, support shelf254of rear bracket226defines a shelf surface254that faces upwards towards upper limit248(i.e., away from lower limit250). Optionally, a sloped surface256may extend generally downward from shelf surface254of rear bracket226(e.g., at an acute angle relative to the vertical direction V) to permit the transverse rail234to slide therealong (e.g., as the dish rack210moves vertically upward) while also motivating the support shelf254laterally outward until the transverse rail234exceeds the height of the support shelf254, similar to a cam. Thus, in certain positions (e.g., in a raised position) transverse rail234may rest on support shelf254of rear bracket226. In other positions (e.g., a lowered or tilted position) transverse rail234may be disposed below support shelf254, such as within the guide slot242on rear bracket226at the lower limit250of rear bracket226.

In some embodiments, rear bracket226extends vertically between a fixed end258and a free end260. For instance, fixed end258of rear bracket226may be defined at a bottom portion of bracket body240while free end260of rear bracket226is defined at one of the tabs (e.g., outer arm244) Generally, fixed end258of rear bracket226is laterally anchored or braced against sidewall212while free end260of lateral bracket226is movable or pivotable along the lateral direction L. In some embodiments, one or more lateral feet262of rear bracket226are disposed against an inner surface of sidewall212. For instance, one or more lateral feet262may extend along the transverse direction T from bracket body240of rear bracket226to engage a vertically-disposed lattice member of sidewall212. Additionally or alternatively, one or more lateral feet262of rear bracket226may be disposed against an outer surface of sidewall212. For instance, one or more lateral feet262may extend along the transverse direction T from bracket body240of rear bracket226outside of rack cavity218to engage a vertically-disposed lattice member of sidewall212. As shown lateral feet262may be formed below guide slot242of rear bracket226.

In the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 3 through 7, free end260of rear bracket226is disposed within dish rack210(i.e., within rack cavity218). In particular, free end260of rear bracket226is held inward from sidewall212. During use, free end260of rear bracket226may thus be pivoted outward towards the corresponding sidewall212(e.g., by a user's thumb engagement while one or more of the user's fingers hold dish rack210vertically), thereby moving support shelf254and clearing guide slot242such that transverse rail234is permitted to slide (e.g., downward) within rear bracket226. In optional embodiments, sidewall212includes an upper rim264that extends outward at a top end of dish rack210apart from free end260of rear bracket226. Thus, upper rim264may define a laterally flared groove within which free end260of rear bracket226may be received (e.g., when free end260is pivoted outward).

As shown inFIGS. 2 through 7, bracket assembly222further includes a joiner bar266that extends along the transverse direction T from the front bracket224to the rear bracket226. In the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 3 through 7, joiner bar266is disposed within dish rack210(i.e., within rack cavity218). In some embodiments, joiner bar266is joined to front bracket224proximal to the free end260thereof. Thus, joiner bar266may be vertically offset from the fixed end258of front bracket224. Generally, joiner bar266is laterally translatable relative to sidewall212. Specifically, joiner bar266is able to move laterally with the free end260of front bracket224. In turn, joiner bar266may motivate the free end260of front bracket224according to lateral translation of joiner bar266. Lateral force provided at the joiner bar266(e.g., by a user gripping or engaging joiner bar266) may thus be transferred to the free end260of front bracket224, permitting both joiner bar266and the free end260of front bracket224to move laterally outward (e.g., away from rack cavity218).

Additionally or alternatively, joiner bar266may be joined to rear bracket226proximal to the free end260thereof. Thus, joiner bar266may be vertically offset from the fixed end258of rear bracket226. Similar to the relationship with front bracket224, joiner bar266is able to move laterally with the free end260of rear bracket226. In turn, joiner bar266may motivate the free end260of rear bracket226according to lateral translation of joiner bar266. Lateral force provided at the joiner bar266(e.g., by a user gripping or engaging joiner bar266) may thus be transferred to the free end260of rear bracket226, permitting both joiner bar266and the free end260of rear bracket226to move laterally outward (e.g., away from rack cavity218). When assembled, the rear bracket226may be engaged via joiner bar266separate or independently from front bracket224. A user may engage a portion of joiner bar266proximal to front bracket224to only move the free end260of front bracket224(e.g., to move dish rack210to a tilted position). Thus, the free ends260of front and rear brackets224,226may be laterally translatable with joiner bar266independent of each other.

In certain embodiments, rear bracket226defines a pivot aperture268at the free end260of rear bracket226. Joiner bar266may have a complementary rear prong that is received within the pivot aperture268of rear bracket226. In particular, the rear prong of joiner bar266may be pivotably received within the pivot aperture268of rear bracket226. In turn, a front end of joiner bar266(i.e., the end joined to front bracket224) may be able to pivot about the pivot aperture268of rear bracket226and, thus, relative to rear bracket226.

In optional embodiments, front bracket224defines a pivot aperture268at the free end260of front bracket224. Joiner bar266may have a complementary front prong that is received within the pivot aperture268of front bracket224. In particular, the front prong of joiner bar266may be pivotably received within the pivot aperture268of front bracket224. In turn, a rear end of joiner bar266(i.e., the end joined to rear bracket226) may be able to pivot about the pivot aperture268of front bracket224and, thus, relative to front bracket224.

Turning especially toFIGS. 5 through 7, when assembled, rack assembly130defines a plurality of positions of the dish rack210relative to the vertical direction V. In the illustrated embodiments, a lowered position (FIG. 5) holds dish rack210generally perpendicular to the vertical direction V at a first height. Specifically, the transverse rail234may rest at the lower limit250of guide slot242of both front bracket224and rear bracket226. Separately, a raised position (FIG. 6) holds dish rack210generally perpendicular to the vertical direction V at a second height that is above the first height. Specifically, the transverse rail234may rest on the support shelf254of both front bracket224and rear bracket226. Furthermore, a tilted position (FIG. 7) may be defined that holds dish rack210at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the vertical direction V. In particular a front end202of dish rack210may be held below a rear end204of dish rack210. In some such embodiments, the transverse rail234may rest at the lower limit250of guide slot242of front bracket224while resting on the support shelf254of rear bracket226.

Advantageously, the above-described bracket assembly222may permit greater control or flexibility for adjusting the vertical height or position of dish rack210. As an example, engagement with joiner bar266(e.g., at or near the middle point between front bracket224and rear bracket226) may notably motivate the free ends260of both front bracket224and rear bracket226, permitting a user to easily make adjustments to the height of dish rack210. As an additional or alternative example, engagement with joiner bar266(e.g., at or near front bracket224) may notably only motivate the free end260of front bracket224, permitting dish rack210to pivot downward for easy loading or unloading of certain (e.g., oddly-shaped) articles.

Turning now toFIGS. 2 and 8 through 12,FIGS. 8 through 12provide various views of an exemplary rack assembly130(e.g., rack assembly130) having a dish rack210according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,FIG. 8provides a partial, perspective view of rack assembly130.FIG. 9provides a rear elevation view along a sidewall212of the dish rack210.FIG. 10provides a side elevation view of rack assembly130with the dish rack210in a lowered position.FIG. 11provides a side elevation view of rack assembly130with the dish rack210in a raised position.FIG. 12provides a side elevation view of rack assembly130with the dish rack210in a tilted position between the lowered and raised positions.

As noted above, rack assembly130includes a front bracket224attached to a corresponding sidewall212. For instance, front bracket224may be secured to transverse rail234. In some such embodiments, transverse rail234is received within a guide slot242defined by front bracket224. Optionally, guide slot242of front bracket224may be defined between an outer arm244and an inner arm246(e.g., both extending vertically from bracket body240). Guide slot242of front bracket224may generally extend along the vertical direction V between an upper limit248and a lower limit250. Between the upper and lower limits248,250of front bracket224; transverse rail234may be permitted to move or slide along the vertical direction V. Optionally, a notch or support shelf254of front bracket224may laterally extend into or from the guide slot242of front bracket224proximal to the upper limit248(i.e., distal to the lower limit250). Front bracket224may include support shelf254directly below the upper limit248thereof. For instance, support shelf254of front bracket224may extend laterally inwards (e.g., towards rack cavity218) from outer arm244. Generally, support shelf254of front bracket224defines a shelf surface254that faces upwards towards upper limit248(i.e., away from lower limit250). Optionally, a sloped surface256may extend generally downward from shelf surface254(e.g., at an acute angle relative to the vertical direction V) to permit the transverse rail234to slide therealong (e.g., as the dish rack210moves vertically upward) while also motivating the support shelf254of front bracket224laterally outward until the transverse rail234exceeds the height of the support shelf254, similar to a cam. Thus, in certain positions (e.g., in a raised position) transverse rail234may rest on support shelf254of front bracket224. In other positions (e.g., a lowered or tilted position) transverse rail234may be disposed below support shelf254of front bracket224, such as within the guide slot242on front bracket224at the lower limit250.

In some embodiments, front bracket224extends vertically between a fixed end258and a free end260. For instance, fixed end258may be defined at a bottom portion of bracket body240of front bracket224while free end260is defined at one of the tabs (e.g., outer arm244). Generally, fixed end258of front bracket224is laterally anchored or braced against sidewall212while free end260of front bracket224is movable or pivotable along the lateral direction L. In some embodiments, one or more lateral feet262are disposed against an inner surface of sidewall212. For instance, one or more lateral feet262of front bracket224may extend along the transverse direction T from bracket body240of front bracket224inside of rack cavity218to engage a vertically-disposed lattice member of sidewall212. Additionally or alternatively, one or more lateral feet262may be disposed against an outer surface of sidewall212. For instance, one or more lateral feet262of front bracket224may extend along the transverse direction T from bracket body240of front bracket224outside of rack cavity218to engage a vertically-disposed lattice member of sidewall212. As shown lateral feet262may be formed below guide slot242.

In the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 8 through 12, free end260of front bracket224is disposed within dish rack210(i.e., within rack cavity218). In particular, free end260of front bracket224is held inward from sidewall212. During use, free end260may thus be pivoted outward towards the corresponding sidewall212(e.g., by a user's thumb engagement while one or more of the user's fingers hold dish rack210vertically), thereby moving support shelf254and clearing guide slot242such that transverse rail234is permitted to slide (e.g., downward) within front bracket224. In optional embodiments, sidewall212includes an upper rim264that extends outward at a top end of dish rack210apart from free end260. Thus, upper rim264may define a laterally flared groove within which free end260of front bracket224may be received (e.g., when free end260is pivoted outward).

Rack assembly130includes a rear bracket226attached to a corresponding sidewall212(e.g., the same sidewall212as front bracket224). For instance, rear bracket226may be secured to transverse rail234. In some such embodiments, transverse rail234is received within a guide slot242defined by rear bracket226. Optionally, guide slot242may be defined between an outer arm244and an inner arm246(e.g., both extending vertically from bracket body240) of rear bracket226. Guide slot242may generally extend along the vertical direction V between an upper limit248and a lower limit250. Between the upper and lower limits248,250; transverse rail234may be permitted to move or slide along the vertical direction V within rear bracket226. Optionally, a notch or support shelf254of rear bracket226may laterally extend into or from guide slot242proximal to the upper limit248(i.e., distal to the lower limit250) of rear bracket226. Rear bracket226may include support shelf254directly below the corresponding upper limit248. For instance, support shelf254may extend laterally inwards (e.g., towards rack cavity218) from outer arm244of rear bracket226. Generally, support shelf254of rear bracket226defines a shelf surface254that faces upwards towards upper limit248(i.e., away from lower limit250). Optionally, a sloped surface256may extend generally downward from shelf surface254of rear bracket226(e.g., at an acute angle relative to the vertical direction V) to permit the transverse rail234to slide therealong (e.g., as the dish rack210moves vertically upward) while also motivating the support shelf254laterally outward until the transverse rail234exceeds the height of the support shelf254, similar to a cam. Thus, in certain positions (e.g., in a raised position) transverse rail234may rest on support shelf254of rear bracket226. In other positions (e.g., a lowered or tilted position) transverse rail234may be disposed below support shelf254, such as within the guide slot242on rear bracket226at the lower limit250of rear bracket226.

In some embodiments, rear bracket226extends vertically between a fixed end258and a free end260. For instance, fixed end258of rear bracket226may be defined at a bottom portion of bracket body240while free end260of rear bracket226is defined at one of the tabs (e.g., outer arm244) Generally, fixed end258of rear bracket226is laterally anchored or braced against sidewall212while free end260of lateral bracket226is movable or pivotable along the lateral direction L. In some embodiments, one or more lateral feet262of rear bracket226are disposed against an inner surface of sidewall212. For instance, one or more lateral feet262may extend along the transverse direction T from bracket body240of rear bracket226to engage a vertically-disposed lattice member of sidewall212.

In the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 8 through 12, free end260of rear bracket226is disposed within dish rack210(i.e., within rack cavity218). In particular, free end260of rear bracket226is held inward from sidewall212. During use, free end260of rear bracket226may thus be pivoted outward towards the corresponding sidewall212(e.g., by a user's thumb engagement while one or more of the user's fingers hold dish rack210vertically), thereby moving support shelf254of rear bracket226and clearing guide slot242such that transverse rail234is permitted to slide (e.g., downward) within rear bracket226. In optional embodiments, sidewall212includes an upper rim264that extends outward at a top end of dish rack210apart from free end260. Thus, upper rim264may define a laterally flared groove within which free end260of rear bracket226may be received (e.g., when free end260is pivoted outward).

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 8 through 12, bracket assembly222further includes a joiner bar266and an intermediate brace274that both extend along the transverse direction T from the front bracket224to the rear bracket226. In the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 8 through 12, joiner bar266and intermediate brace274are disposed outside of dish rack210(i.e., laterally outward from sidewall212and outside of rack cavity218). In some embodiments, joiner bar266is joined to front bracket224proximal to the free end260thereof. Thus, joiner bar266may be vertically offset from the fixed end258of front bracket224. By contrast, intermediate brace274may extend between the bracket bodies240of front bracket224and rear bracket226(e.g., in line with the fixed ends258of front bracket224and rear bracket226).

Generally, joiner bar266is laterally translatable relative to sidewall212. Specifically, joiner bar266is able to move laterally with the free end260of front bracket224. In turn, joiner bar266may motivate the free end260of front bracket224according to lateral translation of joiner bar266. In some embodiments, a forward tab270extends vertically from joiner bar266(e.g., as an integral, unitary member therewith). Lateral force provided at the joiner bar266(e.g., by a user gripping or engaging forward tab270) may thus be transferred to the free end260of front bracket224, permitting both joiner bar266and the free end260of front bracket224to move laterally outward (e.g., away from rack cavity218).

Additionally or alternatively, joiner bar266may be joined to rear bracket226proximal to the free end260thereof. Thus, joiner bar266may be vertically offset from the fixed end258of rear bracket226. Similar to the relationship with front bracket224, joiner bar266is able to move laterally with the free end260of rear bracket226. In turn, joiner bar266may motivate the free end260of rear bracket226according to lateral translation of joiner bar266. In some embodiments, a rearward tab272extends vertically from joiner bar266(e.g., as an integral, unitary member therewith). As shown, rearward tab272is separate or discrete from forward tab270, rearward from forward tab270, but adjacent thereto. Lateral force provided at the joiner bar266(e.g., by a user gripping or engaging rearward tab272) may thus be transferred to the free end260of rear bracket226, permitting both joiner bar266and the free end260of rear bracket226to move laterally outward (e.g., away from rack cavity218). When assembled, the rear bracket226may be engaged via joiner bar266and rearward tab272separate or independently from front bracket224. A user may engage forward tab270to only move the free end260of front bracket224(e.g., to move dish rack210to a tilted position). Thus, the free ends260of front and rear brackets224,226may be laterally translatable with joiner bar266independent of each other.

Turning especially toFIGS. 10 through 12, when assembled, rack assembly130defines a plurality of positions of the dish rack210relative to the vertical direction V. In the illustrated embodiments, a lowered position (FIG. 10) holds dish rack210generally perpendicular to the vertical direction V at a first height. Specifically, the transverse rail234may rest at the lower limit250of guide slot242of both front bracket224and rear bracket226. Separately, a raised position (FIG. 11) holds dish rack210generally perpendicular to the vertical direction V at a second height that is above the first height. Specifically, the transverse rail234may rest on the support shelf254of both front bracket224and rear bracket226. Furthermore, a tilted position (FIG. 12) may be defined that holds dish rack210at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the vertical direction V. In particular a front end202of dish rack210may be held below a rear end204of dish rack210. In some such embodiments, the transverse rail234may rest at the lower limit250of guide slot242of front bracket224while resting on the support shelf254of rear bracket226.

Advantageously, the above-described bracket assembly222may permit greater control or flexibility for adjusting the vertical height or position of dish rack210. As an example, engagement with joiner bar266(e.g., at or near the middle point between front bracket224and rear bracket226) may notably motivate the free ends260of both front bracket224and rear bracket226, permitting a user to easily make adjustments to the height of dish rack210. As an additional or alternative example, engagement with joiner bar266(e.g., at or near front bracket224) may notably only motivate the free end260of front bracket224, permitting dish rack210to pivot downward for easy loading or unloading of certain (e.g., oddly-shaped) articles.