Patent Publication Number: US-11033170-B2

Title: Sump mounting assembly having one or more latches

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter generally relates to a sump mounting assembly for an appliance and, more particularly, to the use of one or more latches mounted to a sump. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Dishwasher appliances employ spray arms to introduce wash fluid into a washing tub. To significantly reduce the volume of water used in a given wash cycle, most dishwasher appliances include a sump located at the base of the washing tub which, among other things, collects wash fluid that has been sprayed into the washing tub and recycles it by directing the wash fluid back to the spray arms for further use. Because the sump is generally located at the base of the dishwasher appliance (e.g., in order that wash fluid properly drains into the sump) proper mounting of the sump is important to prevent leaks. It is therefore common to mount the sump into the washing tub along with a seal that is compressed during the sump mounting process. 
     One common technique for mounting the sump into the tub involves the time-consuming step of driving multiple screws or bolts through bosses molded to the bottom surface of the sump. To speed the assembly process, the step of inserting the screws or bolts is typically accomplished using a pressure activated drill. Use of such drills, however, comes with the risk of missing the boss or applying too much torque, which can result in damage to the sump itself. Thus, a certain number of sumps must be discarded as scrap and the process must be repeated using a new sump, increasing the time and material costs associated with manufacturing the product. 
     Accordingly, it would be useful to provide an appliance including features addressing one or more of the above-identified issues. In some cases, an appliance having a sump mounting assembly that could be manufactured while limiting assembly time and costs would be desirable. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a sump mounting assembly is provided. The sump mounting assembly may include a sump, a seal, and one or more latches that may be rotatably mounted to the sump. The sump may further include a top, a bottom, a side extending between the top and the bottom, and a latch receiver. The latch receiver may further include a latch post having a first post end connected to the bottom and a second post end displaced from the bottom of the sump. The latch receiver may further include a latch retainer having a first retainer end connected to the second post end and a second retainer. The seal may extend around the side of the sump. The latch may be rotatably mounted to the latch receiver. At least a portion of the latch may extend beyond the side of the sump and seal in order to maintain the position of the sump. 
     In other exemplary aspects of the present disclosure, a dishwasher appliance is provided. The dishwasher appliance may include a cabinet having a front cabinet opening, a hinged door for accessing and sealing the front cabinet opening, a wash tub that defines a wash chamber, one or more spray assemblies for introducing wash fluids into the wash chamber, and a sump mounting assembly. The wash tub may further include an interior bottom surface having a tub opening and a tub lip extending below the interior bottom surface and defining the tub opening. The sump mounting assembly may further include a sump, a seal, and one or more latches that may be rotatably mounted to the sump. The sump may further include a top, a bottom, a side extending between the top and the bottom, and a latch receiver. The latch receiver may further include a latch post having a first post end connected to the bottom and a second post end displaced from the bottom of the sump. The latch receiver may further include a latch retainer having a first retainer end connected to the second post end and a second retainer. The seal may extend around the side of the sump. The latch may be rotatably mounted to the latch receiver. At least a portion of the latch may extend beyond the side of the sump and seal in order to maintain the position of the sump. 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures. 
         FIG. 1  provides a front view of an exemplary dishwasher appliance. 
         FIG. 2  provides a cut away side view of an embodiment of the dishwasher appliance. 
         FIG. 3  provides a cut away perspective view of the bottom interior surface of an exemplary dishwasher appliance. 
         FIG. 4  provides another perspective view of the bottom interior surface of an exemplary dishwasher appliance with the tub sump assembly removed. 
         FIG. 5  provides a perspective view of the bottom side of an exemplary embodiment of a tub sump assembly with attached latches in an extended position. 
         FIG. 6  provides a perspective view of the bottom side of an exemplary embodiment of a tub sump assembly with attached latches in a retracted position. 
         FIG. 7  provides a perspective view of the top side of an exemplary embodiment of a tub sump assembly. 
         FIG. 8  provides a top view of the bottom side of an exemplary tub sump assembly with attached latches in varying positions. 
         FIG. 9  provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a latch receiver. 
         FIG. 10  provides a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a latch receiver. 
         FIG. 11  provides a different perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a latch receiver on the bottom side of a sump. 
         FIG. 12  provides a perspective view of an exemplary latch. 
         FIG. 13  provides a top view of an exemplary latch. 
         FIG. 14  provides a side view of an exemplary latch. 
         FIG. 15  provides a front perspective view of an exemplary latch. 
         FIG. 16  provides a bottom view of an exemplary latch. 
         FIG. 17  provides a schematic side view of a portion of an exemplary tub sump assembly with a latch in the extended position. 
         FIG. 18  provides a bottom perspective view of a portion of an exemplary tub sump assembly with a latch in the extended position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents 
     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 “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). 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. 
     As used herein, the term “article” may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance. The term “wash cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which a dishwashing appliance operates while containing the articles to be washed and uses a detergent and water, preferably with agitation, to e.g., remove soil particles including food and other undesirable elements from the articles. The term “rinse cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to remove residual soil, detergents, and other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles after completion of the wash cycle. The term “drain cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to discharge soiled water from the dishwashing appliance. The term “wash fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing and/or rinsing the articles and is typically made up of water that may include other additives such as detergent or other treatments. 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  depict an exemplary domestic dishwasher  100  that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , exemplary embodiments of the dishwasher  100  include a cabinet  102  having a tub  104  therein that defines a wash chamber  106 . The tub  104  includes a front cabinet opening (not shown) and a door  120  hinged at its bottom  122  for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), wherein the wash chamber  106  is sealed shut for washing operations, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher  100 . Latch  156  is used to lock and unlock door  120  for access to wash chamber  106 . 
     In some embodiments, upper and lower guide rails  124 ,  126  are mounted on tub side walls  128  and accommodate roller-equipped rack assemblies  130  and  132 . Each of the rack assemblies  130 ,  132  may be fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members  134  (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up assemblies  130  and  132  are shown in  FIG. 2 ). Each rack  130 ,  132  is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown), in which the rack  130  or  132  is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber  106 , and a retracted position (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), in which the rack  130  or  132  is located inside the wash chamber  106 . This rack movement is facilitated by rollers  135  and  139 , for example, mounted onto racks  130  and  132 , respectively. A silverware basket (not shown) may be removably attached to rack assembly  132  for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by the racks  130 ,  132 . 
     In certain embodiments, the dishwasher  100  further includes a lower spray-arm assembly  144  that is rotatably mounted within a lower region  146  of the wash chamber  106  and above a tub sump assembly  300  so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to rack assembly  132 . Additionally or alternatively, a mid-level spray-arm assembly  148  may be located in an upper region of the wash chamber  106  and may be located in close proximity to upper rack  130 . Also additionally or alternatively, an upper spray assembly  150  may be located above the upper rack  130 . 
     The lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies  144 ,  148  and the upper spray assembly  150  may be part of a fluid circulation assembly  152  for circulating water and dishwasher fluid in the tub  104 . The fluid circulation assembly  152  may also include a recirculation pump  154  positioned in a machinery compartment  140  located below the tub sump assembly  300  (e.g., bottom wall) of the tub  104 . Pump  154  may receive fluid from sump assembly  300  to provide a flow to fluid circulation assembly  152 , or optionally, a switching valve or diverter (not shown) may be used to select flow. A heating element  170  can be used to provide heat during e.g., a drying cycle. 
     Each spray-arm assembly  144 ,  148  may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing washing fluid received from pump  154  onto dishes or other articles located in rack assemblies  130  and  132 . The arrangement of the discharge ports in spray-arm assemblies  144 ,  148  can provide a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the spray-arm assemblies  144 ,  148  and the operation of spray assembly  150  using fluid from pump  154  provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. 
     The dishwasher  100  is further equipped with a controller  137  to regulate operation of the dishwasher  100 . The controller may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors 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. 
     The controller  137  may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the controller  137  may be located within a control panel area  121  of door  120  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In some such embodiments, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the controller  137  and various operational components of dishwasher  100  along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom  122  of door  120 . Typically, the controller  137  includes a user interface panel/controls  136  through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher  100 . In some embodiments, the user interface  136  represents a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In additional or alternative embodiments, the user interface  136  includes 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. The user interface  136  may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface  136  may be in communication with the controller  137  via 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. The exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for user interface  136 , different configurations may be provided for racks  130 ,  132 , and other differences may be applied as well. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 , an exemplary filtering system  200  may be located in sump assembly  300  (e.g., to provide filtered fluid to pump inlet  162 ). Generally, filtering system  200  can remove soiled particles from the fluid that is recirculated through the wash chamber  106  during operation of dishwasher  100 . In exemplary embodiments, filtering system  200  includes both a first filter  202  (also referred to as a “coarse filter”) and a second filter  204  (also referred to as a “fine filter”). In certain other embodiments of the present invention, dishwasher  100  may not include filter  202  and, instead, may include only filter  204  having a plurality of different filter media as further described below. 
     Based on the shape of sump assembly  300  (see  FIG. 2 ), fluid may flow down along vertical direction V to filtering system  200  for filtration during use. After the fluid is filtered by passing through first filter  202  (e.g., a coarse filter) or second filter  204  (e.g., a fine filter), the filtered fluid is fed to the inlet  162  of pump  154  for return to the wash chamber  106  by way of fluid circulation assembly  152 . After being sprayed onto articles in the dishwashing appliance using one or more of spray elements  144 ,  148 , and  150 , the fluid may eventually flow to sump assembly  300  (e.g., to be filtered again). 
     Filtered waste material can be removed from filter assembly  200  by a drain pump  208  feeding drain  210 . Accordingly, filtering system  200  acts to clean soil particles from the fluid so as to e.g., protect pump  154  and/or the spray assemblies from clogging as the fluid is recirculated during the cleaning process of the dishwashing appliance  100  such as e.g., a wash or rinse cycle of appliance  100 . The filter assembly  200  can also provide a cleaner fluid during the cleaning process, which results in cleaner articles. 
     As shown, tub sump assembly  300  may be mounted into tub  104  from within wash chamber  106 . Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 4 , an interior bottom surface  176  of tub  104  includes a tub opening  174 . In some embodiments, tub opening  174  is defined by a tub lip  175 . For example, tub lip  175  extending below interior bottom surface  176  of tub  104  and defining tub opening  174 . In some such embodiments, tub lip  175  is sized such that tub opening  174  is slightly smaller than the circumference (or width) of tub sump assembly  300 , thereby preventing tub sump assembly  300  from passing through the tub opening  174  or facilitating a tight seal between tub  104  and tub sump assembly  300  to prevent leaks. 
     The tub sump assembly  300  is now discussed in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 5 through 7 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  show perspective views of, for example, from below tub sump assembly  300 .  FIG. 7  provides a top view of an exemplary embodiment of tub sump assembly  300 . The tub sump assembly  300  includes a sump  302 , a seal  326 , and one or more latches  328 . Generally, sump  302  includes a top side  304 , a bottom side  306 , a side  308  extending between top side  304  and bottom side  306 , and a lip  310  extending around side  308  such that lip  310  extends beyond bottom side  306  at all points along side  308  of sump  302 . One or more latch receivers  312  may be attached to the bottom side  306  of sump  302 . Additionally or alternatively, the seal  326  may be arranged around side  308  of sump  302 . In various embodiments, seal  326  may comprise a gasket, an o-ring, an adhesive, or any other suitable sealing element known to those skilled in the art. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, one or more latches  328  are connected to the one or more latch receivers  312 . As further shown in  FIG. 5 , latches  328  may rotate about corresponding latch receivers  312  to an extended position (e.g., overhanging the side  308  of sump  302  or, as shown in  FIG. 17 , abutting tub lip  175 ). With tub sump assembly  300  resting on tub lip  175 , rotation of latches  328  may compress seal  326  against tub lip  175 , forming a seal that prevents wash fluid from leaking from tub  104  through tub opening  174 . Additionally or alternatively, compression between seal  326  and tub lip  175  may stabilize the position of tub sump assembly  300  with respect to tub  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , as installed, top side  304  of sump  302  is exposed to wash chamber  106  within tub  104 . Filter system  200  is attached to sump  302  (e.g., at top side  304 ), allowing wash fluid from operation of dishwasher  100  to flow over top side  304  of sump  302  and into filter system  200 , where the wash fluid may be filtered and recycled for further use during the wash cycle. 
       FIG. 8  provides a bottom view of an embodiment of sump  302 , showing bottom side  306  of sump  302 . In some embodiments, bottom side  306  of sump  302  includes one or more latch receivers  312 . Latch receivers  312  may be an integral element of the molded bottom side  306  of sump  302  or, alternatively, may be separate elements attached to bottom side  306  of sump  302  through a suitable mechanical fastener, adhesive, etc. When assembled, latch receivers  312  may be situated near the side  308  of sump  302  such that, when latch  328  is attached to and rotated about latch receiver  312 , latch  328  notably extends beyond the side  308  of sump  302 . 
     In some embodiments, such as that shown in  FIG. 8 , bottom side  306  of sump  302  includes multiple (e.g., three) latch receivers  312  spaced apart from one another in order that, when latches  328  are rotated about latch receivers  312 , seal  326  is compressed against tub lip  175  in each of these locations. Notably, latch receivers  312  (e.g., including the mutual spacing thereof) may ensure that seal  326  is compressed against tub lip  175  around the entire side  308  of sump  302 , ensuring a proper seal to prevent leakage. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 9 through 11 , each latch receiver  312  may include a latch post  314 . Latch post  314  may include a first post end  316  connected to bottom side  306  of sump  302  and a second post end  318  that is displaced from bottom side  306  of sump  302 . Latch receiver  312  may serve as an anchor upon which latch  328  may be mounted and about which latch  328  may be rotated. In some embodiments, latch post  314  is oriented perpendicular to bottom side  306  of sump  302 . Additionally, in at least some embodiments, at least of portion of the surface of latch post  314  may be rounded to facilitate rotation of latch  328  about latch post  314 . For instance, latch post  314  may be cylindrical or partially cylindrical, having a diameter  315  (as shown in  FIG. 17 ). Alternatively, other embodiments include a latch post  314  having at least a partially segmented surface such that a cross-section of latch post  314  forms at least a partial hexagon, octagon, or other multi-faced surface. As illustrated, latch post  314  may have sufficient height to accommodate the entire height of latch  328 . 
     As shown (e.g., in  FIGS. 9 through 11 ), latch receiver  312  may further include a latch retainer  320  having a first retainer end  322  connected (e.g., integrally or, alternatively, separably) to the second post end  318  of latch post  314  and a second retainer end  324  extending outward toward side  308  of sump  302 . In certain embodiments, after latch  328  is attached to latch post  314 , at least a portion of latch  328  may be contained between bottom side  306  of sump  302  and latch retainer  320 . Further, after latch  328  is rotated to an extended position and is subjected to the forces created by compression of seal  326 , latch retainer  320  may resist the force translated through latch  328 , preventing latch  328  from sliding off of latch post  314 . 
     Bottom side  306  of sump  302 , in some embodiments, includes a first protrusion  352  on a first side  354  of latch receiver  312  and a second protrusion  356  on a second side  358  of latch receiver  312 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 through 11 . In exemplary embodiments, first protrusion  352  and second protrusion  356  are integrally molded (e.g., unitary and monolithic) aspects of bottom side  306  of sump  302 . 
     As previously noted, latch receivers  312  may be used, for example, to attach latches  328  to sump  302 .  FIGS. 12 through 16  provide various views of an exemplary embodiment of latch  328 . In exemplary embodiments, latch  328  is made from plastic (e.g., natural or synthetic polymer). Latch  328  may include, for instance, a latch head  330  for attaching latch  328  to latch post  314  of latch receiver  312 . Latch  328  may further include a latch handle  332  connected to latch head  330  for use in rotating latch  328  about latch post  314  of latch receiver  312 . 
     In some embodiments, such as those shown in  FIGS. 12 through 16 , latch head  330  may be a partial circular ring  334  forming two jaws  336  between which is a latch head opening  337  ( FIG. 13 ). Jaws  336  may be oriented such that latch head opening  337  between jaws  336  is opposite from the location where latch handle  332  is mounted to latch head  330 . Latch head opening  337  between jaws  336  may be sized so that a width of latch head opening  337  is smaller than the width or diameter  315  of latch post  314 , such that jaws  336  must expand apart from one another in order to attach latch head  330  to latch post  314 . On the other hand, the width of latch head opening  337  between jaws  336  may not be so small that the required expansion of jaws  336  would result in damage to latch head  330 . In certain embodiments (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 12 through 16 ), the partial circular ring  334  may also have an interior diameter  333  ( FIG. 16 ) sized to accommodate the width or diameter  315  of latch post  316 . When the dimensions of latch head  330  are sized as such, latch  328  may be rotatably attached to latch post  316  of latch receiver  312  and latch post  316  will provide resistance against the removal of latch  328 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, latch head  330  may have a top side  338  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 12, 13, and 15 ) and a bottom side  340  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 16 ). Bottom side  340  of latch head  330 , in certain embodiments, includes an outer ridge  344  raised along an outer diameter  335  of partial circular ring  334  ( FIGS. 15, 16 ). In addition, bottom side  340  of latch head  330  may include an inner ridge  346  raised along inner diameter  333  of partial circular ring  334  ( FIGS. 15, 16 ). Together, outer ridge  344  and inner ridge  346  form a groove  342  along partial circular ring  334  (e.g., on the bottom side  340  of latch head  330 ). In some embodiments, groove  342  extends along jaw  336  from latch head opening  337  in partial circular ring  334  to a stop bar  348 , which may be a raised element connecting outer ridge  344  and inner ridge  346 . ( FIG. 16 ). 
     In some embodiments, stop bar  348  may be situated in proximity to the location where latch head  330  and latch handle  332  connect. Additionally, certain embodiments may include two stop bars  348  spaced apart from one another such that stop bars  348  and one or more of outer ridge  344  and inner ridge  346  form a recessed first latch pocket  350  (e.g., as depicted in the bottom view of  FIG. 16 ) where latch head  330  is connected to latch handle  332 . Similarly, one or more of stop bars  348  and one or more of outer ridge  344  and inner ridge  346  form a second latch pocket  349  and a third latch pocket  351 , one each on the opposite sides of stop bars  348  from first latch pocket  350 . When latch  328  is attached to latch post  324  of latch receiver  312 , the bottom side  340  of latch head  330  faces the bottom side  306  of sump  302 . Thus, when latch head  330  is attached to latch post  324 , first latch pocket  350  may be positioned over first protrusion  352  on sump  302 . 
     In some embodiments, latch  328  may extend beyond side  308  of sump  302  when initially attached. In such circumstances, latch  328  must then be rotated after initial attachment to latch receiver  312  such that latch handle  332  is moved away from side  308  of sump  302 . Latch  328  may be initially attached to first side  354  of latch receiver  312  and rotation of latch  328  results in first protrusion  352  being contained within second latch pocket  349 . This containment of first protrusion  352  within either second latch pocket  349  or third latch pocket  351  impedes unintentional rotation of latch  328  about latch post  314  and holds latch  328  in an open position until tub sump assembly  300  is ready to be mounted within tub  104 . Alternatively, sump  302  may be designed such that first protrusion  352  is located on second side  358  of latch receiver  312  and second protrusion  356  is located on first side  354  of latch receiver (not pictured, in which case latch  328  may be initially attached to second side  358  of latch receiver  312  and rotation of latch  328  results in first protrusion  352  being contained within third latch pocket  351 , once again impeding rotation of latch  328  and maintaining it in an open position. In yet another alternative embodiment in which latch  328  does not extend beyond side  308  of sump  302  following initial attachment to latch receiver  312 , first latch pocket  350  may itself contain first protrusion  352  in order to impede rotation of latch  328  and maintain latch  328  in an open position. 
     Once tub sump assembly  300  is placed within tub opening  174  of tub  104  and latch  328  is attached to latch post  314 , latch  328  may be rotated about latch post  314  to an extended position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5 ). As latch  328  rotates about latch post  314 , groove  342  on the bottom side  340  of latch head  330  slides over second protrusion  356  (e.g., shown in  FIG. 11 ), which remains within groove  342  during rotation of latch  328 . Rotation of latch  328  may continue until second protrusion  356  makes contact with stop bar  348 , which marks the end of groove  342  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 16 ). In this way, a user or installer may confirm that latch  328  is properly aligned in the extended position. 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 17-18 , rotation of latch  328  may result in contact between latch  328  and tub lib  175 , such that compression of seal  326  is necessary in order for latch  328  to reach the extended position. As shown in  FIG. 17 , and as previously explained, seal  326  extends around side  308  of sump  302 . It should be understood that at least a portion of seal  326  may extend below lip  310  of sump  302 , in order that sump  302  is able to compress seal  326  upon rotation of latch  328 . In certain embodiments, such as the embodiment of  FIG. 17 , tub lip  175  includes a plurality of horizontal slots or recesses such that, when seal  326  is compressed by the action of latch  328 , such slots or recesses may be occupied by corresponding ribs  327  on the exterior of seal  326 , thereby resulting in an interference fit and aiding in the prevention of leakage between the inside and outside of tub  104 . 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.