Patent Publication Number: US-8540085-B2

Title: Dishwasher rack assembly with adjustable tines

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to rack assemblies for use in domestic dishwashers, and more particularly to a rack assembly with adjustable tines. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventional dishwashers normally include two racks configured to support items to be washed, such as dishes, glasses, bowls, cooking utensils, and the like. Typically, an upper rack is disposed close to the top of the washing chamber and is used to hold glasses, cups, bowls, and other relatively smaller items. The lower rack is positioned near the bottom of the chamber at a considerable distance below the upper rack to provide vertical clearance for larger items, such as dishes and platters, to be placed on edge, and to hold preparation bowls and pots in an up-side-down orientation. Each rack normally is supplied with an array of spaced apart, generally vertical tines or fingers that support and separate the individual items. The optimum spacing between adjacent tines for supporting thin items like dishes is much less than for supporting thick items like mixing bowls and pans. Thus any fixed array of tines is less than optimum for all possible combinations of items to be washed. 
     There have been numerous suggestions for arrangements to provide adjustable tines in a rack assembly for user flexibility. Reference is made, for example, to U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,126,098; 3,269,548;3,402,975; 3,752,322; 4,046,261; 4,606,464; and 5,351,837. 
     The industry is continuously seeking improvements in rack assemblies that provide consumers with ease of adjustment of tines. The present invention relates to such improvements. 
     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 accordance with aspects of the invention, a dishwasher rack assembly is provided having a bottom wall formed of spaced apart lateral rods crossed by spaced apart longitudinal rods to define an open lattice structure. A plurality of fixed vertical tines extend upwardly from the bottom wall and may be attached to the lateral rods, the longitudinal rods, or the juncture of the lateral and longitudinal rods. The fixed vertical tines are arranged in pairs along the longitudinal or lateral aspect of the bottom wall with a defined space between adjacent pairs of the fixed vertical tines. A frame structure is provided with a shape and size so as to slide along the bottom wall between the pairs of fixed vertical tines. A plurality of vertical tines extend upwardly from this frame structure and are arranged in pairs along the frame structure. A securement mechanism is configured between the frame structure and the bottom wall and serves to anchor and yet accommodate relative movement between the frame structure and the bottom wall for variable positioning of the frame structure tines relative to the pairs of fixed vertical tines. 
     In a particular embodiment, the frame structure is a rectangular member with longitudinal legs. The frame structure tines may be disposed along the longitudinal legs with a spacing that corresponds to the spacing between the pairs of fixed vertical tines on the bottom wall. The rectangular member may be variously configured. For example, in one embodiment, the member may have a width such that the longitudinal legs lie directly adjacent to the pairs of fixed vertical tines. In another embodiment, the longitudinal legs may be laterally spaced from the fixed vertical tines. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the frame structure is adjustable between a first position wherein the frame structure tines are spaced mid-way between the pairs of fixed vertical tines and a second position wherein the frame structure tines are aligned (e.g. doubled-up) with the fixed vertical tines. In this embodiment, the frame structure may include a first end leg that connects to a first lateral rod of the bottom wall in the first position and to a second adjacent lateral rod in the second position of the frame structure. 
     The securement mechanism may be, for example, any manner of suitable clip or clips that attach the first end leg to the rods. In still a further embodiment, the frame structure may include hooks at ends of the longitudinal legs opposite from the first end leg, with the hooks having a length and shape so as to extend around and under the rods of the bottom wall in the various adjusted positions of the frame structure. In still further embodiments, the frame structure may include a second end leg opposite from the first end leg, with the second end leg also connectable to first and second rods of the bottom wall in the first and second adjusted positions of the frame structure. 
     Another unique embodiment includes a rectangular frame structure member having longitudinal legs, with the frame structure tines spaced apart along the longitudinal legs with a spacing that corresponds to the spacing between the pairs of fixed vertical tines on the bottom wall. The securement mechanism in this embodiment may include channel members that attach to the bottom wall between the fixed vertical tines, with longitudinal legs of the frame structure slidable within the channel members. The frame structure may be variably positionable at any position along the channel members. In another embodiment, the channel members include discrete position locations spaced along the length thereof for receipt of the frame structure tines. The channel members may attach to the lateral rods of the bottom wall between adjacent longitudinal rods. 
     The various dishwasher rack assembly embodiments are not limited to any particular use or location within the dishwasher, and may be used as lower racks or upper racks. The rack assembly may be particularly useful as an upper rack wherein the fixed vertical tines define a center bowl region of the upper rack. In this embodiment, the fixed vertical tines may be attached to every-other one of the lateral rods along the center bowl region, wherein in a first position of the frame structure, the frame structure tines are aligned with the fixed vertical tines, and in a second position of the frame structure, the frame structure tines are aligned with the lateral rods that are without fixed vertical tines. 
     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, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side, partially broken-way view of an exemplary dishwasher; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of a component of a rack assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable frame structure; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the frame structure of  FIG. 3  at a first position along the bottom wall of the rack assembly; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective side of the embodiment of  FIG. 4  with the frame structure at a second position along the bottom wall of the rack assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an adjustable frame structure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the frame structure of  FIG. 6  at a first position along the bottom wall of the rack assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective side of the embodiment of  FIG. 7  with the frame structure at a second position along the bottom wall of the rack assembly; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of still another embodiment of an adjustable frame structure; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the frame structure of  FIG. 9  at a first position along the bottom wall of the rack assembly; and 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective side of the embodiment of  FIG. 10  with the frame structure at a second position along the bottom wall of the rack assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     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. 
       FIG. 1  is a view of an exemplary domestic dishwasher  100  shown in partial cut-away and is representative of a type of a dishwasher that may incorporate a rack assembly in accordance with aspects of the invention. It should be appreciated, however, that the present rack assemblies are not limited to use in any particular type of dishwasher, and that the dishwasher  100  in  FIG. 1  is presented for illustrative purposes only. 
     Briefly, the dishwasher  100  includes a cabinet  102  having a tub  104  therein that defines a wash chamber  106 . The tub  104  includes a front opening (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) and a door  120  hinged at its bottom  122  for movement between a normally closed vertical position wherein the wash chamber  106  is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of dishwasher contents. Upper and lower guide rails  124 ,  126  are mounted on tub side walls  128  and accommodate upper and lower roller-equipped rack assemblies  130 ,  132 , respectively. Each of upper and lower racks  130 ,  132  is fabricated from known materials into lattice structures that include longitudinal rods  134  and crossing lateral rods (not visible in  FIG. 1 ). Each rack assembly  130 ,  132  is adapted for movement between an extended loading position in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber  106 , and a retracted position (shown in  FIG. 1 ) in which the rack is located inside wash chamber  106 . Typically, a silverware basket (not shown) is removably attached to the lower rack  132  for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like that are too small to be accommodated by upper and lower racks  130 ,  132 . 
     A control input selector  136  is mounted at a convenient location on an outer face  138  of the door  120  and is coupled to control circuitry and control mechanisms for operating a fluid circulation assembly to circulate water and dishwasher fluid in the dishwasher tub  104 . The fluid circulation assembly is located in a machinery compartment  140  located below a bottom sump portion  142  of the tub  104 . 
     A lower spray-arm-assembly  144  is rotatably mounted within a lower region  146  of the wash chamber  106  and above tub sump portion  142  so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to the lower rack assembly  132 . A mid-level spray-arm assembly  148  is located in an upper region of the wash chamber  106  and is located in close proximity to the upper rack  130  and at a sufficient height above lower rack  132  to accommodate larger items, such as a dish or platter. In a further embodiment, an upper spray assembly may be located above the upper rack assembly  130  at a sufficient height to accommodate taller items in the upper rack assembly  130 . 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a rack assembly  10  in accordance with aspects of the invention. Although depicted as a top rack assembly particularly suited for cups, bowls, and other relatively smaller items, it should be appreciated that a rack assembly  10  in accordance with the invention may also be configured as a lower rack particularly suited for dishes, plates, and other relatively larger items. The rack assembly  10  is not limited by its use or location within the a dishwasher. The rack assembly  10  is generally configured as a basket-like structure  12  having a bottom wall  14  and surrounding sidewalls  16 . The bottom wall  14  and sidewalls  16  may be formed with wire or rod members into an open lattice structure. For example, the bottom wall  14  may be defined by a plurality of longitudinal rods  18  that are crossed with a plurality of lateral rods  20 , as generally known in the art. The rods  18 ,  20  may be connected together by any suitable means, including welding, epoxy, clips, and so forth. A plurality of fixed tines  22  project vertically upward from the bottom wall  14  from any combination of the rods  18 ,  20 . The fixed tines  22  are arranged in pairs along the longitudinal aspect of the bottom wall  14  with a defined space of “pitch” between adjacent pairs of the tines  22 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an embodiment of a frame structure  24  is illustrated as having a shape and a size so as to slide along the bottom wall  14  of the rack assembly  10  ( FIG. 2 ) in the longitudinal direction between the pairs of fixed vertical tines  22 . A plurality of vertically oriented tines  26  are arranged on the frame structure  24  in pairs along the longitudinal legs  28  of the frame structure  24 . A securement mechanism is configured between the frame structure  24  and the bottom wall  14 . This securement mechanism accommodates relative movement of the frame structure  24  along the bottom walls  14  for variable positioning of the frame structure  24  relative to the pairs of fixed vertical tines  22 . In this way, the tines  26  configured on the frame structure  24  can be varied relative to the fixed tines  22 . The securement mechanism also anchors the frame structure  24  relative to the bottom wall  14 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the frame structure  24  is a generally rectangular member having longitudinal legs  28  and at least one first end leg  30 . As mentioned above, the tines  26  are spaced along the longitudinal legs  28  with a spacing between adjacent pairs of the tines  26  that corresponds essentially to the spacing between the fixed pairs of tines  22  ( FIG. 4 ). In this embodiment, the rectangular frame structure  24  has a width such that the longitudinal legs  28  lie essentially directly adjacent to the pairs of fixed tines  22 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 . For example, the legs  28  of the frame structure  24  may slide generally adjacent to the longitudinal rods  18  of the bottom wall  14 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts a first position of the frame structure  24  wherein the tines  26  are positioned mid-way between adjacent pairs of the fixed tines  22  on the bottom wall  14 . This position thus provides a significantly greater number of tines in the same space, with a decreased spacing or pitch between the tines. This configuration may be desired for relatively small, flat articles, such as saucers, small dishes, and the like. 
     The frame structure  24  is movable to a second position depicted in  FIG. 5  wherein the tines  26  on the frame structure  24  are essentially aligned with the fixed vertical tines  22 . Thus, in this position, the tines  26 ,  22  are essentially doubled-up and the tines  26  do not interfere with relatively larger articles that would be supported between the fixed tines  22 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first end leg  30  of the frame structure  24  may removably connect to respective different ones of the lateral rods  20  in the first and second positions of the frame structure  24  by any suitable securing mechanism, such as the clips  38  depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . To reposition the frame structure, a consumer need only to unclip the clips  38  from the first lateral rods  20  and move the clip and frame structure  24  to another desired lateral rod  20  to change the pitch between the fixed tines  22  and the tines  26  on the frame structure  24 , as depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
       FIGS. 3 through 5  depict an embodiment of the frame structure wherein the opposite ends of the longitudinal legs  28  include hooks  32  configured thereon. The hooks  32  have a length and a shape so as to extend around and under the lateral rods  20  in the various adjusted positions of the frame structure  24 , as depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . This particular embodiment may be desired in that it is not necessary to manipulate clips on both ends of the frame structure  24 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , an alternate embodiment of the frame structure  24  is depicted wherein the structure includes a second end leg  34  opposite the first end leg  30  such that the frame structure  24  defines a closed rectangular structure with the tines  26  configured on the longitudinal legs  28 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , clips  38  may be used to secure the second end leg  34  to different ones of the lateral rods  20  in the various adjusted positions of the frame structure  24  depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . In the position of  FIG. 7 , the tines  26  on the frame structure  24  are positioned mid-way between the fixed tines  22  and the clip  38  as the first end  30  and second end  34  of the frame structure are attached to respective lateral rods  20 . In the adjusted position of the frame structure  24  in  FIG. 8 , the tines  26  are aligned with the fixed tines  22  and the clips  38  on the respective first leg  30  and second leg  34  of frame structure are attached to different ones of the lateral rods  20 . 
       FIGS. 9 through 11  depict an alternative embodiment wherein the frame structure  24  is defined as a closed rectangular structure having longitudinal legs  28  and end legs  30 ,  34 . The securement mechanism in this embodiment includes respective channel members  40  that are configured to attach to the lateral rods  20  between the fixed tines  22 , as depicted in  FIG. 10 . The channel members  40  may attach to the rods  20  in any suitable way. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of rod positions  44  are defined on the underside of the channel members  40 . These rod positions  44  have a size and spacing so that the channel members are essentially snapped or pushed onto the rods  20 . The channel members  40  include a top groove  42  into which the longitudinal legs  28  of the frame structure are inserted. Tine positions  46  extend transversely to the top groove  42  and accommodate the tines  26  that are attached to the longitudinal legs  28 , as can be readily appreciated from the views of  FIGS. 9 and 10 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts the frame structure  24  in a first position wherein the channel members  40  are attached to various ones of the rods  20  in a first position of the frame structure  24  wherein the tines  26  are aligned with the fixed tines  22 .  FIG. 11  depicts an adjusted position of the frame structure  24  wherein the channel members have been moved and attached to a different set of the rods  20  so that the tines  26  are disposed generally mid-way between the fixed tines  22 . 
     In an alternate embodiment that is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 9 through 11 , the channel members  40  may remain fixed relative to the bottom wall  14 , for example attached to the rods  20  as described above, while the frame structure  24  is variably positionable within the channel members, for example by sliding within the top groove  42 . Instead of discrete tine positions  46  ( FIG. 9 ), the top groove may form a relatively tight friction fit around the longitudinal legs  28  and bottom portion of the tines  26  that allows for variable infinite positioning of the frame structure  24  relative to the fixed channel members  40 . This embodiment may be desired in that the spacing of the tines  26  relative to the fixed tines  22  can be fine-tuned or otherwise varied, and is not dependent on the spacing of the underlying rods  20  defining the bottom wall  14  of the rack assembly  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the rack assembly  10  is an upper rack for a dishwasher and the fixed vertical tines  22  define a center bowl region  48  of the upper rack ( FIG. 2 ). In this embodiment, the fixed vertical tines  22  are attached to every other ones of the lateral rods  20  along the center bowl region  48 , as depicted in  FIG. 2 . In a first position of the frame structure  24 , the tines  26  are aligned with the fixed vertical tines, and in a second position of the frame structure  24 , the tines  26  are aligned with the lateral rods  20  that are without fixed vertical tines  22 . Depending on the spacing of the lateral rods  20 , this second position may place the tines  26  mid-way between the fixed tines  22 , as discussed above. 
     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.