Patent Description:
Contemporary automatic dish treating appliances for use in a typical household include a cabinet with an access opening and a tub that can have an open front and at least partially defines a treating chamber into which items, such as kitchenware, glassware, and the like, can be placed to undergo a treating operation, such as washing. A spraying system with multiple sprayers can be provided for recirculating liquid throughout the tub to remove soils from the dishes. The dishwasher can be further provided with a door assembly, which can be hingedly mounted to the tub or to the cabinet for pivoting movement about a pivot axis between closed and opened positions to selectively close and open the open front and the access opening.

At least one rack or basket for supporting soiled dishes can be provided within the tub. The at least one rack or basket can be provided in the form of upper and lower dish racks. A silverware or utensil basket for holding utensils, silverware, cutlery, and the like, may also be provided and is generally removably mounted to the door assembly or within one of the dish racks. The dish racks can further include a plurality of tines or sets of tines that can be provided in a variety of configurations within the dish racks for supporting soiled dishes. Some of the tines within the dish racks may be fixed in position and not movable, while other tines or sets of tines within the dish racks may be movable between at least first and second positions such that the sets of tines are adjustable by a user.

Prior art document <CIT> discloses a dish support rack for a dishwasher which includes a, plurality of tine members. The tine members include a base member from which extend a plurality of tines. Each base member includes a socket and a pin element used to join individual tine members to form tine rows. The tine rows are then fastened to the bottom portion to establish dish support zones in the dish rack.

The present invention relates to a dish rack assembly comprising a dish rack defining an interior, and an adjustable tine assembly located within the interior and comprising first and second sets of tines, which are coaxial about a common rotational axis, and rotatable about the rotational axis, the first set of tines having a first cross member from which multiple first tines extend, and the second set of tines having a second cross member from which multiple second tines extend, the second cross member having a C-shaped cross section defining a hollow interior, which receives the first cross member.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an adjustable tine assembly for use within an interior of a dish rack of a dish treating appliance, the adjustable tine assembly located within the interior and comprising first and second sets of tines, which are coaxial about a common rotational axis, and rotatable about the rotational axis, the first set of tines having a first cross member from which multiple first tines extend, and the second set of tines having a second cross member from which multiple second tines extend, the second cross member having a C-shaped cross section defining a hollow interior, which receives the first cross member.

In order to provide more flexibility to users, tines or rows of tines can be included with at least one of the dish racks to provide support for various items loaded into the dish treating appliance. The angle or rotational position of at least some of the tines relative to the dish rack can be adjustable to allow a user the flexibility to select the desired tine angle or rotational position to accommodate the particular items to be washed during a particular cycle of the dish treating appliance. Typically, such tine angle or rotational position adjustment methods include separate sets of adjustable tines being provided on separate cross members that can be positioned next to or spaced from one another for independent adjustment. Such arrangement of multiple side-by-side cross members may take up additional space within the dish rack, as well as requiring separate fastening or retaining structures for each adjustable set of tines. The inclusion of such separate cross members and additional retaining structures can take up space within the dish rack and interfere with the placement of and support for the dish items to be washed.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an adjustable tine assembly having first and second sets of tines, including cross members, for use with a dish rack of the dish treating appliance. The first and second sets of tines are rotatable about a rotational axis such that the first and second sets of tines can be adjustable between at least upright and non-upright rotational positions. The adjustable tine assembly can be suitable for any manner of applications including that of the household dish treating appliance of <FIG>, which is illustrated by way of example and not limitation.

<FIG> illustrates an automatic dish treating appliance <NUM>, illustrated herein as a dishwasher <NUM>, capable of implementing an automatic cycle of operation to treat dishes. As used in this description, the term "dish(es)" is intended to be generic to any item, single or plural, that can be treated in the dishwasher <NUM>, including, without limitation, dishes, plates, pots, bowls, pans, glassware, silverware, and other utensils. As illustrated, the dishwasher <NUM> is a built-in dishwasher <NUM> implementation, which is designed for mounting under a countertop or other work surface. However, this description is applicable to other dishwasher implementations such as a stand-alone, multi-tub-type, drawer-type, or a sink-type, for example, as well as dishwashers having varying widths, sizes, and capacities. The dishwasher <NUM> shares many features of a conventional automatic dishwasher, which may not be described in detail herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of aspects of the disclosure.

The dishwasher <NUM> has a variety of systems, some of which are controllable, to implement the automatic cycle of operation. A chassis or cabinet is provided to support the variety of systems needed to implement the automatic cycle of operation and can define an interior. As illustrated, for a built-in implementation, the chassis or cabinet includes a frame in the form of a base <NUM> on which is supported an open-faced tub <NUM>, which at least partially defines a treating chamber <NUM>, having an access opening, illustrated herein as an open face <NUM>, for receiving the dishes. The open-faced tub <NUM> can have at least a pair of opposing side walls <NUM> that are spaced apart from one another, such as by being spaced apart by a bottom wall <NUM>, a rear wall <NUM>, and/or a top wall <NUM>. The pair of opposing side walls <NUM>, the bottom wall <NUM>, the rear wall <NUM>, and the top wall <NUM> can further be thought of as at least partially defining the treating chamber <NUM>, and optionally also the open face <NUM> to serve as the access opening.

A closure in the form of a door assembly <NUM> can be hingedly or pivotally mounted to the base <NUM>, or to any other suitable portion of the cabinet or chassis or of the tub <NUM>, for movement relative to the tub <NUM> between opened and closed positions to selectively open and close the open face <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. In one example, the door assembly <NUM> is mounted for pivoting movement about a pivot axis relative to the base <NUM>, the tub <NUM>, or the open face <NUM>. In the opened position, a user can access the treating chamber <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, while, in the closed position (not shown), the door assembly <NUM> covers or closes the open face <NUM> of the treating chamber <NUM>. Thus, the door assembly <NUM> provides selective accessibility to the treating chamber <NUM> for the loading and unloading of dishes or other items.

The chassis or cabinet, as in the case of the built-in dishwasher implementation, can be formed by other parts of the dishwasher <NUM>, like the tub <NUM> and the door assembly <NUM>, in addition to a dedicated frame structure, like the base <NUM>, with them all collectively forming a uni-body frame by which the variety of systems are supported. In other implementations, like the drawer-type dishwasher, the chassis can be a tub that is slidable relative to a frame, with the closure being a part of the chassis or the countertop of the surrounding cabinetry. In a sink-type implementation, the sink forms the tub and the cover closing the open top of the sink forms the closure. Sink-type implementations are more commonly found in recreational vehicles.

The systems supported by the chassis, while essentially limitless, can include a dish holding system <NUM>, spray system <NUM>, recirculation system <NUM>, drain system <NUM>, water supply system <NUM>, air supply system <NUM>, heating system <NUM>, and filter system <NUM>. These systems are used to implement one or more treating cycles of operation for the dishes, for which there are many, one of which includes a traditional automatic wash cycle.

A basic traditional automatic cycle of operation for the dishwasher <NUM> has a wash phase, where a detergent/water mixture is recirculated and then drained, which is then followed by a rinse phase where water alone or with a rinse agent is recirculated and then drained. An optional drying phase can follow the rinse phase. More commonly, the automatic wash cycle has multiple wash phases and multiple rinse phases. The multiple wash phases can include a pre-wash phase where water, with or without detergent, is sprayed or recirculated on the dishes, and can include a dwell or soaking phase. There can be more than one pre-wash phases. A wash phase, where water with detergent is recirculated on the dishes, follows the pre-wash phases. There can be more than one wash phase; the number of which can be sensor controlled based on the amount of sensed soils in the wash liquid. One or more rinse phases will follow the wash phase(s), and, in some cases, come between wash phases. The number of wash phases can also be sensor controlled based on the amount of sensed soils in the rinse liquid. The amounts of water, treating chemistry, and/or rinse aid used during each of the multiple wash or rinse steps can be varied. The wash phases and rinse phases can include the heating of the water, even to the point of one or more of the phases being hot enough for long enough to sanitize the dishes. A drying phase can follow the rinse phase(s). The drying phase can include a drip dry, a non-heated drying step (so-called "air only"), heated dry, condensing dry, air dry or any combination. These multiple phases or steps can also be performed by the dishwasher <NUM> in any desired combination.

A controller <NUM> can also be included in the dishwasher <NUM> and operably couples with and controls the various components of the dishwasher <NUM> to implement the cycles of operation. The controller <NUM> can be located within the door assembly <NUM> as illustrated, or it can alternatively be located somewhere within the chassis. The controller <NUM> can also be operably coupled with a control panel or user interface <NUM> for receiving user-selected inputs and communicating information to the user. The user interface <NUM> can provide an input and output function for the controller <NUM>. While the user interface <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> as being provided on a top surface of the door assembly <NUM>, it will be understood that the user interface <NUM> can be provided at any suitable location on the door assembly <NUM>, such as on a front surface of the door assembly <NUM>.

The user interface <NUM> can include operational controls such as one or more knobs, dials, lights, switches, displays, touch screens and the like for communicating with the user, such as enabling a user to input commands, such as a cycle of operation, to the controller <NUM> and to receive information, for example about the selected cycle of operation. For example, the displays can include any suitable communication technology including that of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) array, or any suitable display that can convey a message to the user. The user can enter different types of information including, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options. Other communications paths and methods can also be included in the dishwasher <NUM> and can allow the controller <NUM> to communicate with the user in a variety of ways. For example, the controller <NUM> can be configured to send a text message to the user, send an electronic mail to the user, or provide audio information to the user either through the dishwasher <NUM> or utilizing another device such as a mobile phone.

The controller <NUM> can include the machine controller and any additional controllers provided for controlling any of the components of the dishwasher <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> can include the machine controller and a motor controller. Many known types of controllers can be used for the controller <NUM>. It is contemplated that the controller is a microprocessor-based controller that implements control software and sends/receives one or more electrical signals to/from each of the various working components to effect the control software. As an example, proportional control (P), proportional integral control (PI), and proportional derivative control (PD), or a combination thereof, a proportional integral derivative control (PID control), can be used to control the various components.

The dish holding system <NUM> can include any suitable structure or structures for receiving or holding dishes within the treating chamber <NUM>. Exemplary dish holders are illustrated in the form of an upper dish rack <NUM> and lower dish rack <NUM>, commonly referred to as "racks", which are located within the treating chamber <NUM>. The upper dish rack <NUM> and the lower dish rack <NUM> each define an interior and are typically mounted for slidable movement in and out of the treating chamber <NUM> through the open face <NUM> for ease of loading and unloading. In one example, it is common for the upper dish rack <NUM> to be slidably mounted within and to the tub <NUM> by the use of a suitable drawer withdrawal assembly, such as by the use of drawer guides, slides, or rails <NUM>, while the lower dish rack <NUM> is instead typically provided with wheels or rollers <NUM> that can roll along a travel path <NUM> defined by at least a portion of the dishwasher <NUM>. For example, it is typical for the lower dish rack <NUM> to be slidable along the travel path <NUM> such that the lower dish rack <NUM> can roll along the travel path <NUM> and then continue to roll onto the door assembly <NUM>, when the door assembly <NUM> is in the opened position and allows for withdrawal of the dish racks <NUM>, <NUM>.

By way of further example, in such a case, it is also typical that the travel path <NUM> can include a type of rails <NUM>, but that rails <NUM> for the lower dish rack <NUM> may differ in structure from the rails <NUM> for the upper dish rack <NUM>, and in particular such that the rails <NUM> may be provided simply as a ledge or a surface formed by the tub <NUM>, such as formed or carried by the side walls <NUM> or the bottom wall <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. By providing the rails <NUM> for the lower dish rack <NUM> as a simpler support surface, such as a ledge, rather than a more restrictive or enclosing structure such as the rails <NUM>, the rails <NUM> are better able to accommodate movement or instability of the lower dish rack <NUM> as the lower dish rack <NUM> rolls onto the door assembly <NUM>, going from the static, stable tub <NUM> to the movable door assembly <NUM>. In this way, the rails <NUM> allow more tolerance for movement as the lower dish rack <NUM> rolls along the door assembly <NUM>.

In addition, dedicated dish holders can also be provided. One such dedicated dish holder is a third level rack <NUM> located above the upper dish rack <NUM>. Like the upper dish rack <NUM>, the third level rack <NUM> is slidably mounted to the tub <NUM> with drawer guides/slides/rails <NUM>. The third level rack <NUM> is typically used to hold utensils, such as tableware, spoons, knives, spatulas, etc., in an on-the-side or flat orientation. However, the third level rack <NUM> is not limited to holding utensils. If an item can fit in the third level rack <NUM>, it can be washed in the third level rack <NUM>. The third level rack <NUM> generally has a much shorter height or lower profile than the upper and lower dish racks <NUM>, <NUM>. Typically, the height of the third level rack <NUM> is short enough that a typical glass cannot be stood vertically in the third level rack <NUM> and the third level rack <NUM> still be slid into the treating chamber <NUM>.

Another dedicated dish holder can be a utensil or silverware basket (not shown), which is typically located in the treating chamber <NUM> and carried by one of the upper or lower dish racks <NUM>, <NUM> or mounted to the door assembly <NUM>. The silverware basket typically holds utensils and the like in an upright orientation as compared to the on-the-side or flat orientation of the third level rack <NUM>. More than one silverware basket can be provided with the dishwasher <NUM>.

A dispenser assembly <NUM> is provided to store and dispense treating chemistry, e.g. detergent, anti-spotting agent, etc., into the treating chamber <NUM>. The dispenser assembly <NUM> can be mounted on an inner surface of the door assembly <NUM>, as shown, or can be located at other positions within the chassis or treating chamber <NUM>, such that the dispenser assembly <NUM> is positioned to be accessed by the user for refilling of the dispenser assembly <NUM>, whether it is necessary to refill the dispenser assembly <NUM> before each cycle (i.e. for a single use dispenser) or only periodically (i.e. for a bulk dispenser). The dispenser assembly <NUM> can dispense one or more types of treating chemistries. The dispenser assembly <NUM> can be a single-use dispenser, which holds a single dose of treating chemistry, or a bulk dispenser, which holds a bulk supply of treating chemistry and which is adapted to dispense a dose of treating chemistry from the bulk supply during the cycle of operation, or a combination of both a single use and bulk dispenser. The dispenser assembly <NUM> can further be configured to hold multiple different treating chemistries. For example, the dispenser assembly <NUM> can have multiple compartments defining different chambers in which treating chemistries can be held.

Turning to <FIG>, the spray system <NUM> is provided for spraying liquid in the treating chamber <NUM> and can have multiple spray assemblies or sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, some of which can be dedicated to a particular one of the dish holders, to particular area of a dish holder, to a particular type of cleaning, or to a particular level of cleaning, etc. The sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be fixed or movable, such as rotating, relative to the treating chamber <NUM> or dish holder. Exemplary sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrated and include an upper spray arm <NUM>, a lower spray arm <NUM>, a third level sprayer <NUM>, a deep-clean sprayer <NUM>, and a spot sprayer <NUM>. The upper spray arm <NUM> and lower spray arm <NUM> can be rotating spray arms, located below the upper dish rack <NUM> and lower dish rack <NUM>, respectively, and rotate about a generally centrally located and vertical axis. In one non-limiting example, at least one drive assembly, illustrated herein as at least one motor <NUM>, is operably coupled to one of or to each of the upper spray arm <NUM> and the lower spray arm <NUM> in order to control and drive rotation of the lower spray arm <NUM>. The third level sprayer <NUM> is located above the third level rack <NUM>. The third level sprayer <NUM> is illustrated as being fixed, but could move, such as in rotating. In addition to the third level sprayer <NUM> or in place of the third level sprayer <NUM>, a sprayer <NUM> can be located at least in part below a portion of the third level rack <NUM>, though it will be understood that such a sprayer <NUM> can be provided adjacent any of the racks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The sprayer <NUM> is illustrated as a fixed tube, carried by the third level rack <NUM>, but could move, such as in rotating about a longitudinal axis.

The deep-clean sprayer <NUM> is a manifold extending along a rear wall of the tub <NUM> and has multiple nozzles <NUM>, with multiple apertures <NUM>, generating an intensified and/or higher pressure spray than the upper spray arm <NUM>, the lower spray arm <NUM>, or the third level sprayer <NUM>. The nozzles <NUM> can be fixed or can move, such as by way of rotating. The spray emitted by the deep-clean sprayer <NUM> defines a deep clean zone, which, as illustrated, would extend along a rear side of the lower dish rack <NUM>. Thus, dishes needing deep cleaning, such as dishes with baked-on food, can be positioned in the lower dish rack <NUM> to face the deep-clean sprayer <NUM>. The deep-clean sprayer <NUM>, while illustrated as only one unit on a rear wall of the tub <NUM>, could comprise multiple units and/or extend along multiple portions, including different walls, of the tub <NUM>, and can be provided above, below, or beside any of the dish holders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> wherein deep cleaning is desired.

The spot sprayer <NUM>, like the deep-clean sprayer <NUM>, can emit an intensified and/or higher pressure spray, especially to a discrete location within one of the dish holders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. While the spot sprayer <NUM> is shown below the lower dish rack <NUM>, it could be adjacent any part of any dish holder <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or along any wall of the tub <NUM> where special cleaning is desired. In the illustrated location below the lower dish rack <NUM>, the spot sprayer <NUM> can be used independently of or in combination with the lower spray arm <NUM>. The spot sprayer <NUM> can be fixed or can move, such as in rotating.

These sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrative examples of suitable sprayers and are not meant to be limiting as to the type of suitable sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally, it will be understood that not all of the exemplary sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> need be included within the dishwasher <NUM>, and that less than all of the sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> described can be included in a suitable dishwasher <NUM>.

The recirculation system <NUM> recirculates the liquid sprayed into the treating chamber <NUM> by the sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the spray system <NUM> back to the sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to form a recirculation loop or circuit by which liquid can be repeatedly and/or continuously sprayed onto dishes in the dish holders <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The recirculation system <NUM> can include a sump <NUM> and a pump assembly <NUM>. The sump <NUM> collects the liquid sprayed in the treating chamber <NUM> and can be formed by a sloped or recess portion of the bottom wall <NUM> of the tub <NUM>. The pump assembly <NUM> can include one or more pumps such as recirculation pump <NUM>. The sump <NUM> can also be a separate module that is affixed to the bottom wall and include the pump assembly <NUM>.

Multiple supply conduits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> fluidly couple the sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the recirculation pump <NUM>. A recirculation valve <NUM> can selectively fluidly couple each of the conduits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the recirculation pump <NUM>. While each sprayer <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is illustrated as having a corresponding dedicated supply conduit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, one or more subsets, comprising multiple sprayers from the total group of sprayers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, can be supplied by the same conduit, negating the need for a dedicated conduit <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for each sprayer <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, a single conduit can supply the upper spray arm <NUM> and the third level sprayer <NUM>. Another example is that the sprayer <NUM> is supplied liquid by the conduit <NUM>, which also supplies the third level sprayer <NUM>.

The recirculation valve <NUM>, while illustrated as a single valve, can be implemented with multiple valves. Additionally, one or more of the conduits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be directly coupled to the recirculation pump <NUM>, while one or more of the other conduits <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be selectively coupled to the recirculation pump <NUM> with one or more valves. There are essentially an unlimited number of plumbing schemes to connect the recirculation system <NUM> to the spray system <NUM>. The illustrated plumbing is not limiting.

The drain system <NUM> drains liquid from the treating chamber <NUM>. The drain system <NUM> includes a drain pump <NUM> fluidly coupling the treating chamber <NUM> to a drain line <NUM>. As illustrated, the drain pump <NUM> fluidly couples the sump <NUM> to the drain line <NUM>.

While separate recirculation <NUM> and drain pumps <NUM> are illustrated, a single pump can be used to perform both the recirculating and the draining functions, such as by configuring the single pump to rotate in opposite directions, or by providing a suitable valve system. Alternatively, the drain pump <NUM> can be used to recirculate liquid in combination with the recirculation pump <NUM>. When both a recirculation pump <NUM> and drain pump <NUM> are used, the drain pump <NUM> is typically more robust than the recirculation pump <NUM> as the drain pump <NUM> tends to have to remove solids and soils from the sump <NUM>, unlike the recirculation pump <NUM>, which tends to recirculate liquid which has solids and soils filtered away to at least some extent.

A water supply system <NUM> is provided for supplying fresh water to the dishwasher <NUM> from a water supply source, such as a household water supply via a household water valve <NUM>. The water supply system <NUM> includes a water supply unit <NUM> having a water supply conduit <NUM> with a siphon break <NUM> or an air break <NUM>. While the water supply conduit <NUM> can be directly fluidly coupled to the tub <NUM> or any other portion of the dishwasher <NUM>, the water supply conduit <NUM> is shown fluidly coupled to a supply tank <NUM>, which can store the supplied water prior to use. The supply tank <NUM> is fluidly coupled to the sump <NUM> by a supply line <NUM>, which can include a controllable valve <NUM> to control when water is released from the supply tank <NUM> to the sump <NUM>.

The supply tank <NUM> can be conveniently sized to store a predetermined volume of water, such as a volume required for a phase of the cycle of operation, which is commonly referred to as a "charge" of water. The storing of the water in the supply tank <NUM> prior to use is beneficial in that the water in the supply tank <NUM> can be "treated" in some manner, such as softening or heating prior to use.

A water softener <NUM> can be provided with the water supply system <NUM> to soften the fresh water. The water softener <NUM> is shown fluidly coupling the water supply conduit <NUM> to the supply tank <NUM> so that the supplied water automatically passes through the water softener <NUM> on the way to the supply tank <NUM>. However, the water softener <NUM> could directly supply the water to any other part of the dishwasher <NUM> than the supply tank <NUM>, including directly supplying the tub <NUM>. Alternatively, the water softener <NUM> can be fluidly coupled downstream of the supply tank <NUM>, such as in-line with the supply line <NUM>. Wherever the water softener <NUM> is fluidly coupled, it can be done so with controllable valves, such that the use of the water softener <NUM> is controllable and not mandatory.

An air supply system <NUM> is provided to aid in the treating of the dishes during the cycle of operation by supplying air to at least a portion of the dishwasher <NUM>, a non-limiting example of which includes the treating chamber <NUM>. The air supply system <NUM> can include a variety of assemblies, pathways, and circuits for supplying air to different portions of the dishwasher <NUM> and for different purposes within the dishwasher <NUM>, such that the air supply system <NUM> can be thought of as comprising all of the air supplying or air circulating portions of the dishwasher <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the air supply system <NUM> comprises a drying system <NUM> that is provided to aid in the drying of the dishes during the drying phase. The drying system <NUM> as illustrated, by way of non-limiting example, includes a condensing assembly <NUM> having a condenser <NUM> formed of a serpentine conduit <NUM> with an inlet fluidly coupled to an upper portion of the tub <NUM> and an outlet fluidly coupled to a lower portion of the tub <NUM>, whereby moisture laden air within the tub <NUM> is drawn from the upper portion of the tub <NUM>, passed through the serpentine conduit <NUM>, where liquid condenses out of the moisture laden air and is returned to the treating chamber <NUM> where it ultimately evaporates or is drained via the drain pump <NUM>. The serpentine conduit <NUM> can be operated in an open loop configuration, where the air is exhausted to atmosphere, a closed loop configuration, where the air is returned to the treating chamber <NUM>, or a combination of both by operating in one configuration and then the other configuration. A fan or blower <NUM> can be fluidly coupled with the serpentine conduit <NUM> to move air through the serpentine conduit <NUM>. It will also be understood that the serpentine conduit <NUM> is not limited to having a serpentine shape and can instead be provided with any suitable size and shape.

To enhance the rate of condensation, the temperature difference between the exterior of the serpentine conduit <NUM> and the moisture laden air can be increased by cooling the exterior of the serpentine conduit <NUM> or the surrounding air. To accomplish this, an optional cooling tank <NUM> is added to the condensing assembly <NUM>, with the serpentine conduit <NUM> being located within the cooling tank <NUM>. The cooling tank <NUM> is fluidly coupled to at least one of the spray system <NUM>, recirculation system <NUM>, drain system <NUM>, or water supply system <NUM>, such that liquid can be supplied to the cooling tank <NUM>. The liquid provided to the cooling tank <NUM> from any of the systems <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be selected by source and/or by phase of cycle of operation such that the liquid is at a lower temperature than the moisture laden air or even lower than the ambient air.

As illustrated, the liquid is supplied to the cooling tank <NUM> by the drain system <NUM>. A valve <NUM> fluidly connects the drain line <NUM> to a supply conduit <NUM> fluidly coupled to the cooling tank <NUM>. A return conduit <NUM> fluidly connects the cooling tank <NUM> back to the treating chamber <NUM> via a return valve <NUM>. In this way a fluid circuit is formed by the drain pump <NUM>, drain line <NUM>, valve <NUM>, supply conduit <NUM>, cooling tank <NUM>, return valve <NUM> and return conduit <NUM> through which liquid can be supplied from the treating chamber <NUM>, to the cooling tank <NUM>, and back to the treating chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, the supply conduit <NUM> could fluidly couple to the drain line <NUM> if re-use of the water is not desired.

To supply cold water from the household water supply via the household water valve <NUM> to the cooling tank <NUM>, the water supply system <NUM> would first supply cold water to the treating chamber <NUM>, then the drain system <NUM> would supply the cold water in the treating chamber <NUM> to the cooling tank <NUM>. It should be noted that the supply tank <NUM> and cooling tank <NUM> could be configured such that one tank performs both functions.

The drying system <NUM> can use ambient air, instead of cold water, to cool the exterior of the serpentine conduit <NUM>. In such a configuration, a blower <NUM> is connected to the cooling tank <NUM> and can supply ambient air to the interior of the cooling tank <NUM>. The cooling tank <NUM> can have a vented top <NUM> to permit the passing through of the ambient air to allow for a steady flow of ambient air blowing over the serpentine conduit <NUM>.

The cooling air from the blower <NUM> can be used in lieu of the cold water or in combination with the cold water. The cooling air will be used when the cooling tank <NUM> is not filled with liquid. Advantageously, the use of cooling air or cooling water, or combination of both, can be selected based on the site-specific environmental conditions. If ambient air is cooler than the cold water temperature, then the ambient air can be used. If the cold water is cooler than the ambient air, then the cold water can be used. Cost-effectiveness can also be taken into account when selecting between cooling air and cooling water. The blower <NUM> can be used to dry the interior of the cooling tank <NUM> after the water has been drained. Suitable temperature sensors for the cold water and the ambient air can be provided and send their temperature signals to the controller <NUM>, which can determine which of the two is colder at any time or phase of the cycle of operation.

A heating system <NUM> is provided for heating water used in the cycle of operation. The heating system <NUM> includes a heater <NUM>, such as an immersion heater <NUM>, located in the treating chamber <NUM> at a location where it will be immersed by the water supplied to the treating chamber <NUM>, such as within or near the sump <NUM>. However, it will also be understood that the heater <NUM> need not be an immersion heater <NUM>; it can also be an in-line heater located in any of the conduits. There can also be more than one heater <NUM>, including both an immersion heater <NUM> and an in-line heater. The heater <NUM> can also heat air contained in the treating chamber <NUM>. Alternatively, a separate heating element (not shown) can be provided for heating the air circulated through the treating chamber <NUM>.

The heating system <NUM> can also include a heating circuit <NUM>, which includes a heat exchanger <NUM>, illustrated as a serpentine conduit <NUM>, located within the supply tank <NUM>, with a supply conduit <NUM> supplying liquid from the treating chamber <NUM> to the serpentine conduit <NUM>, and a return conduit <NUM> fluidly coupled to the treating chamber <NUM>. The heating circuit <NUM> is fluidly coupled to the recirculation pump <NUM> either directly or via the recirculation valve <NUM> such that liquid that is heated as part of a cycle of operation can be recirculated through the heat exchanger <NUM> to transfer the heat to the charge of fresh water residing in the supply tank <NUM>. As most wash phases use liquid that is heated by the heater <NUM>, this heated liquid can then be recirculated through the heating circuit <NUM> to transfer the heat to the charge of water in the supply tank <NUM>, which is typically used in the next phase of the cycle of operation.

A filter system <NUM> is provided to filter un-dissolved solids from the liquid in the treating chamber <NUM>. The filter system <NUM> includes a coarse filter <NUM> and a fine filter <NUM>, which can be a removable basket <NUM> residing the sump <NUM>, with the coarse filter <NUM> being a screen <NUM> circumscribing the removable basket <NUM>. Additionally, the recirculation system <NUM> can include a rotating filter in addition to or in place of the either or both of the coarse filter <NUM> and fine filter <NUM>. Other filter arrangements are contemplated, such as an ultrafiltration system.

As illustrated schematically in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> can be coupled with the heater <NUM> for heating the wash liquid during a cycle of operation, the drain pump <NUM> for draining liquid from the treating chamber <NUM>, the recirculation pump <NUM> for recirculating the wash liquid during the cycle of operation, the user interface <NUM> for receiving user selected inputs and communicating information to the user, the dispenser assembly <NUM> for selectively dispensing treating chemistry to the treating chamber <NUM>, the at least one motor <NUM> for selectively actuating rotation of the upper spray arm <NUM> and/or the lower spray arm <NUM>, the blower <NUM> for providing air through the serpentine conduit <NUM>, and the blower <NUM> for providing air into the cooling tank <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can also communicate with the recirculation valve <NUM>, the household water valve <NUM>, the controllable valve <NUM>, the return valve <NUM>, and the valve <NUM> to selectively control the flow of liquid within the dishwasher <NUM>. Optionally, the controller <NUM> can include or communicate with a wireless communication device <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> can be provided with a memory <NUM> and a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM>. The memory <NUM> can be used for storing control software that can be executed by the CPU <NUM> in completing a cycle of operation using the dishwasher <NUM> and any additional software. For example, the memory <NUM> can store a set of executable instructions including one or more pre-programmed automatic cycles of operation that can be selected by a user and executed by the dishwasher <NUM>. Examples, without limitation, of cycles of operation include: wash, heavy duty wash, delicate wash, quick wash, pre-wash, refresh, rinse only, timed wash, dry, heavy duty dry, delicate dry, quick dry, or automatic dry, which can be selected at the user interface <NUM>. The memory <NUM> can also be used to store information, such as a database or table, and to store data received from one or more components of the dishwasher <NUM> that can be communicably coupled with the controller <NUM>. The database or table can be used to store the various operating parameters for the one or more cycles of operation, including factory default values for the operating parameters and any adjustments to them by the control assembly or by user input.

The controller <NUM> can also receive input from one or more sensors <NUM> provided in one or more of the assemblies or systems of the dishwasher <NUM> to receive input from the sensors <NUM>, which are known in the art and not shown for simplicity. Non-limiting examples of sensors <NUM> that can be communicably coupled with the controller <NUM> include, to name a few, an ambient air temperature sensor, a treating chamber temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a water supply temperature sensor, a door open/close sensor, a moisture sensor, a chemical sensor, and a turbidity sensor to determine the soil load associated with a selected grouping of dishes, such as the dishes associated with a particular area of the treating chamber <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, a perspective view of a dish rack assembly <NUM> comprising the upper dish rack <NUM> is illustrated. It will be understood that the upper dish rack <NUM> and lower dish rack <NUM> can be formed in any suitable manner and are not limited to the illustrated shapes and structures. In the illustrated example, a perimeter wall <NUM>, comprising a plurality of cross members <NUM> and vertical members <NUM>, extending upwardly from a bottom wall, shown as a floor latticework <NUM>, to define an interior <NUM> of the upper dish rack <NUM>. The floor latticework <NUM> comprises intersecting first members <NUM> and second members <NUM>. While the first members <NUM> are illustrated herein as extending across a width of the upper dish rack <NUM> and the second members <NUM> are illustrated herein as extending across a length or depth of the upper dish rack <NUM>, it will be understood that these orientations are not limiting. The floor latticework <NUM> can further define contoured portions (not shown) of the floor latticework <NUM> that can extend upwardly or downwardly to aid in positioning the various shapes and sizes of dishes within the upper dish rack <NUM>. Further still, a plurality of positioning tines <NUM> can extend upwardly from the floor latticework <NUM> into the interior <NUM> to aid in positioning of dish items.

The dish rack assembly <NUM> further comprises at least one adjustable tine assembly <NUM> located within the interior <NUM>. While only the upper dish rack <NUM> is illustrated herein as including the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> and forming a part of the dish rack assembly <NUM>, it will be understood that either or both of the upper dish rack <NUM> or the lower dish rack <NUM> can be included as part of the dish rack assembly <NUM> and can include the at least one adjustable tine assembly <NUM>. Further, it will be understood that the dishwasher <NUM> can also include a combination of fixed and moveable tines <NUM> or sets of tines <NUM>, or that all of the tines <NUM> within the dishwasher <NUM> can be provided as adjustable tine assemblies <NUM>. Further still, at least one adjustable tine assembly <NUM> can be provided within the upper dish rack <NUM> or the lower rack <NUM>, or both.

Turning now to the enlarged view of the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, it can be better seen that the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> comprises at least a first set of tines <NUM> and a second set of tines <NUM> that are rotatably coupled to the upper dish rack <NUM>, such that the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> can be collectively thought of as being rotatable relative to the upper dish rack <NUM>. That is, where the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> is provided, the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> can be coupled to the upper dish rack <NUM> in such a way that the entire adjustable tine assembly <NUM> is rotatably or pivotally mounted to the upper dish rack <NUM>. Alternately, at least portions of the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> can be fixedly coupled to or integrally formed with the upper dish rack <NUM> such that only the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> themselves are rotatable or pivotable relative to the upper dish rack <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> further comprises at least one mounting element, illustrated herein as a first mounting element <NUM> and a second mounting element <NUM>, coupling the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> to the upper dish rack <NUM>, and specifically to the floor latticework <NUM>. As illustrated herein, the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> are fixedly coupled to the upper dish rack <NUM> to rotatably mount the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> to the upper dish rack <NUM>, such that the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> are rotatable relative to both the upper dish rack <NUM> and to the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM>. It will also be understood that, while the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> is illustrated herein as including two mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, any suitable number of mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided, including only a single mounting element.

As illustrated herein, the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> can be generally co-extensive in length, though it will be understood that such an arrangement is not limiting and that it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> can differ in length. By way of non-limiting example, the adjustable tine assembly <NUM>, and therefore also the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM>, can extend across only a portion of a dimension of the upper dish rack <NUM>, as illustrated herein, though it is also contemplated that the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> can extend fully across a dimension of the upper dish rack <NUM>, such as by extending along the entirety of one of a length or a width of the upper dish rack <NUM>. Further by way of non-limiting example, in the case that the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> extends fully across a dimension of the upper dish rack <NUM>, a single adjustable tine assembly <NUM> can extend across the full dimension, or the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> can be split into more than one section across the full dimension, such as being split into a front portion and a back portion adjustable tine assembly <NUM>. Alternatively, in the case that the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> extends only partially across a dimension of the upper dish rack <NUM>, the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> can extend across only a portion of a width of the upper dish rack <NUM>, as illustrated, such as by extending across a left side portion or a right side portion of the width of the upper dish rack <NUM>, or by extending across only a portion of a length or depth of the upper dish rack <NUM>, such as by extending across a front portion or a rear portion of the length or depth of the upper dish rack <NUM>.

The adjustable tine assembly <NUM> further comprises at least one latch assembly <NUM> having at least a portion that is coupled to the upper dish rack <NUM>, and specifically to the floor latticework <NUM>, and further having at least a portion that is operably coupled with at least one of the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> to provide control of a rotational position of the at least one of the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the upper dish rack <NUM>, and more specifically to selectively fix a rotational position of the at least one of the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM>.

While the latch assembly <NUM> is illustrated herein as being coupled with the floor latticework <NUM> along the perimeter wall <NUM> at a side of the upper dish rack <NUM>, it will be understood that other locations for the latch assembly <NUM> are also contemplated. For example, the latch assembly <NUM> can be coupled with a front or rear of the upper dish rack <NUM>. In the case that the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> does not extend all the way between the sides of the upper dish rack <NUM>, but rather covers, for example, a left half or right half of the upper dish rack <NUM>, as illustrated, the latch assembly <NUM> can be provided in the interior <NUM> or at a left or right side to control the respective halves or separate portions of the adjustable tine assembly <NUM>. In addition, the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> can extend from front to rear between the perimeter wall <NUM> of the upper dish rack <NUM>, rather than between the left and right side. In this case, the latch assembly <NUM> can be provided at the front or rear. It is also contemplated that more than one latch assembly <NUM> can be provided to couple with a single adjustable tine assembly <NUM>, such that one latch assembly <NUM> couples with each end of the adjustable tine assembly <NUM>.

Referring now to the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> and its components in greater detail, the enlarged view of <FIG> further illustrates that the first set of tines <NUM> comprises at least one first tine <NUM>, illustrated herein as multiple first tines <NUM>, extending from an elongated element having a longitudinal body axis, illustrated herein as a first cross member <NUM>, such that the first cross member <NUM>, and specifically the longitudinal body axis of the first cross member <NUM>, forms a rotational axis <NUM> (<FIG>) for the first set of tines <NUM>, and about which the first set of tines <NUM> is rotatable. The first cross member <NUM> extends between a first distal end <NUM> and a second distal end <NUM>, with the first tines <NUM> spaced along the first cross member <NUM> between the first and second distal ends <NUM>, <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the first set of tines <NUM> is provided as a row or a set of generally vertically oriented, laterally-spaced first tines <NUM> coupled to one another, such as by the first cross member <NUM>. It is contemplated that the first set of tines <NUM> can comprise a planar array of parallel positioned first tines <NUM>, or that the first tines <NUM> can extend from the first cross member <NUM> in various angles to form alternative angled supports for supporting dishes in various cleaning positions, though it will be understood that the first set of tines <NUM> can be formed in any suitable shape or manner.

Likewise, the second set of tines <NUM> comprises at least one second tine <NUM>, illustrated herein as multiple second tines <NUM>, extending from an elongated element having a longitudinal body axis, illustrated herein as a second cross member <NUM>, such that the second cross member <NUM>, and specifically the longitudinal body axis of the second cross member <NUM>, forms a rotational axis <NUM> (<FIG>) for the second set of tines <NUM>, and about which the second set of tines <NUM> is rotatable. The second cross member <NUM> extends between a first distal end <NUM> and a second distal end <NUM>, with the second tines <NUM> spaced along the second cross member <NUM> between the first and second distal ends <NUM>, <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the second set of tines <NUM> is provided as a row or a set of generally vertically oriented, laterally-spaced second tines <NUM> coupled to one another, such as by the second cross member <NUM>. It is contemplated that the second set of tines <NUM> can comprise a planar array of parallel positioned second tines <NUM>, or that the second tines <NUM> can extend from the second cross member <NUM> in various angles to form alternative angled supports for supporting dishes in various cleaning positions, though it will be understood that the second set of tines <NUM> can be formed in any suitable shape or manner.

While the first cross member <NUM> defines the rotational axis <NUM> for the first set of tines <NUM> and the second cross member <NUM> defines the rotational axis <NUM> for the second set of tines <NUM>, in an assembled condition of the adjustable tine assembly <NUM>, the first cross member <NUM> is at least partially received within the second cross member <NUM> such that the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned coaxially with respect to one another. Thus, the rotational axes <NUM>, <NUM> can further be collectively thought of as forming a common rotational axis <NUM> for the adjustable tine assembly <NUM>, about which the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM>, and therefore also the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, are coaxially positioned and about which the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> are rotatable, both relative to the upper dish rack <NUM> and relative to one another. Further yet, the first cross member <NUM> and the second cross member <NUM> can be collectively thought of as forming a common cross member <NUM> for the adjustable tine assembly <NUM>, rotatable about the common rotational axis <NUM>.

Each of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> further comprises a latch for the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM>, illustrated herein as a finger <NUM>, <NUM> that extends from the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, at the second distal ends <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> extend radially outwardly from the rotational axes <NUM>, <NUM> of each of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, at their second distal ends <NUM>, <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, and as illustrated herein, the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> can be substantially co-extensive in length. More specifically, it is contemplated that the second cross member <NUM> has a length that is at least as long as the length of the first cross member <NUM>, and further that the second cross member <NUM> has a length that is greater than the length of the first cross member <NUM>. It will be understood that the second cross member <NUM> can have a length that is greater than the length of the first cross member <NUM> by any suitable margin, so long as the margin is sufficient for the finger <NUM> of the second cross member <NUM> to extend and be spaced beyond the finger <NUM> of the first cross member <NUM> to allow rotation of the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> relative to one another without contact or interference between the fingers <NUM>, <NUM>, as well as to allow the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> to selectively interact with the latch assembly <NUM> independently of one another and without contact or interference with the other of the fingers <NUM>, <NUM>.

With the second cross member <NUM> thus having a greater length than the first cross member <NUM> such that the finger <NUM> of the second cross member <NUM> is spaced beyond the finger <NUM> of the first cross member <NUM>, and as illustrated herein, the finger <NUM> of the second cross member <NUM> is not provided as at least partially receiving or as being positioned coaxially with the finger <NUM> of the first cross member <NUM>, in order to allow relative rotation between the fingers <NUM>, <NUM>, and thus also between the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM>. However, it will be understood that the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> are cross-sectionally shaped the same as the rest of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, such that the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> could be positioned coaxially, with the finger <NUM> being at least partially received within the finger <NUM>. Thus, it is contemplated that, alternatively or additionally to the finger <NUM> being spaced beyond the finger <NUM>, the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> could be at least selectively provided such that the finger <NUM> could be at least partially received within the finger <NUM> for simultaneous or co-rotation of the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM>.

Further by way of non-limiting example, and as illustrated herein, the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> can be spaced apart from one another along the lengths of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, which can also be thought of as being spaced apart from one another along the length of the common cross member <NUM>. More specifically, the first mounting element <NUM> rotatably couples the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> to the upper dish rack <NUM> by movably retaining the common cross member <NUM> at a position near the first distal ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the nested, coaxially positioned first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>.

Similarly, the second mounting element <NUM> couples the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> to the upper dish rack <NUM> by movably retaining the common cross member <NUM> at a position near the second distal ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the nested, coaxially positioned first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>. Further, each of the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> couples with, such as by being fixed to, at least one of the members <NUM>, <NUM> of the floor latticework <NUM>. Further yet, by way of non-limiting example, each of the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> couples with, such as by being fixed to, at least one of the first members <NUM> and to at least one of the intersecting second members <NUM> of the floor latticework <NUM>.

Regardless of where the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned along the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, it will be understood that the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> are not fixed to the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, but rather are rotatably retained by the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, such that the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> are independently rotatable relative to the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, as well as relative to one another and/or rotatable, either independently or simultaneously, relative to the latch assembly <NUM>. More specifically, the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> retain portions of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> of the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> such that the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> allow for rotation of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, but otherwise aid in securing the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> within the interior <NUM>. In this manner, the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to rotationally retain the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>. However, while the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrated and described herein as rotationally retaining the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, such that the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> do not impede or resist rotation of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> within the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, it will be understood that the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> could alternatively be configured to provide rotational resistance to at least one of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, such that the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> can hold a rotational position of the at least one of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> by resistance or frictional engagement therewith.

While the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> permit rotation of the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM>, the latch assembly <NUM> is configured to selectively fix the rotational position of at least one of the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM>. As illustrated, and by way of non-limiting example, the latch assembly <NUM> can selectively fix the rotational position of both of the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM>, independently of one another, and can also be utilized to aid in locating the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> within the interior <NUM> of the upper dish rack <NUM>. The latch assembly <NUM> comprises a strike <NUM> that is coupled to the upper dish rack <NUM>, such as by being fixedly coupled to the upper dish rack <NUM>, and more specifically to engage at least one of the members <NUM>, <NUM> of the floor latticework <NUM>.

More specifically, in the illustrated non-limited example, the strike <NUM> has a body defining at least a first mounting portion <NUM> and a second mounting portion <NUM>, such that the first mounting portion <NUM> is configured to couple to one of the first members <NUM> and the second mounting portion <NUM> is configured to couple to one of the second members <NUM> of the floor latticework <NUM> to mount the strike <NUM> to intersecting members <NUM>, <NUM> of the upper dish rack <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the first and second mounting portions <NUM>, <NUM> can engage portions of the floor latticework <NUM> through a friction fit or snap-fit mechanism to secure the strike <NUM> to the upper dish rack <NUM>. While the strike <NUM> is illustrated as engaging with more than one wire of the floor latticework <NUM>, it will be understood that this need not be the case. Further, the strike <NUM>, and specifically the first and second mounting portions <NUM>, <NUM>, are generally shown as following the contours of the floor latticework <NUM> to remain unobtrusive within the interior <NUM>, although this also need not be the case.

It will be understood that the wires of the upper dish rack <NUM>, or the lower dish rack <NUM>, as the case may be, are generally flexible enough that the floor latticework <NUM> or members <NUM>, <NUM> can be pushed or pulled when installing the strike <NUM> and/or the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> of one or more adjustable tine assemblies <NUM>. It is also contemplated that the strike <NUM> and/or the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> can be easily disengaged from the portions of the upper dish rack <NUM> to which they are mounted, thereby freeing up the upper dish rack <NUM> should the user wish to remove the adjustable tine assembly <NUM>. The adjustable tine assembly <NUM> can sit within the interior <NUM> and be held in place with the strike <NUM> and the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM>, so once the strike <NUM> and/or the first and second mounting elements <NUM>, <NUM> are disengaged from the upper dish rack <NUM>, the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> can be removed.

The latch assembly <NUM> further comprises the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, which serve as latches for the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, the strike <NUM> further defines at least one detent, illustrated herein as first and second detents <NUM>, <NUM>, that can be provided, by way of non-limiting example, at an upper portion of the strike <NUM>. Each of the first and second detents <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided with a retaining flange <NUM>, <NUM> protruding into and above at least a portion of the first and second detents <NUM>, <NUM>. The fingers <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to selectively engage with the strike <NUM>, and specifically with the first and second detents <NUM>, <NUM>, to selectively fix the rotational position of each of the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM>. To this end, the strike <NUM> can be located at the second distal ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, such that the strike <NUM> forms a portion of the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> and operably couples the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> to the upper dish rack <NUM> at the second distal ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, specifically when the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> selectively engage with the first and second detents <NUM>, <NUM>.

By way of the non-limiting example as illustrated, one of the first and second detents <NUM>, <NUM>, illustrated herein as the first detent <NUM>, is configured to selectively receive the finger <NUM> of the first cross member <NUM>, while the other of the first and second detents <NUM>, <NUM>, illustrated herein as the second detent <NUM>, is configured to selectively receive the finger <NUM> of the second cross member <NUM>. The retaining flanges <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned such that the retaining flanges <NUM>, <NUM> serve to retain the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> within or at least partially within the first and second detents <NUM>, <NUM>. It is also contemplated that either or both of the retaining flanges <NUM>, <NUM> can define multiple detents, such as a set of detents arranged in an arc, to permit the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> to be retained in multiple different rotational positions. By way of non-limiting example, the first and second detents <NUM>, <NUM>, and optionally also the retaining flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, can engage portions of the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> through a friction fit or snap-fit mechanism to selectively retain the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> within the first and second detents <NUM>, <NUM>, and therefore also to the strike <NUM>. Further by way of non-limiting example, and as illustrated herein, when the fingers <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> are selectively received within the first and second detents <NUM>, <NUM>, the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> are selectively fixed in an upright rotational position.

Turning now to <FIG>, the details of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> can be better seen in the exploded view of the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the first cross member <NUM> defining the first rotational axis <NUM> comprises a solid rod defining a circumference, while the second cross member <NUM> defining the second rotational axis <NUM> has at least a portion having a C-shaped cross section <NUM> defining a hollow interior <NUM> of the second cross member <NUM>, within which the first cross member <NUM> can be received. However, it will be understood that the first cross member <NUM> is not limited to being provided as a solid rod, but could alternatively be provided as a hollow rod or as having a C-shaped cross section in the same way as the second cross member <NUM>. When the first cross member <NUM> is received within the hollow interior <NUM> of the second cross member <NUM>, the portion of the second cross member <NUM> having the C-shaped cross section <NUM> only partially surrounds the circumference of the first cross member <NUM>. It is further contemplated that the at least the portion of the second cross member <NUM> having the C-shaped cross section <NUM> is sufficiently resilient such that the portion of the second cross member <NUM> having the C-shaped cross section <NUM> can snap over or about the at least half of the circumference of the first cross member <NUM> when the first cross member <NUM> is received within the hollow interior <NUM>. Further, when the first cross member <NUM> is coaxially received within the hollow interior <NUM>, the rotational axes <NUM>, <NUM> can be thought of as collectively forming the common rotational axis <NUM> and the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> can be thought of as collectively forming the common cross member <NUM>.

The portion of the second cross member <NUM> having the C-shaped cross section <NUM> can further include a plurality of notches <NUM> spaced apart along the length of the second cross member <NUM>. In one example, the number and position of the notches <NUM> corresponds to the number and position of the first tines <NUM> on the first cross member <NUM>, such that the first tines <NUM> can be at least partially received within the notches <NUM> when the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> are rotated relative to one another. It is contemplated that the portion of the second cross member <NUM> having the C-shaped cross section <NUM> is equal to at least half of the total length of the first cross member <NUM>. More specifically, it is contemplated that the portion of the second cross member <NUM> having the C-shaped cross section <NUM> and not comprising the notches <NUM> is equal to at least half of the total length of the first cross member <NUM>.

The second cross member <NUM> can further include a portion <NUM> that completely surrounds the circumference of at least a portion of the first cross member <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, the portion <NUM> of the second cross member <NUM> that completely surrounds the circumference of the first cross member <NUM> is provided at the first distal end <NUM> of the second cross member <NUM>. Thus, to insert the first cross member <NUM> into the hollow interior <NUM>, the first distal end <NUM> of the first cross member <NUM> is first inserted into the completely surrounding portion <NUM> of the second cross member <NUM>, then the remainder of the first cross member <NUM> is moved into the hollow interior <NUM> until the C-shaped cross section <NUM> snaps over the first cross member <NUM>.

As illustrated herein, the first tines <NUM> are provided as straight tines <NUM>, while the second tines <NUM> are provided as angled tines <NUM>. It will be understood that such structures of the first and second tines <NUM>, <NUM> are not limiting, and that it is also contemplated that both the first and second tines <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided as straight tines, that both the first and second tines <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided as angled tines, that the first tines <NUM> can be angled tines, while the second tines <NUM> can be straight tines, or that the first or second tines <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise a mix of angled and straight tines. Any suitable arrangement of tines <NUM>, <NUM> is contemplated so as to provide the tines <NUM>, <NUM> in any suitable plane or pattern to provide support for dish items. Regardless of the structure of the first and second tines <NUM>, <NUM>, as illustrated and by way of non-limiting example, the first and second tines <NUM>, <NUM> can be coupled to a side of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, so as to be tangentially attached to the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, rather than extending, such as radially, from a top of the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM>. In this way, the angle of attachment or tangential angle of the tines <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> can also be optimized or specifically provided to suit desired dish loading configurations. In addition, tines <NUM>, <NUM> that are welded to the first and second cross members <NUM>, <NUM> in such an angled position are stronger than tines that are welded onto a rod in a perpendicular position to extend radially, rather than tangentially from the rod.

Turning now to <FIG>, the receiving of the first cross member <NUM> within the hollow interior <NUM> of the second cross member <NUM>, and specifically that the portion of the second cross member <NUM> having the C-shaped cross section <NUM> only partially surrounds the circumference of the first cross member <NUM>, can be better seen in the cross-sectional view of the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, and by way of non-limiting example, the portion of the second cross member <NUM> having the C-shaped cross section <NUM> can surround at least half of the circumference of the first cross member <NUM>. Further, at the point where the notch <NUM> is located, it is illustrated that the portion of the second cross member <NUM> defining the notch <NUM> surrounds less of the circumference of the first cross member <NUM> than the portion of the second cross member <NUM> having the C-shaped cross section <NUM> does. Further yet, and by way of non-limiting example, it is contemplated that, while the portion of the second cross member <NUM> having the C-shaped cross section <NUM> surrounds at least half of the circumference of the first cross member <NUM>, the portion of the second cross member <NUM> defining the notch <NUM> can surround less than half of the circumference of the first cross member <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> is shown with the first set of tines <NUM> remaining in the upright rotational position as previously illustrated, and with the finger <NUM> selectively retained within the first detent <NUM> to selectively fix the first set of tines <NUM> in the upright rotational position, while the second set of tines <NUM> is rotated to a non-upright rotational position. In the non-upright rotational position as shown, the second cross member <NUM> is rotated about the first cross member <NUM> and about the common rotational axis <NUM> to tilt the second tines <NUM> toward the floor latticework <NUM>, causing the notches <NUM> to be rotated upwardly about a portion of the first tines <NUM>. In addition, the finger <NUM> is removed from engagement with and is rotated away from the strike <NUM> such that the finger <NUM> is no longer received within the second detent <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, the adjustable tine assembly <NUM> is shown with the second set of tines <NUM> remaining in the non-upright rotational position as illustrated in <FIG>, and with the finger <NUM> removed from within the second detent <NUM> such that the rotational position of the second set of tines <NUM> is not fixed, while the first set of tines <NUM> is also rotated to the non-upright rotational position. In the non-upright rotational position of the first set of tines <NUM> as shown, the first cross member <NUM> is rotated within the second cross member <NUM> and about the common rotational axis <NUM> to tilt the first tines <NUM> toward the floor latticework <NUM>, causing the first tines <NUM> to be rotated upwardly and at least partially out of receipt within the notches <NUM>. In addition, the finger <NUM> is removed from engagement with and is rotated away from the strike <NUM> such that the finger <NUM> is no longer received within the first detent <NUM>.

As presently illustrated, the second cross member <NUM> is provided with the notches <NUM> along only a lower portion of the C-shaped cross section <NUM> of the second cross member <NUM>, which would prevent the first set of tines <NUM> from being movable to the non-upright rotational position while the second set of tines <NUM> was in the upright rotational position. However, it will be understood that this is not limiting, and that the second cross member <NUM> can additionally, or alternatively, include the notches <NUM> along an upper portion of the C-shaped cross section <NUM> of the second cross member <NUM> to allow the first set of tines <NUM> to be movable to the non-upright rotational position while the second set of tines <NUM> is in the upright rotational position.

Turning now to the operation of the adjustable tine assembly <NUM>, either or both of the first and second sets of tines <NUM>, <NUM> can be moved between at least the upright rotational position and at least one non-upright rotational position by a user grasping any one of the first and second tines <NUM>, <NUM> and applying force to rotate the first or second set of tines <NUM>, <NUM> in the desired direction. When rotating the first or second set of tines <NUM>, <NUM> from the non-upright rotational position into the upright rotational position, the first or second set of tines <NUM>, <NUM> is rotated to move the finger <NUM>, <NUM> toward the strike <NUM> until the finger <NUM>, <NUM> has snapped past the retaining flange <NUM>, <NUM> and into the first or second detent <NUM>, <NUM>. When rotating the first or second set of tines <NUM>, <NUM> from the upright rotational position into the non-upright rotational position, the first or second set of tines <NUM>, <NUM> is rotated to move the finger <NUM>, <NUM> away from the strike <NUM> until the finger <NUM>, <NUM> has snapped past the retaining flange <NUM>, <NUM> to be removed from the first or second detent <NUM>, <NUM>.

The aspects of the present disclosure described herein set forth an adjustable tine assembly for the angular or rotational position of tines or a row of tines to allow selective repositioning of the tines between at least a first and second rotational position in a user-friendly and simple manner, while maintaining stability of the tines, especially in an upright rotational position. The adjustable tine assembly ensures that the tines do not need to be bent to be repositioned, reducing likelihood of stressing the tines and also reducing the force needed to reposition the tines. The tines are also held firmly in the upright rotational position without the opportunity for the tines being left loose and unable to support dish items due to instability. The aspects of the present disclosure described herein also require few additional parts and are low cost and easy for a user to understand and manipulate, including that the adjustable tine row allows for one handed adjustability by a user. By providing the first and second adjustable sets of tines in coaxial arrangement, the adjustable tine assembly takes up less room along the bottom wall of the dish rack than by having two sets of adjustable tines with separate, side-by-side cross members that may interfere with one another when both sets of adjustable tines are moved to a non-upright rotational position. The coaxially arranged sets of tines can also be coupled to the dish rack using fewer clips and a shared latch assembly, rather than needing separate latch assemblies.

It will also be understood that various changes and/or modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. By way of non-limiting example, although the present disclosure is described for use with a wire dish rack, it will be recognized that the adjustable tine assembly can be employed with various rack constructions, including molded racks, such as racks molded of plastic.

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various aspects can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature is not illustrated in all of the aspects is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different aspects can be mixed and matched as desired to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are expressly described. Combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure.

This written description uses examples to disclose aspects of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. While aspects of the disclosure have been specifically described in connection with certain specific details thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, which is defined in the appended claims.

Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:.

A dish rack assembly comprising a dish rack defining an interior and an adjustable tine assembly located within the interior and comprising first and second sets of tines, which are coaxial about a common rotational axis, and rotatable about the rotational axis, the first set of tines having a first cross member from which multiple first tines extend, and the second set of tines having a second cross member from which multiple second tines extend, the second cross member having a C-shaped cross section defining a hollow interior, which receives the first cross member.

The dish rack assembly of the preceding clause wherein the second cross member is resilient and the C-shaped cross section snaps over the first cross member.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the second cross member is co-extensive in length with the first cross member.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the length of the second cross member is greater than the length of the first cross member.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the C-shaped cross section of the second cross member surrounds at least half of the circumference of the first cross member.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the C-shaped cross section of the second cross member surrounds at least half of the circumference of the first cross member along at least half of the total length of the first cross member.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein at least a portion of the second cross member completely surrounds the circumference of at least a portion of the first cross member.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the at least a portion of the second cross member that completely surrounds the circumference of the first cross member is at a distal end of the second cross member.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the first cross member comprises a solid rod.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the first and second cross members are rotatable relative to one another about the common rotational axis.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the C-shaped cross section of the second cross member includes a plurality of notches spaced apart along the length of the second cross member.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the plurality of notches corresponds to the positions of the multiple first tines of the first set of tines.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the adjustable tine assembly further comprises a latch assembly selectively fixing a rotational position of at least one of the first and second sets of tines.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the latch assembly selectively fixes a rotational position of both of the first and second sets of tines, independently of one another.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the latch assembly comprises a strike and each of the first and second sets of tines comprises a latch that selectively engages with the strike to fix the rotational position of each of the first and second sets of tines.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the latch of each of the first and second sets of tines comprises a finger extending radially outwardly from the rotational axis of each of the first and second cross members.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the strike comprises a body configured to mount on at least a portion of the dish rack and defining first and second detents, wherein one of the first and second detents is configured to selectively receive the finger of the first cross member, while the other of the first and second detents is configured to selectively receive the finger of the second cross member.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein the fingers of the first and second cross members form a snap fit attachment within the first and second detents.

The dish rack assembly of any of the preceding clauses wherein each of the first and second sets of tines are fixed in an upright rotational position when the fingers of the first and second cross members are received within the first and second detents.

Claim 1:
A dish rack assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a dish rack (<NUM>, <NUM>) defining an interior (<NUM>); and
an adjustable tine assembly (<NUM>) located within the interior (<NUM>) and comprising first (<NUM>) and second sets of tines (<NUM>), which are coaxial about a common rotational axis (<NUM>), and rotatable about the rotational axis (<NUM>), the first set of tines (<NUM>) having a first cross member (<NUM>) from which multiple first tines (<NUM>) extend, and the second set of tines (<NUM>) having a second cross member (<NUM>) from which multiple second tines (<NUM>) extend, the second cross member (<NUM>) having a C-shaped cross section (<NUM>) defining a hollow interior (<NUM>), which receives the first cross member (<NUM>).