Patents by Inventor Robin K. Phifer

Robin K. Phifer has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Silverware basket with tiered compartments
    Patent number: 6945421
    Abstract: A silverware basket is provided for a dishwasher rack having a sloped bottom. The basket includes a plurality of compartments which are vertically tiered with respect to one another, such that the bottom of the basket matingly fits along the bottom of the rack. A handle is provided on the basket for easy removal and installation of the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Robin K. Phifer
  • Dishwasher with adjustable rack
    Patent number: 6755490
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided with an adjustable rack that can be moved upwardly and downwardly within the washing chamber to accommodate different sized objects to be washed. The lift mechanism for the rack is housed within the sidewalls of the dishwasher. The lift mechanism employs a cable system to raise both sides of the rack simultaneously, with the rack positioned within or outside the washing chamber and with the rack either loaded or unloaded. In one embodiment, the lift mechanism is manually actuated by turning a handle. In another embodiment, the lift mechanism includes an electric motor with a switch on the control panel for raising and lowering the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney M. Welch, Robin K. Phifer, Wayne M. VanLandingham, Tiffany H. Shellabarger
  • Silverware basket with tiered compartments
    Publication number: 20030209548
    Abstract: A silverware basket is provided for a dishwasher rack having a sloped bottom. The basket includes a plurality of compartments which are vertically tiered with respect to one another, such that the bottom of the basket matingly fits along the bottom of the rack. A handle is provided on the basket for easy removal and installation of the basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Robin K. Phifer
  • Dishwasher with adjustable rack
    Publication number: 20030042825
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided with an adjustable rack that can be moved upwardly and downwardly within the washing chamber to accommodate different sized objects to be washed. The lift mechanism for the rack is housed within the sidewalls of the dishwasher. The lift mechanism employs a cable system to raise both sides of the rack simultaneously, with the rack positioned within or outside the washing chamber and with the rack either loaded or unloaded. In one embodiment, the lift mechanism is manually actuated by turning a handle. In another embodiment, the lift mechanism includes an electric motor with a switch on the control panel for raising and lowering the rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Rodney M. Welch, Robin K. Phifer, Wayne M. VanLandingham, Tiffany H. Shellabarger