DISHWASHER WASH BASKET

Abstract

A utensil basket for removable mounting in a dishrack of a dishwasher having a liquid distribution system. The utensil basket having a housing with a porous base member, and a non-porous cover member. A set of seats are provided within the housing. A utensil separator can separate utensils received on the seats. A sprayer can be carried by the housing and configured to emit a spray of liquid toward the multiple seats.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/744,482, filed Jan. 16, 2020, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/628,685, filed Jun. 21, 2017, not allowed, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Home appliances, such as a dishwasher for example, generally have a cabinet defining a treating chamber and having an opening through which dishes loaded/unloaded. A door opens to provide access to the opening, and closes to seal the opening. With the door closed, the interior of the dishwasher defines a dish treating chamber. The chamber comprises or is fluidly coupled to elements that dispense a treating chemistry such as dishwashing liquid or powder from a reservoir Dishwashers typically have one or more movable racks and wash baskets for carrying dishes during a wash cycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a utensil basket configured to hold one or more utensils and removably mounted in a dishrack of a dishwasher having a liquid distribution system. The utensil basket can include a housing comprising a base member and a cover member cooperatively defining an interior space therebetween, the base member comprising a porous surface configured to permit an egress of liquid from the interior space. The cover member comprising a non-porous surface configured to prevent an ingress of liquid therethrough. A set of seats is disposed within the housing in spaced relationship, with each seat configured to support a respective utensil. Aa sprayer can be carried by the housing and configured to emit a spray of liquid toward the set of seats.

Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a utensil basket configured to hold one or more utensils and removably mounted in a dishrack of a dishwasher having a liquid distribution system. The utensil basket can comprise a housing cooperatively defined by a porous base and a non-porous cover. Multiple seats can be provided within the housing in spaced relationship, with each seat configured to support a single utensil. A utensil separator can be coupled to a portion of the housing for supporting the one or more utensils carried by the seats and configured to separate the one or more utensils. The non-porous cover is coupled to the housing and pivotable with respect to the housing, the non-porous cover selectively covering at least a portion of at least one seat of the multiple seats and configured to protect at least a portion of the one or more utensils from wash liquid during a wash cycle. A sprayer can be carried by the housing and positioned adjacent the multiple seats and comprising a manifold for distributing liquid throughout a portion of the utensil basket covered by the non-porous cover and protected from the wash liquid during wash cycle, the sprayer comprising a dedicated spray nozzle for each seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a dishwasher.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a utensil basket.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the utensil basket of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wash basket.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a wash basket.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

While “a set of” various elements will be described, it will be understood that “a set” can include any number of the respective elements, including only one element. As used herein, the terms “axial” or “axially” refer to a dimension along a longitudinal axis of a generator or along a longitudinal axis of a component disposed within the generator.

As used herein, the terms “radial” or “radially” refer to a dimension extending between a center longitudinal axis, an outer circumference, or a circular or annular component disposed thereof. The use of the terms “proximal” or “proximally,” either by themselves or in conjunction with the terms “radial” or “radially,” refers to moving in a direction toward the center longitudinal axis, or a component being relatively closer to the center longitudinal axis as compared to another component.

All directional references (e.g., radial, axial, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use thereof. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and can include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.

FIG. 1 illustrates an automated dishwasher 10. The dishwasher 10 shares many features of a conventional automated dishwasher, which will not be described in detail herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of the invention. A chassis 12 may define an interior of the dishwasher 10 and may include a frame, with or without panels mounted to the frame. An open-faced tub 14 may be provided within the chassis 12 and may at least partially define a treating chamber 16, having an open face, for washing dishes. A door assembly 18 may be movably mounted to the dishwasher 10 for movement between opened and closed positions to selectively open and close the open face of the tub 14. Thus, the door assembly provides accessibility to the treating chamber 16 for the loading and unloading of dishes or other washable items.

It should be appreciated that the door assembly 18 may be secured to the lower front edge of the chassis 12 or to the lower front edge of the tub 14 via a hinge assembly (not shown) configured to pivot the door assembly 18. When the door assembly 18 is closed, user access to the treating chamber 16 may be prevented, whereas user access to the treating chamber 16 may be permitted when the door assembly 18 is open.

Dish holders, illustrated in the form of upper and lower dish racks 26, 28, are located within the treating chamber 16 and receive dishes for washing. The upper and lower dish racks 26, 28 are typically mounted for slidable movement in and out of the treating chamber 16 for ease of loading and unloading. Other dish holders may be provided, such as a silverware basket. As used in this description, the term “dish(es)” is intended to be generic to any item, single or plural, that may be treated in the dishwasher 10, including, without limitation, dishes, plates, pots, bowls, pans, glassware, utensils, cutlery, and silverware.

A liquid distribution system is provided for spraying liquid in the treating chamber 16 and is provided in the form of a first lower spray assembly 34, a second lower spray assembly 36, a rotating mid-level spray arm assembly 38, and/or an upper spray arm assembly 40. The upper spray arm assembly 40, mid-level rotatable spray arm assembly 38, and lower rotatable sprayer 34 can be located, respectively, above the upper dish rack 26, beneath the upper dish rack 26, and beneath the lower dish rack 28 and are illustrated as rotating spray arms. The second lower spray assembly 36 is illustrated as being located adjacent the lower dish rack 28 toward the rear of the treating chamber 16. The second lower spray assembly 36 is illustrated as including a vertically oriented distribution header or spray manifold 44. Such a spray manifold is set forth in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,594,513, issued Sep. 29, 2009, and titled “Multiple Wash Zone Dishwasher,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

A recirculation system is provided for recirculating liquid from the treating chamber 16 to the spray system. The recirculation system may include a sump 30 and a pump assembly 31. The sump 30 collects the liquid sprayed in the treating chamber 16 and may be formed by a sloped or recess portion of a bottom wall of the tub 14. The pump assembly 31 may include both a drain pump 32 and a recirculation pump 33. The drain pump 32 may draw liquid from the sump 30 and pump the liquid out of the dishwasher 10 to a household drain line (not shown). The recirculation pump 33 may draw liquid from the sump 30 and the liquid may be simultaneously or selectively pumped through a supply tube 42 to each of the spray assemblies 34, 36, 38, 40 for selective spraying. While not shown, a liquid supply system may include a water supply conduit coupled with a household water supply for supplying water to the treating chamber 16.

A controller 50 may also be included in the dishwasher 10, which may be operably coupled with various components of the dishwasher 10 to implement a cycle of operation. The controller 50 may be located within the door 18 as illustrated, or it may alternatively be located in any desired location within the chassis 12. The controller 50 may also be operably coupled with a control panel or user interface 56 for receiving user-selected inputs and communicating information to the user. The user interface 56 may include operational controls such as dials, lights, switches, and displays enabling a user to input commands, such as a cycle of operation, to the controller 50 and receive information.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first embodiment of a wash basket, specifically a utensil basket 200. For example, the utensil basket 200 can define a wash basket arranged to removably contain a set of utensils (e.g., cutlery) 206. The utensil basket 200 comprises a housing 205 for holding individual utensils 206 in spaced relationship from each other. In non-limiting aspects, the housing 205 can include a base member 201, and a cover member 240. The base member 201 and cover member 240 can be coupled to cooperatively define a housing interior space 202 therebetween. A set of seats 210 can be arranged within the interior space 202 operative to support or retain one or more utensils 206. In non-limiting aspects, a caddy member 220 can be received at least partially in the housing interior space 202. In non-limiting aspects, the housing 205 can support at least one sprayer 250 and a manifold 255.

The caddy member 220 can be operative to support one or more utensils 206 during various cycles of dish washer operation. The caddy member 220 can include a first side 220a (e.g, a top side) and an opposing second side 220b (e.g., a bottom side). In some aspects, the set of seats 210 can be disposed on the first side 220a. The seats 210 can be sized to supportably receive one or more utensils 206 thereon. For example, in non-limiting aspects, a particular seat 210 can comprise a surface (e.g., a top surface) having a predetermined shape or contour arranged to receivably or supportably mate with a particular utensil 206. In some aspects, a utensil separator 215 can be coupled to the caddy member 220 first side 220a.

In some aspects, the caddy member 220 can be a separate element from the housing 205, and configured to be removably received within the housing interior space 202. For example, in some aspects, the caddy member 220 can be slidably received within a set of grooves (not shown) defined in the base member 201, cover member 240, or both. In other non-limiting aspects, the caddy member 220 can be hingedly coupled to one of the base member 201 or cover member 240. In such aspects, the caddy 220 can be pivotable with respect to the housing 205 to facilitate manual loading and unloading of individual utensils 206 with respect to the seats 210. In still other aspects, the caddy member 220 can be formed integral to the base member 201. The caddy member 220 can be a non-porous structure. In other non-limiting aspects, the caddy member can define a porous structure. In such aspects, the caddy member 220 can be in fluid communication therethrough with the base member 201. In non-limiting aspects, the caddy member 220 can include a handle member 221 configured to be manually grasped by a user.

The caddy member 220 can carry or support the utensil separator 215, although it is contemplated that the utensil separator 215 can also be carried by the housing 205. The utensil separator 215 can be engaged to the caddy member 220 such that the utensil separator 215 can operatively support or retain cutlery or individual utensils 206 disposed on the seats 210. For example, the utensil separator 215 can comprise a generally elongate member defining a shape (e.g., a corrugated shape) that is operatively disposable between two adjacent seats 210, to thereby separate the utensils 206 received on the seats 210 from each other.

In non-limiting aspects, the cover member 240 can be hingedly coupled to the base member 201. For example, in some aspects, the cover member 240 can be coupled to the base member 201 via a hinge 241. In such aspects, the cover member 240 can be pivotal relative to the base member 201. Accordingly, the cover member 240 can define a closed position (as illustrated) and an open position (not shown). It will be appreciated that in operation, the cover member 240 can be place in the closed position for use during a wash cycle. Conversely, it will be appreciated that, in operation, the cover member 240 can be placed in the open position to facilitate access to the interior space 202, for example to enable manual loading and unloading of individual utensils 206 within the housing. In other aspects, the cover member 240 and base member 201 can be slidably coupleable to each other. For example, a set of grooves (not shown) can be defined in the base member, cover member 240, or both, configured to slidably receive the other of the base member 201, or cover member 240.

In other aspects, the base member 201 and cover member 240 can be rigidly or fixedly coupled to each other. In such aspects, the base member 201 and cover member can define an opening 242 therebetween. The opening 242 can be sized to facilitate manual loading and unloading of individual utensils 206 therethrough. Other aspects are not so limited however, and in various aspects, the base member 201 and cover member 240 can be coupled using any desired conventional technique without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In non-limiting aspects, the base member 201 can comprise a porous structure. For example, the base member 201 can define a set of apertures 208 therethrough. The apertures 208 can be sized to allow wash liquid to dissipate or drain from the interior space 202 of the housing 205 via the base member 201. Conversely, in non-limiting aspects, the cover member 240 can comprise a non-porous structure or surface to prevent the wash liquid from entering the interior space 202 through the cover member 240.

The cover member 240 can at least partially cover or enclose the seats 210. Likewise, when so arranged, the cover member 240 can at least partially cover or enclose utensils 206 received on the seats 210. In this way, the cover member 240 can provide a non-porous covering or shield over the utensils 206. The non-porous structure of the cover member 240 can also have the particular purpose of protecting utensils 206, particularly utensils 206 having a sharpened blade, from dulling effects particular to wash liquid chemistries or intensities during the wash cycle. The housing 205 can support both the caddy member 220 and cover member 240, operative to enable convenient loading of utensils 206 by a user.

The at least sprayer 250 can be coupled to or carried on the housing 205. The at least one sprayer 250 can be fluidly coupled to the dishwasher's liquid distribution system to receive a liquid therefrom, and configured to spray or emit liquid into the interior space 202, onto the seats 210 or the utensils 206 received thereon, or a combination thereof. In non-limiting aspects, the at least one sprayer 250 can comprise a manifold 255. The manifold 255 can be coupled to or carried by the housing 205. In some aspects the manifold 255 can be separately attached or integrally molded to or with the housing 205. While not required, the at least one sprayer 250 can comprise multiple spray nozzles 251 in fluid communication with the manifold 255 to receive the liquid therefrom. The spray nozzles 251 can be directed to spray or emit liquid toward the seats 210. For example, in a non-limiting aspect, each seat 210 can have a dedicated or corresponding spray nozzle 251 directed toward it. In this sense, the sprayer 250 can be operative to direct each nozzle 251 to spray or emit liquid toward a respective utensil 261 received on a corresponding seat 210.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary system for connecting the utensil basket 200 to the dishwasher liquid delivery system. A secondary manifold system 312 can be carried by a respective one of the upper and lower dish racks 26, 28 in a predetermined position within the dish racks 26, 28. The secondary manifold system 312 can be configured to be integral to the dish racks 26, 28 or configured to be securely removably connected to the respective one of the upper and lower dish racks 26, 28 by mechanical connection. In either case, the secondary manifold system 312 removably coupled to the supply tube 42. In the example shown, the secondary manifold system 312 can be provided with a fluid coupling 317 that fluidly couples the secondary manifold system 312 to the supply tube 42 when the respective dish rack 26, 28 is slid in the dishwasher 10, and uncouples from the supply tube 42 when the dish rack 26, 28 is slid out of dishwasher 10. In this way, the dish rack 26, 28 to which the utensil basket 200 is coupled can be fluidly coupled to the dishwasher's liquid delivery system via the supply tube 42.

In non-limiting aspects, the dishwasher 10 can be a dishwasher having multiple wash zones. For example, the dishwasher 10 can include liquid distribution assembly, such as a spray arm assembly 34, 36, 38, 40 configured to spray a first flow of wash liquid over a portion of the treating chamber (e.g., an interior tub) thereby defining a first wash zone. The liquid distribution assembly can further include the supply tube 42 can be configured to provide a second flow of wash liquid toward the utensil basket 200, thereby defining a second wash zone. In non-limiting aspects, the second flow of wash liquid can be less intensified than the first flow of wash liquid, thereby causing the second wash zone to be less intensified than the first wash zone. In non-limiting aspects, the supply tube 42 can be arranged in fluid communication with the spray arm assembly 34, 36, 38, 40 and the spray manifold 251 and configured to simultaneously provide wash liquid to the spray arm assembly 34, 36, 38, 40 and the spray manifold 251.

The secondary manifold system 312 can have a diverter valve 320 integrally coupled therewith. While the illustrated example shows the diverter valve 320 being positioned near the back of the dish rack 26, 28, it could be positioned in various other places on the dish rack 26, 28 without limiting the scope of the invention. The diverter valve 320 associated with the secondary manifold system 312 of the dish rack 26, 28 has a receiving port 325. The utensil basket 200 comprises a mounting port 330 configured to be received in the receiving port 325 on dish rack 26, 28 in a predetermined location. In this way, the manifold 255 of the utensil basket 200 selectively couples to the dish rack 26, 28, which selectively couples to the dishwasher's liquid distribution system via supply tube 42.

The diverter valve 320 can be mechanically opened when the utensil basket 200 is coupled the dishrack 26, 28 and the dishwasher 10 can be programmed with a cycle that provides liquid to the utensil basket 200 during a portion of a wash cycle. Alternatively, the dishwasher 10 can be programmed with a user activated cycle select which could provide liquid to the utensil basket 200 during a portion of a preprogrammed wash cycle. In an alternate embodiment, the dishwasher 10 could also be configured with one or more sensors to sense the connection of the utensil basket 200 to either one of the dish racks 26, 28. Upon sensing the presence of the utensil basket 200, the dishwasher 10 can be programmed with a cycle that provides liquid to the utensil basket 200 during a portion of a wash cycle. In addition, the diverter valve 320 can be configured to open or close at various places in the wash cycle.

FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of a wash basket 300 that has similarities with the utensil basket 200 of FIG. 2. Therefore, elements of the utensil basket 200 that are similar to the wash basket 300 are labeled with similar part numbers using the prefix 300. In this non-limiting example, the wash basket 300 comprises a housing 305 for holding glassware or stemware 306 in a spaced relationship from each other. The housing 305 carries seats 310 for supporting individual stemware 306. Stemware separators 315 in the form of channels or grooves are positioned on housing 305 for carrying the stems of individual stemware. In an exemplary embodiment, the stemware separators 315 on the housing 305 are positioned above the seats 310 to allow wash water to drain out of the stemware upon completion of a wash cycle.

Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the housing 305 also carries a sprayer 350 coupled to the dishwasher's liquid distribution systems for spraying or emitting liquid into stemware and generally on and around seats 310. The sprayer 350 comprises a manifold 355 for distributing liquid throughout the wash basket 300. The manifold 355 can be carried by the housing 305 and may be separately attached or integrally molded to or with the housing 305. While not required, the sprayer 350 can have one or more spray nozzles 351 directed toward each seat 310 and specifically directed toward the inside of each stemware 306. In a specific implementation each seat 310 can have a dedicated spray nozzle 351 directed toward it.

Similar to the utensil basket 200 of FIG. 2 and as shown in FIG. 3, the wash basket 300 comprises a mounting port 330 configured to be received in receiving port 325 on dish rack 26, 28 in a predetermined location. In this way, the manifold 355 of the wash basket 300 selectively couples to the dish rack 26, 28, which selectively couples to the dishwasher's liquid distribution system via the supply tube 42.

FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment of a utensil basket 400 that also has similarities with the utensil basket 200 of FIG. 2. Therefore, elements of the utensil basket 200 that are similar to the utensil basket 400 are labeled with similar part numbers using the prefix 400. In this example, the utensil basket 400 once again comprises a housing 405 for holding individual utensils 406 in a spaced relationship from each other. While not required, the housing 405 generally has an open top perforated bottom to allow wash liquid to dissipate or drain through. The housing 405 carries seats 410 for supporting individual utensils 406. Utensil separators 415 protrude from the base of the housing 405 for separating each individual utensil 406.

Similar to the other embodiments, the housing 405 can carry a sprayer 450 coupled to the dishwasher's liquid distribution systems for spraying or emitting liquid generally on and around seats 410. The sprayer 450 comprises a manifold 455 for distributing liquid throughout the utensil basket 400. The manifold 455 can be carried by the housing 405 and may be separately attached or integrally molded to or with the housing 405. While not required, the sprayer 450 can have one or more spray nozzles 451 directed toward each seat 410 and specifically directed toward both sides of each utensil 406. In a specific implementation each seat 410 can have a dedicated spray nozzle 451 directed toward it. In a non-limiting embodiment, utensil separators 415 may each carry a spray nozzle 451 directed toward an adjacent seat 410. It should be recognized that the manifold 455 and spray nozzles 451 could be set up in many ways without limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Like the utensil basket 200 in FIG. 2, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the utensil basket 400 can comprise a mounting port 330 configured to be received in receiving port 325 on dish rack 26, 28 in a predetermined location. In this way, the manifold 455 of the utensil basket 400 selectively couples to the dish rack 26, 28, which selectively couples to the dishwasher's liquid distribution system via supply tube 42.

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various aspects can be used in combination with others as desired. That one feature cannot be illustrated in 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. All 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 the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and can 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 have 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.

Various characteristics, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure can also be embodied in any permutation of aspects of the disclosure, including but not limited to the following technical solutions as defined in the enumerated aspects:

A utensil basket configured to hold one or more utensils and removably mounted in a dishrack of a dishwasher having a liquid distribution system, the utensil basket comprising: a housing comprising a base member and a cover member cooperatively defining an interior space therebetween, the base member comprising a porous surface configured to permit an egress of liquid from the interior space, the cover member comprising a non-porous surface configured to prevent an ingress of liquid therethrough; a set of seats disposed within the housing in spaced relationship, with each seat configured to support a respective utensil; and a sprayer carried by the housing and configured to emit a spray of liquid toward the set of seats.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, further comprising a caddy disposable in the interior space, wherein the caddy comprises the set of seats.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, wherein the caddy comprises a porous structure in fluid communication with the base member.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, further comprising a utensil separator disposable between two adjacent seats for retaining the one or more utensils carried by the seats and configured to separate the one or more utensils.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, wherein the sprayer is disposed in the interior space.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, wherein the sprayer comprises a set of nozzles.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, wherein each respective nozzle is arranged to emit a spray of liquid toward a corresponding seat.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, wherein the base member is hingedly coupled to the cover member.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, wherein the caddy is hingedly coupled to one of the base member and the cover.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, wherein the cover member selectively covers at least a portion of at least one seat of the set of seats.

A utensil basket configured to hold one or more utensils and removably mounted in a dishrack of a dishwasher having a liquid distribution system, the utensil basket comprising: a housing cooperatively defined by a porous base and a non-porous cover; multiple seats provided within the housing in spaced relationship, with each seat configured to support a single utensil; a utensil separator coupled to a portion of the housing for supporting the one or more utensils carried by the seats and configured to separate the one or more utensils; the non-porous cover coupled to the housing and pivotable with respect to the housing, the non-porous cover selectively covering at least a portion of at least one seat of the multiple seats and configured to protect at least a portion of the one or more utensils from wash liquid during a wash cycle; and a sprayer carried by the housing and positioned adjacent the multiple seats and comprising a manifold for distributing liquid throughout a portion of the utensil basket covered by the non-porous cover and protected from the wash liquid during wash cycle, the sprayer comprising a dedicated spray nozzle for each seat.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, wherein the utensil separator is carried by the housing.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, wherein housing includes at least two side walls, and the utensil separator is mountably engaged to the at least two side walls of the housing.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, further comprising a caddy carried by the housing.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, wherein the utensil separator is carried by the caddy.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, further comprising a manifold for distributing liquid throughout the utensil basket.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, wherein the sprayer further comprises a dedicated spray nozzle for each seat.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, wherein the caddy comprises a handle.

The utensil basket of any preceding clause, wherein the caddy is porous and in fluid communication with the base.

A dishwasher comprising: a treating chamber; a dishrack disposed within the treating chamber; a liquid distribution system configured to spray liquid in the treating chamber; utensil basket configured to hold one or more utensils and removeably mountable in the dishrack comprising: a housing comprising a base member and a cover member cooperatively defining an interior space therebetween, the base member comprising a porous surface configured to permit an egress of liquid from the interior space, the cover member comprising a non-porous surface configured to prevent an ingress of liquid therethrough; a set of seats disposed within the housing in spaced relationship, with each seat configured to support a respective utensil; and a sprayer, carried by the housing, and having multiple nozzles configured to emit a spray of liquid toward the set of seats.

The dishwasher of any preceding clause, wherein the utensil basket further comprises a caddy disposable in the interior space, wherein the caddy comprises the set of seats.

The dishwasher of any preceding clause, wherein the caddy comprises a porous structure in fluid communication with the base member.

The dishwasher of any preceding clause, wherein the utensil basket further comprises a utensil separator disposable between two adjacent seats for retaining the one or more utensils carried by the seats and configured to separate the one or more utensils.

The dishwasher of any preceding clause, wherein the sprayer is disposed in the interior space of the housing.

The dishwasher of any preceding clause, wherein the sprayer comprises a set of nozzles.

The dishwasher of any preceding clause, wherein each respective nozzle is arranged to emit a spray of liquid toward a corresponding seat.

The dishwasher of any preceding clause, wherein the base member is hingedly coupled to the cover member.

The dishwasher of any preceding clause, wherein the liquid distribution system comprises a spray arm assembly configured to spray a first flow of wash liquid over a portion of the treating chamber, and a supply tube configured to spray a second flow of wash liquid toward the utensil basket.

The dishwasher of any preceding clause, wherein the first flow of wash liquid is more intensified than the second flow of wash liquid.

While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments 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 invention which is defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A utensil basket configured to hold one or more utensils and removably mounted in a dishrack of a dishwasher having a liquid distribution system, the utensil basket comprising:

a housing comprising a base member and a cover member cooperatively defining an interior space therebetween, the base member comprising a porous surface configured to permit an egress of liquid from the interior space, the cover member comprising a non-porous surface configured to prevent an ingress of liquid therethrough;

a set of seats disposed within the housing in spaced relationship, with each seat configured to support a respective utensil; and

a sprayer carried by the housing and configured to emit a spray of liquid toward the set of seats.

2. The utensil basket of claim 1, further comprising a caddy disposable in the interior space, wherein the caddy comprises the set of seats.

3. The utensil basket of claim 1, wherein the caddy comprises a porous structure in fluid communication with the base member.

4. The utensil basket of claim 1, further comprising a utensil separator disposable between two adjacent seats for retaining the one or more utensils carried by the seats and configured to separate the one or more utensils.

5. The utensil basket of claim 1, wherein the sprayer is disposed in the interior space.

6. The utensil basket of claim 1, wherein the sprayer comprises a set of nozzles.

7. The utensil basket of claim 6, wherein each respective nozzle is arranged to emit a spray of liquid toward a corresponding seat.

8. The utensil basket of claim 1, wherein the base member is hingedly coupled to the cover member.

9. The utensil basket of claim 1, wherein the caddy is hingedly coupled to one of the base member and the cover.

10. The utensil basket of claim 1, wherein the cover member selectively covers at least a portion of at least one seat of the set of seats.

11. A utensil basket configured to hold one or more utensils and removably mounted in a dishrack of a dishwasher having a liquid distribution system, the utensil basket comprising:

a housing cooperatively defined by a porous base and a non-porous cover;

multiple seats provided within the housing in spaced relationship, with each seat configured to support a single utensil;

a utensil separator coupled to a portion of the housing for supporting the one or more utensils carried by the seats and configured to separate the one or more utensils;

the non-porous cover coupled to the housing and pivotable with respect to the housing, the non-porous cover selectively covering at least a portion of at least one seat of the multiple seats and configured to protect at least a portion of the one or more utensils from wash liquid during a wash cycle; and

a sprayer carried by the housing and positioned adjacent the multiple seats and comprising a manifold for distributing liquid throughout a portion of the utensil basket covered by the non-porous cover and protected from the wash liquid during wash cycle, the sprayer comprising a dedicated spray nozzle for each seat.

12. The utensil basket of claim 11, wherein the utensil separator is carried by the housing.

13. The utensil basket of claim 12, wherein housing includes at least two side walls, and the utensil separator is mountably engaged to the at least two side walls of the housing.

14. The utensil basket of claim 11, further comprising a caddy carried by the housing.

16. The utensil basket of claim 14, wherein the utensil separator is carried by the caddy.

17. The utensil basket of claim 11, further comprising a manifold for distributing liquid throughout the utensil basket.

18. The utensil basket of claim 17, wherein the sprayer further comprises a dedicated spray nozzle for each seat.

19. The utensil basket of claim 14, wherein the caddy comprises a handle.

20. The utensil basket of claim 14, wherein the caddy is porous and in fluid communication with the base.