DISHWASHING APPLIANCE WITH TINE ARRANGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

A tine arrangement assembly for a dishwasher includes an outer frame defining a perimeter. A plurality of supporting cross-members extend across the outer frame within the perimeter. A first elongated tine apparatus includes a first elongated base member and a plurality of first elongated tines that extend from the first elongated base member a first height. A first shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the first elongated tine apparatus and includes a first shortened base member and a plurality of first shortened tines that extend from the first shortened base member a second height that is less than the first height.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a dishwashing appliance and, more specifically, to a dishwashing appliance with a tine arrangement assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a tine arrangement assembly for a dishwasher includes an outer frame defining a perimeter. A plurality of supporting cross-members extend across the outer frame within the perimeter. A first elongated tine apparatus includes a first elongated base member and a plurality of first elongated tines that extend from the first elongated base member a first height. A first shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the first elongated tine apparatus and includes a first shortened base member and a plurality of first shortened tines that extend from the first shortened base member a second height that is less than the first height.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher appliance includes a body that defines an internal chamber and an opening to the internal chamber. A door is mounted to the body and selectively moveable relative to the opening to open and close the opening. The dishwasher includes a lower track system and a tine arrangement assembly operably connected to the lower track system and moveable in and out of the opening. The tine arrangement assembly includes an outer frame defining a perimeter and a plurality of supporting cross-members extending across the outer frame within the perimeter. A first elongated tine apparatus includes a first elongated base member and a plurality of first elongated tines that extend from the first elongated base member a first height. A first shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the first elongated tine apparatus and includes a first shortened base member and a plurality of first shortened tines that extend from the first shortened base member a second height that is less than half the first height.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher rack with a tine arrangement assembly includes an outer frame defining a perimeter. A plurality of supporting cross-members extend across the outer frame within the perimeter. An elongated tine apparatus is pivotally connected to at least two of the supporting cross-members. The elongated tine apparatus includes an elongated base member and a plurality of elongated tines that extend from the elongated base member a first height. A shortened tine apparatus is statically connected to at least two of the supporting cross-members. The shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the elongated tine apparatus and includes a shortened base member and a plurality of shortened tines that extend from the shortened base member a second height that is less than the first height.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a dishwasher appliance with a door partially opened in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of a tine arrangement assembly for a dishwasher appliance in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 is an enlarged upper perspective view of a portion of a tine arrangement assembly for a dishwasher appliance in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a dishwashing appliance with a tine arrangement assembly. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, reference numeral 10 generally designates a tine arrangement assembly (i.e., a dishwasher rack with a tine arrangement) for a dishwasher 12. The tine arrangement assembly 10 includes an outer frame 14 defining a perimeter. A plurality of supporting cross-members 16 extend across the outer frame 14 within the perimeter. A first elongated tine apparatus 18A includes a first elongated base member 20A and a plurality of first elongated tines 22A that extend from the first elongated base member 20A a first height “H”. A first shortened tine apparatus 24A is spaced from the first elongated tine apparatus 18A and includes a first shortened base member 26A and a plurality of first shortened tines 28A that extend from the first shortened base member 26A a second height “h” that is less than the first height H.

With reference now to FIG. 1, the dishwasher 12 may include a body 30 defining an internal chamber 32 and a door 31 that is moveable between an open position, providing access to the internal chamber 32 through an opening 33, and a closed position that seals against the body 30 and around the opening 33. The internal chamber 32 is defined by an inner surface 34 of the body 30. The inner surface 34 of the body 30 may define one or more internally projecting tracks or a lower track system 35 (FIG. 2) in sliding and/or rolling engagement with the tine arrangement assembly 10 to permit the tine arrangement assembly 10 to be pulled at least partially out from the internal chamber 32. In this manner, dishes and other cooking utensils can be easily loaded and unloaded into the dishwasher 12 when the tine arrangement assembly 10 is pulled from the internal chamber 32. The dishwasher 12 may further include an upper frame 36 located in the internal chamber 32 that may be configured for holding additional dishes and other cooking utensils. The upper frame 36 may be on an upper track system (not shown) similar to tine arrangement assembly 10. In some embodiments, the tine arrangement assembly 10 may be located below the upper frame 36.

With reference now to FIG. 2, the first elongated base member 20A may extend parallel to the first shortened base member 26A. In this manner, the first elongated tines 22A and the first shortened tines 28A may be utilized for holding plates, bowls, or other cooking utensils that extend between adjacent or semi-adjacent ones of the first elongated tines 22A and the first shortened tines 28A. The plurality of supporting cross-members 16 extend perpendicularly to and support the first elongated base member 20A and the first shortened base member 26A. The first elongated base member 20A and the first shortened base member 26A may both be connected to at least two of the supporting cross-members 16. For example, the first shortened base member 26A may be statically connected to at least two of the plurality of supporting cross-members 16 and the first elongated base member 20A may be pivotally connected to at least two of the plurality of supporting cross-members 16. More particularly, a plurality of pivot linkages 38 pivotally connect the first elongated base member 20A to the plurality of supporting cross-members 16. The pivot linkages 38 may pivotally connect to at least one of the first elongated base member 20A and/or the plurality of supporting cross-members 16. In this manner, the first elongated tine apparatus 18A may pivot between an erected position and a stowed position. In the stowed position, the first elongated tines 22A may be oriented in a general direction of the first shortened base member 26A. The first shortened base member 26A may be statically connected to the plurality of supporting cross-members 16 (e.g., at least two) and out the outer frame 14 via welds. In some embodiments, the outer frame 14 includes a plurality of supporting members 39 that extend generally perpendicular to the cross-members 16 and are statically connected to the cross-members 16 (e.g., via welds). In some embodiments, the pivot linkages 38 are connected to both the cross-members and the supporting members 39.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the first height H may be more than double the second height h. For example, the first height H may be more than the second height h by a ratio of more than 1:2, more than 1:4, more than 1:6, more than 1:8, or between about 1:2 and about 1:8. The plurality of first elongated tines 22A may be aligned with the plurality of first shortened tines 28A, such that semi planar dishware (e.g., plates and bowls) can be inserted into pairs of aligned elongated tines 22A and shortened tines 28A. The first elongated tine apparatus 18A may be located outwardly from the first shortened tine apparatus 24A. In this manner, the first elongated tine apparatus 18A may extend generally parallel to a side of outer frame 14 (e.g., the perimeter) and the first shortened tine apparatus 24A may be located on an opposite side of the first elongated tine apparatus 18A than the side of outer frame 14.

With reference now to FIG. 2, the tine arrangement assembly 10 may include a second elongated tine apparatus 18B that includes a second elongated base member 20B and a plurality of second elongated tines 22B that extend from the second elongated base member 20B the first height H. The tine arrangement assembly 10 may further include a second shortened tine apparatus 24B that is spaced from the second elongated tine apparatus 18B and that includes a second shortened base member 26B and a plurality of second shortened tines 28B that extend from the second shortened base member 26B the second height h. In some embodiments, the first shortened tine apparatus 24A and the second shortened tine apparatus 24B are located between the first shortened tine apparatus 24A and the second shortened tine apparatus 24B. In other words, the outer frame 14 may include a front edge 40, a rear edge 42, and a pair of side edges 44 that extend between the front edge 40 and the rear edge 42. The pair of side edges 44 may extend in a general direction between the opening 33 and a back surface of the internal chamber 32. The first shortened tine apparatus 24A may be located nearest one of the front edge 40 or the rear edge 42 and the second shortened tine apparatus 24B may be located nearest the other of the front edge 40 or the rear edge 42. The side edges 44 may both include wheel mounts 46 (e.g., two wheel mounts 46) and each wheel mount 46 may include a pair of wheel pockets 48 for retaining wheels (not shown) that interface with the lower track system 35. The second shortened base member 26B may be statically connected (e.g., via a weld) to at least two of the plurality of supporting cross-members 16, and the second elongated base member 20B may be pivotally connected to at least two of the plurality of supporting cross-members 16 (e.g., via the pivot linkages 38).

With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the elongated tines 22A, 22B may extend from the elongated base members 20A, 20B at a first transverse angle “α” and the shortened tines 28A, 28B may extend from the shortened base members 26A, 26B a second transverse angle “β.” In some embodiments, the first transverse angle α is not perpendicular. For example, the first transverse angle α may be one of acute or obtuse. In some embodiments, the first transverse angle α is defined inwardly from the elongated base members 20A, 20B such that the elongated tines 22A, 22B extend at least partially in a direction of the respective shortened tines 28A, 28B. In some embodiments, the second transverse angle β is not perpendicular. For example, the second transverse angle β may be one of acute or obtuse. In some embodiments, the second transverse angle β is defined outwardly from the shortened base members 26A, 26B such that shortened tines 28A, 28B extend at least partially in a direction of the respective elongated tines 22A, 22B. In other embodiments, both the elongated tines 22A, 22B and the shortened tines 28A, 28B may extend at opposite or opposing transverse angles α, β. More particularly, the first transverse angle α may traverse the second transverse angle β (e.g., in an opposing configuration) or the first transverse angle α may extend in a generally opposite (e.g., equal but opposite) direction from the second transverse angle β. In some embodiments, the first transverse angle α and/or the second transverse angle β may extend generally in a direction of the front edge 40, the rear edge 42, or the side edges 44.

With continued reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first elongated base member 20A may include a first front portion 50A and a first rear portion 52A that, together, define the first elongated tines 22A (e.g., split equally). The first front portion 50A and the first rear portion 52A may be connected to one of the pivot linkages 38 spaced centrally. In this manner, the first front portion 50A and the first rear portion 52A can be individually articulated between the erected position and the stowed position. More particularly, the pivot linkage 38 spaced centrally may include a pair of pivot linkages 38 located on a common base 54, with one pivot linkage 38 connected to the front portion 50A and one pivot linkage 38 connected to the rear portion 52A. Similarly, the second elongated base member 20B may include a second front portion 50B and a second rear portion 52B that, together, define the second elongated tines 22B (e.g., split equally). The second front portion 50B and the second rear portion 52B may be connected to one of the pivot linkages 38 spaced centrally. In this manner, the second front portion 50B and the second rear portion 52B can be individually articulated between the erected position and the stowed position. More particularly, the pivot linkage 38 spaced centrally may include a pair of pivot linkages 38 located on a common base 54, with one pivot linkage 38 connected to the front portion 50B and one pivot linkage 38 connected to the rear portion 52B. In some embodiments, the shortened base members 26A, 26B are each integrally formed.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, the tine arrangement assembly 10 (e.g., other than the pivot linkages 38 and wheel mounts 46) are formed substantially of wires (e.g., metal with or without a protective coating) that have been interweaved and/or otherwise connected together. In this manner, wires forming the outer frame 14, the supporting cross-members 16, and the shortened tine apparatuses 24A, 24B may be statically connected (e.g., via welding) while the elongated tine apparatuses 18A, 18B are pivotally connected via the linkages 38. Each of the tines 22A, 22B, 28A, 28B may, likewise, be formed of wire that is welded and or otherwise statically connected to the base members 20A, 20B, 26A, 26B. The wire may define a gauge that permits a small amount of flexibility, but is ridged enough to maintain the positioning of dishes and other cooking utensils during operation.

With reference now to FIG. 3, the difference between the first height H of the elongated tines 22A, 22B and the second height h of the shorted tines 28A, 28B may be configured to provide three points of contact for each pair of one of the elongated tines 22A, 22B and one of the shorted tines 28A, 28B, as generally designated by reference numeral 56. More particularly, dishes that have planar and/or semi planar resting surfaces (e.g., the outer perimeter of a bowl or plate) may have a single point of contact 56 with one of the shorted tines 28A, 28B and two points of contact 56 with one of the elongated tines 22A, 22B. In this manner, more loading options are available to a user. For example, dishware and other cooking utensils can be staggered between non-aligned ones of the elongated tines 22A, 22B and the shorted tines 28A, 28B and larger dishware, such as pots and pans, can be placed centrally without being supported by the elongated tines 22A, 22B that have a greater first height H.

The invention disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a tine arrangement assembly for a dishwasher includes an outer frame defining a perimeter. A plurality of supporting cross-members extend across the outer frame within the perimeter. A first elongated tine apparatus includes a first elongated base member and a plurality of first elongated tines that extend from the first elongated base member a first height. A first shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the first elongated tine apparatus and includes a first shortened base member and a plurality of first shortened tines that extend from the first shortened base member a second height that is less than the first height.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first elongated base member extends parallel to a first shortened base member.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of supporting cross-members extend perpendicularly to a first elongated base member and a first shortened base member.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a first shortened base member is statically connected to at least two of a plurality of supporting cross-members.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first elongated base member is pivotally connected to at least two of a plurality of supporting cross-members.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a first shortened base member is welded to at least two of a plurality of supporting cross-members.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a first height is more than double a second height.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of first elongated tines are aligned with a plurality of first shortened tines.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a first elongated tine apparatus is located outwardly from a first shortened tine apparatus.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a second elongated tine apparatus includes a second elongated base member and a plurality of second elongated tines extend from the second elongated base member the first height. A second shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the second elongated tine apparatus and includes a second shortened base member and a plurality of second shortened tines extend from the second shortened base member the second height.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a first shortened tine apparatus and a second shortened tine apparatus are located between the first shortened tine apparatus and the second shortened tine apparatus.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher appliance includes a body that defines an internal chamber and an opening to the internal chamber. A door is mounted to the body and selectively moveable relative to the opening to open and close the opening. The dishwasher includes a lower track system and a tine arrangement assembly operably connected to the lower track system and moveable in and out of the opening. The tine arrangement assembly includes an outer frame defining a perimeter and a plurality of supporting cross-members extending across the outer frame within the perimeter. A first elongated tine apparatus includes a first elongated base member and a plurality of first elongated tines that extend from the first elongated base member a first height. A first shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the first elongated tine apparatus and includes a first shortened base member and a plurality of first shortened tines that extend from the first shortened base member a second height that is less than half the first height.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a tine arrangement assembly includes a second elongated tine apparatus that includes a second elongated base member and a plurality of second elongated tines extend from the second elongated base member the first height. A second shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the second elongated tine apparatus and includes a second shortened base member and a plurality of second shortened tines extend from the second shortened base member the second height.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a first shortened tine apparatus and a second shortened tine apparatus are located between the first shortened tine apparatus and the second shortened tine apparatus.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of first elongated tines are aligned with a plurality of first shortened tines and a plurality of second elongated tines are aligned with a plurality of second shortened tines.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of first shortened tines and a plurality of second shortened tines are statically connected to at least two supporting cross-members.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of first elongated tines and a plurality of second elongated tines are pivotally connected to at least two supporting cross-members.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dishwasher rack with a tine arrangement assembly includes an outer frame defining a perimeter. A plurality of supporting cross-members extend across the outer frame within the perimeter. An elongated tine apparatus is pivotally connected to at least two of the supporting cross-members. The elongated tine apparatus includes an elongated base member and a plurality of elongated tines that extend from the elongated base member a first height. A shortened tine apparatus is statically connected to at least two of the supporting cross-members. The shortened tine apparatus is spaced from the elongated tine apparatus and includes a shortened base member and a plurality of shortened tines that extend from the shortened base member a second height that is less than the first height.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a first height is more than double a second height.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of elongated tines are aligned with a plurality of shortened tines.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A tine arrangement assembly for a dishwasher comprising:

an outer frame defining a perimeter;

a plurality of supporting cross-members extending across the outer frame within the perimeter;

a first elongated tine apparatus including a first elongated base member and a plurality of first elongated tines that extend from the first elongated base member a first height; and

a first shortened tine apparatus spaced from the first elongated tine apparatus and including a first shortened base member and a plurality of first shortened tines that statically extend from the first shortened base member at an angle generally away from the plurality of first elongated tines to a second height that is less than the first height.

2. The tine arrangement assembly of claim 1, wherein the first elongated base member extends parallel to the first shortened base member.

3. The tine arrangement assembly of claim 2, wherein the plurality of supporting cross-members extend perpendicularly to the first elongated base member and the first shortened base member.

4. The tine arrangement assembly of claim 3, wherein the first shortened base member is statically connected to at least two of the plurality of supporting cross-members.

5. The tine arrangement assembly of claim 4, wherein the first elongated base member is pivotally connected to at least two of the plurality of supporting cross-members.

6. The tine arrangement assembly of claim 4, wherein the first elongated tine base member includes a first portion and a second portion individually pivotally connected to at least one pivot linkage for being individually articulated between an erected position and a stowed position.

7. The tine arrangement assembly of claim 1, wherein the first height is more than double the second height.

8. The tine arrangement assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of first elongated tines are aligned with each of the plurality of first shortened tines.

9. The tine arrangement assembly of claim 1, wherein the first elongated tine apparatus is located outwardly from the first shortened tine apparatus.

10. The tine arrangement assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a second elongated tine apparatus including a second elongated base member and a plurality of second elongated tines that extend from the second elongated base member the first height; and

a second shortened tine apparatus spaced from the second elongated tine apparatus and including a second shortened base member and a plurality of second shortened tines that extend from the second shortened base member the second height.

11. The tine arrangement assembly of claim 10, wherein the first shortened tine apparatus and the second shortened tine apparatus are located between the first elongated tine apparatus and the second elongated tine apparatus.

12. A dishwasher appliance comprising:

a body defining an internal chamber and an opening to the internal chamber;

a door mounted to the body and selectively moveable relative to the opening to open and close the opening;

a lower track system;

a tine arrangement assembly operably connected to the lower track system and moveable in and out of the opening, the tine arrangement assembly comprising: an outer frame defining a perimeter; a plurality of supporting cross-members extending across the outer frame within the perimeter; a first elongated tine apparatus including a first elongated base member and a plurality of first elongated tines that extend from the first elongated base member a first height, the first elongated tine base member includes a first portion and a second portion extending in a parallel relationship and individually pivotally connected to at least one pivot linkage for being individually articulated between an erected position and a stowed position; and a first shortened tine apparatus spaced from the first elongated tine apparatus and including a first shortened base member and a plurality of first shortened tines that extend from the first shortened base member a second height that is less than half the first height.

13. The dishwasher appliance of claim 12, wherein the tine arrangement assembly further comprises:

a second elongated tine apparatus including a second elongated base member and a plurality of second elongated tines that extend from the second elongated base member the first height; and

a second shortened tine apparatus spaced from the second elongated tine apparatus and including a second shortened base member and a plurality of second shortened tines that extend from the second shortened base member the second height.

14. The dishwasher appliance of claim 13, wherein the first shortened tine apparatus and the second shortened tine apparatus are located between the first elongated tine apparatus and the second elongated tine apparatus.

15. The dishwasher appliance of claim 13, wherein the plurality of first elongated tines are aligned with the plurality of first shortened tines and the plurality of second elongated tines are aligned with the plurality of second shortened tines.

16. The dishwasher appliance of claim 13, wherein the plurality of first shortened tines and the plurality of second shortened tines are statically connected to at least two of the supporting cross-members.

17. The dishwasher appliance of claim 12, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the first elongated tine base member are pivotal to the erected position wherein the plurality of first elongated tines are angled towards the plurality of first shortened tines.

18. A dishwasher rack with a tine arrangement assembly comprising:

an outer frame defining a perimeter;

a plurality of supporting cross-members extending across the outer frame within the perimeter;

an elongated tine apparatus pivotally connected to at least two of the supporting cross-members, the elongated tine apparatus including an elongated base member and a plurality of elongated tines that extend from the elongated base member a first height; and

a shortened tine apparatus statically connected to at least two of the supporting cross-members, the shortened tine apparatus spaced from the elongated tine apparatus and including a shortened base member and a plurality of shortened tines that extend from the shortened base member a second height that is less than the first height by a ratio of at least 1:4.

19. The tine arrangement assembly of claim 18, wherein the ratio between the first height and the second height is at least 1:8.

20. The tine arrangement assembly of claim 18, wherein the first elongated tine base member includes a first portion and a second portion individually pivotally connected to a common pivot linkage for being individually articulated between an erected position and a stowed position.