SILVERWARE HOLDER ASSEMBLY FOR A RACK OF A DISHWASHER APPLIANCE

Abstract

A dishwasher appliance includes a wash tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of an article for washing and a rack positioned within the wash chamber. The dishwasher appliance includes a door rotatably mounted to the wash tub for providing selective access to the wash chamber and a silverware holder assembly coupled to the rack. The silverware holder assembly includes a first retention clip coupled with the rack and a top grate coupled with the first retention clip. The top grate defines a slot for receiving the article. The slot is defined by the top grate. The silverware holder assembly includes a second retention clip coupled with the bottom grate and the rack. The second retention clip fixes the bottom grate relative to the rack. The silverware holder assembly includes a bottom grate coupled with the second retention clip. The bottom grate spaced from the top grate.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to dishwasher appliances, and more particularly to silverware holder assemblies for supporting articles to be washed within dishwasher appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dishwasher appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash chamber. Rack assemblies can be mounted within the wash chamber of the tub for receipt of articles for washing. Wash fluid (e.g., various combinations of water and detergent along with optional additives) may be introduced into the tub where it collects in a sump space at the bottom of the wash chamber. During wash and rinse cycles, a pump may be used to circulate wash fluid to spray assemblies within the wash chamber that can apply or direct wash fluid towards articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles. During a drain cycle, a pump may periodically discharge soiled wash fluid that collects in the sump space and the process may be repeated.

Conventional dishwasher appliances may include silverware baskets that are operably stored within the wash chamber. These silverware baskets may permit a user to remove the silverware basket out of the wash chamber for emptying and loading articles, such as silverware. The silverware baskets are then placed back into the wash chamber for running a wash cycle. Some users wish to run wash cycles without the silverware basket and are forced to place the silverware basket somewhere outside of the wash chamber during such wash cycles. As a result, the silverware basket can get lost and take up much needed space within a kitchen, resulting in user dissatisfaction.

Accordingly, a dishwasher appliance that utilizes a silverware holder assembly would be useful. More specifically, a silverware holder assembly that is simple to use and may be universally used with different wash racks in different model dishwashers would be particularly beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a dishwasher appliance including a silverware holder coupled with a rack within a wash chamber. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure, a dishwasher appliance includes a wash tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of an article for washing and a rack positioned within the wash chamber. The dishwasher appliance includes a door rotatably mounted to the wash tub for providing selective access to the wash chamber and a silverware holder assembly coupled to the rack. The silverware holder assembly includes a first retention clip coupled with the rack and a top grate coupled with the first retention clip. The top grate defines a slot for receiving the article. The slot is defined by the top grate. The silverware holder assembly includes a second retention clip coupled with the bottom grate and the rack. The second retention clip fixes the bottom grate relative to the rack. The silverware holder assembly includes a bottom grate coupled with the second retention clip. The bottom grate spaced from the top grate.

In accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure, a silverware holder assembly is for supporting articles on a rack within a wash chamber of a dishwasher appliance. The silverware holder assembly includes a first retention clip coupled to the rack. The first retention clip defines a first slot for receiving a rack wire of the rack and a second slot. The silverware holder assembly includes a first grate pivotally coupled with the first retention clip. The second slot at least partially receives the first grate. The silverware holder assembly includes a second retention clip coupled with the rack vertically below the first retention clip and a second grate coupled with the second retention clip. The second grate is spaced from the first grate.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an example embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure with a door in a partially open position.

FIG. 2 provides a side, cross-sectional view of the example dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 provides an exploded view of a lower rack and silverware holder assembly according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of the example silverware holder assembly of FIG. 3 mounted on the lower rack according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the example silverware holder assembly of FIG. 3 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 provides another perspective view of the example silverware holder assembly of FIG. 3 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the term “article” may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance. The term “wash cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which a dishwashing appliance operates while containing the articles to be washed and uses a detergent and water, preferably with agitation, to e.g., remove soil particles including food and other undesirable elements from the articles. The term “rinse cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to remove residual soil, detergents, and other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles after completion of the wash cycle. The term “drain cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to discharge soiled water from the dishwashing appliance. The term “wash fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing and/or rinsing the articles and is typically made up of water that may include other additives such as detergent or other treatments. Furthermore, as used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an example domestic dishwasher or dishwashing appliance 100 that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher 100 includes a cabinet 102 (FIG. 2) having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash chamber 106. As shown in FIG. 2, tub 104 extends between a top 107 and a bottom 108 along a vertical direction V, between a pair of side walls 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 111 and a rear side 112 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

The tub 104 includes a front opening 114 and a door 116 hinged at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in FIG. 2), wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher 100. According to example embodiments, dishwasher 100 further includes a door closure mechanism or assembly 118 that is used to lock and unlock door 116 for accessing and sealing wash chamber 106.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, tub side walls 110 accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. More specifically, a lower rack assembly 122, a middle rack assembly 124, and an upper rack assembly 126 are stacked along the vertical direction V within wash chamber 106. Each rack assembly 122, 124, 126 is adapted for movement between an extended loading position in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106 (shown in FIGS. 3 through 6), and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. With respect to middle rack assembly 124 and upper rack assembly 126, this is facilitated, for example, by guide rails 120 which are mounted to side walls 110 and rollers 128 mounted onto rack assemblies 124, 126, respectively. Although a guide rails 120 and rollers 128 are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments.

Some or all of the rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of rack wires 220 (for clarity of illustration, not all rack wires making up rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are shown in FIG. 2). In this regard, rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are generally configured for supporting articles within wash chamber 106 while allowing a flow of wash fluid to reach and impinge on those articles, e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing cycle.

Dishwasher 100 further includes a plurality of spray assemblies for urging a flow of water or wash fluid onto the articles placed within wash chamber 106. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, dishwasher 100 includes a lower spray arm assembly 134 disposed in a lower region 136 of wash chamber 106 and above a sump 138 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to lower rack assembly 122. Similarly, a mid-level spray arm assembly 140 is located in an upper region of wash chamber 106 and may be located below and in close proximity to middle rack assembly 124. In this regard, mid-level spray arm assembly 140 may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash fluid up through middle rack assembly 124 and upper rack assembly 126. Additionally, an upper spray assembly 142 may be located above upper rack assembly 126 along the vertical direction V. In this manner, upper spray assembly 142 may be configured for urging and/or cascading a flow of wash fluid downward over rack assemblies 122, 124, and 126. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, upper rack assembly 126 may further define an integral spray manifold 144, which is generally configured for urging a flow of wash fluid substantially upward along the vertical direction V through upper rack assembly 126.

The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating water and wash fluid in the tub 104. More specifically, fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a pump 152 for circulating water and wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, and/or rinse aid) in the tub 104. Pump 152 may be located within sump 138 or within a machinery compartment located below sump 138 of tub 104, as generally recognized in the art. Fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing water and/or wash fluid from pump 152 to the various spray assemblies and manifolds. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a primary supply conduit 154 may extend from pump 152, along rear 112 of tub 104 along the vertical direction V to supply wash fluid throughout wash chamber 106.

As illustrated, primary supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash fluid to one or more spray assemblies, e.g., to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 and upper spray assembly 142. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash fluid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein. For example, according to another example embodiment, primary supply conduit 154 could be used to provide wash fluid to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash fluid to upper spray assembly 142. Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash fluid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location within dishwasher appliance 100.

Each spray arm assembly 134, 140, 142, integral spray manifold 144, or other spray device may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid received from pump 152 onto dishes or other articles located in wash chamber 106. The arrangement of the discharge ports, also referred to as jets, apertures, or orifices, may provide a rotational force by virtue of wash fluid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism. Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. The resultant movement of the spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and the spray from fixed manifolds provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. For example, dishwasher 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments discussed herein are used for the purpose of explanation only, and are not limitations of the present subject matter.

In operation, pump 152 draws wash fluid in from sump 138 and pumps it to a diverter assembly 156, e.g., which is positioned within sump 138 of dishwasher appliance. Diverter assembly 156 may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber 158 for selectively distributing the wash fluid to the spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and/or other spray manifolds or devices. For example, the diverter disk may have a plurality of apertures that are configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) at the top of diverter chamber 158. In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash fluid to the desired spray device.

According to an example embodiment, diverter assembly 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash fluid from pump 152 to various fluid supply conduits, only some of which are illustrated in FIG. 2 for clarity. More specifically, diverter assembly 156 may include four outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash fluid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134, a second conduit for rotating mid-level spray arm assembly 140, a third conduit for spraying upper spray assembly 142, and a fourth conduit for spraying an auxiliary rack such as the silverware rack.

The dishwasher 100 is further equipped with a controller 160 to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller 160 may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 160 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

The controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 160 may be located within a control panel area 162 of door 116 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In such an embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom of door 116. Typically, the controller 160 includes a user interface panel/controls 164 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher 100. In one embodiment, the user interface 164 may represent a general purpose I/O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface 164 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 164 may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface 164 may be in communication with the controller 160 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher 100. The example embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for user interface 164, different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, different spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and spray manifold configurations may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

The dishwasher 100 further includes a silverware holder 200 that may be coupled with at least one rack chosen from the lower rack assembly 122 (as illustrated in the exemplar embodiments), the middle rack assembly 124, or the upper rack assembly 126. The silverware holder assembly 200 include a top grate 202, or first grate, coupled with the rack wires 220 of the lower rack assembly 122. The silverware holder assembly 200 may further include a bottom grate 204, or second grate, coupled with the rack wires 220 of the lower rack assembly 122 and spaced from the top grate 202 along the vertical direction V. The top grate 202 and the bottom grate 204 are described in more detail below.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 through 6, a lower rack and silverware holder assembly 200 will be described according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. Silverware holder assembly 200 may be used as shown in FIG. 3 as being supported by the lower rack assembly 122. The silverware holder assembly 200 is generally configured for providing vertical and horizontal support to an article 236 to be washed. In addition, as shown in the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, tub 104 of dishwasher 100 may define the guide rails 120 and the door 116 that is open may support the lower rack 122 in the extended position. In this manner, when door 116 is in the open position such that it extends substantially within a horizontal plane, the lower rack 122 may slide out of wash chamber 106 along the transverse direction T and rest on door 116 for loading and unloading dishes. Thus, the silverware holder assembly 200 may be accessibly to a user when the lower rack assembly 122 is in the extended position.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the lower rack assembly 122 includes the rack wires 220 that extend along the lateral direction L, the transverse direction T, and the vertical direction V. In this regard, horizontally extending rack wires 220 may be referred to as first rack wires 222. Further, vertically extending rack wires 220 may be referred to as second rack wires 224. In this regard, the silverware holder assembly 200 may be positioned on each lateral side of lower rack assembly 122 by coupling with the first rack wire 222 and the second rack wire 224. Moreover, as described below, the silverware holder assembly 200 may include a first retention clip 206 coupled with the top grate 202. The first retention clip 206 may be coupled with the lower rack assembly 122 at the first rack wire 222 and the second rack wire 224. The silverware holder assembly 200 is designed to be interchangeably used on either the left side, the right side, the rear side, or the front side of the lower rack assembly 122. In this manner, a single set of molds may be used to form a left and a right silverware holder assembly 200, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and complexity. Notably, when silverware holder assembly 200 is installed onto lower rack assembly 122, silverware holder assembly 200 shares a coordinate system with dishwasher 100. Therefore, the silverware holder assembly 200 will be described in herein as sharing the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the transverse direction T with dishwasher 100.

Referring again to the first retention clip 206, the first retention clip 206 may define a first slot 214 that is configured to receive the first rack wire 222. Additionally, or alternatively, the first retention clip 206 may define a second slot 216 configured to receive the top grate 202. More specifically, the top grate 202 may include a grate wire 240 that is received by the second slot 216 of the first retention clip 206. Thus, the first slot 214 and the second slot 216 may be oriented horizontally. Additionally, or alternatively, the first retention clip 206 may also define a third slot 218 that is configured to receive the second rack wire 224. Thus, the first slot 214 and the second slot 216 may be oriented horizontally. Thus, the third slot 218 may be oriented vertically. Additionally, or alternatively, the first slot 214, the second slot 216, and the third slot 218 may be shaped and sized to partially circumscribe the first rack wire 222, the grate wire 240, and the second rack wire 224, respectively. Additionally, or alternatively, the first retention clip 206 may be made from a polymeric or metallic material (e.g., HDPE or aluminum) that deforms in order to the receive the rack wire 222, the grate wire 240, and the second rack wire 224. Further, the first retention clip 206 may rebound once the rack wire 222, the grate wire 240, and the second rack wire 224 are received in their respective slots 214, 216, and 218. Further, the respective slots 214, 216, and 218 that receive their respective wires 222, 240, and 224 may act as locators such that the first retention clip 206 is restricted along six degrees of freedom including rotation between the six degrees of freedom.

With further reference to the top grate 202, the grate wire 240 defines a plurality of passages 210 that allows wash fluids such as water to pass through the silverware holder assembly 200. Each passage of the plurality of passages 210 may have a first area A1. The plurality of passages 210 may accommodate or receive the articles 236 within the first area A1. Additionally, or alternatively, the first area A1 may fit one article 236, as illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 5.

The top grate 202 may be slidably coupled with the first retention clip 206 such that the grate wire 240 translates within the second slot 216. For example, the top grate 202 on FIG. 3 would translate along the lateral direction L. Additionally, or alternatively, the silverware holder assembly 200 may be coupled with the lower rack assembly 122 on a lateral side (as shown in FIG. 4), thus the top grate 202 may translate along the transverse direction T. Additionally, or alternatively, the top grate 202 may be rotatably coupled with the first retention clip 206 such that the grate wire 240 rotates within the second slot 216 to allow the top grate 202 to pivot between a holder position 230 and a stowed position 228. Thus, the top grate 202 pivots about the first retention clip 206. The holder position 230 may refer to the top grate 202 that is generally planar with the horizontal plane. The stowed position 228 may refer to the top grate 202 that is generally planar with the vertical plane. Thus, the top grate 202 in the stowed position 228 may be rotated about 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the holder position 230 such that the top grate 202 extends vertically down from the first retention clip 206 (as shown in FIG. 4) or such that the top grate 202 extends vertically up from the first retention clip 206 (as shown in FIG. 6). The first retention clip 206 may include a retention feature 238 that receives the grate wire 240 of the top grate 202 to hold the top grate 202 in the stowed position 228, as illustrated in the example embodiment of FIG. 6. The retention feature 238 may partially circumscribe the grate wire 240.

The top grate 202 may include a brake 226 that extends from the top grate 202. Additionally, or alternatively, the brake 226 may extend vertically down from the top grate 202 that is in the holder position 230. The brake 226 is configured to selectively engage the second rack wire 224. The brake 226 engaged with the second rack wire 224 allows the top grate 202 to remain in the holder position 230 by resisting the effects of gravity. The top grate 202 translates such that the brake 226 is transversely, or laterally, aligned with the second rack wire 224. Thus, the top grate 202 is retained in the holder position 230 when the brake 226 is aligned with the second rack wire 224. For the top grate 202 to transition from the holder position 230 to the stowed position 228, as illustrated by the example embodiment of FIG. 4, the top grate 202 is translated such that the brake 226 is not aligned with the second rack wire 224. Thus, the effects of gravity may allow the top grate 202 to rotate vertically down, and the brake 226 would rotate past the second rack wire 224. For the top grate 202 to transition from the holder position 230 to the stowed position 228, as illustrated by the example embodiment of FIG. 6, the top grate 202 need not be translated and can merely be rotated vertically up.

With further reference to FIGS. 3 through 6, the silverware holder assembly 200 include the bottom grate 204. The bottom grate 204 defines a plurality of apertures 212 that each have a second area A2. The second area A2 is smaller than the first area A1 of the plurality of passages 210. Thus, the bottom grate 204 allows articles 236 such as butter knives or other generally tubular articles that pass through the passages 210 of the top grate 202 to be retained by the bottom grate 204. The plurality of apertures 212, like the plurality of passages 210, allows wash fluids to pass through the silverware holder assembly 200 for quicker drying of the articles 236. The silverware holder assembly 200 may also include a second retention clip 208 coupled with the bottom grate 204. The second retention clip 208 may also couple with the rack wires 220. The silverware holder assembly 200 may include a plurality of second retention clips 208 (as illustrated in the example embodiments) to more securely couple the bottom grate 204 with the lower rack assembly 122. Additionally, or alternatively, the bottom grate 204 may be unitarily formed with the lower rack assembly 122. Additionally, or alternatively, the bottom grate 204 may be welded with the lower rack assembly 122. Even further, the bottom grate 204 may be attached to the lower rack assembly 122 by any means known to attach one member to another member.

Advantageously, the silverware holder described herein allows a user to place the top grate in a stowed position to place larger articles on the lower rack assembly. The user does not have to remove any part of the dishwasher compared to conventional systems that use a silverware basket that must be removed. Thus, a user is saved valuable kitchen space and does not have to remember to place any parts back into the dishwasher.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A dishwasher appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction, the dishwasher appliance comprising:

a wash tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of an article for washing;

a rack slidably positioned within the wash chamber and configured for movement along the transverse direction;

a door rotatably mounted to the wash tub for providing selective access to the wash chamber; and

a silverware holder assembly coupled to the rack, the silverware holder assembly comprising: a first retention clip coupled with the rack; a top grate coupled with the first retention clip, the top grate defining a passage for receiving the article; and a bottom grate positioned on the rack, the bottom grate spaced from the top grate along a vertical direction.

2. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the top grate pivots about the first retention clip.

3. The dishwasher appliance of claim 2, wherein the top grate pivots about 90 degrees between a holder position and a stowed position.

4. The dishwasher appliance of claim 3, wherein the stowed position includes at least one of the top grate being rotated about 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise.

5. The dishwasher appliance of claim 3, wherein the first retention clip comprises a retention feature configured to at least partially receive the top grate in the stowed position.

6. The dishwasher appliance of claim 3, wherein the top grate comprises a brake.

7. The dishwasher appliance of claim 6, wherein the brake operably engages the rack to retain the top grate in the holder position.

8. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the top grate is slidably coupled with the first retention clip such that the top grate slides relative to the rack.

9. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the bottom grate defines a plurality of apertures.

10. The dishwasher appliance of claim 9, wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures is smaller than the passage of the top grate.

11. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the rack comprises a rack wire.

12. The dishwasher appliance of claim 11, wherein the first retention clip defines:

a first slot configured to receive the rack wire; and

a second slot configured to at least partially receive the top grate.

13. The dishwasher appliance of claim 12, wherein the rack wire comprises:

a first rack wire extending a first direction; and

a second rack wire extending a second direction different from the first direction.

14. The dishwasher appliance of claim 13, wherein the first retention clip further defines a third slot, wherein the third slot is configured to receive at least one of the first rack wire or the second rack wire.

15. A silverware holder assembly for supporting articles on a rack within a wash chamber of a dishwasher appliance, the silverware holder assembly comprising:

a first retention clip coupled to the rack, the first retention clip defining: a first slot for receiving a rack wire of the rack; and a second slot;

a first grate pivotally coupled with the first retention clip, wherein the second slot at least partially receives the first grate; and

a second grate positioned atop the rack, wherein the second grate is spaced from the first grate along a vertical direction.

16. The silverware holder assembly of claim 15, wherein the rack further comprises a plurality of rack wires, and wherein the first retention clip is coupled with at least two rack wires of the plurality of rack wires.

17. The silverware holder assembly of claim 15, wherein the first grate is slidably coupled with the first retention clip.

18. The silverware holder assembly of claim 17, wherein the first grate moves between a holder position and a stowed position by sliding and pivoting.

19. The silverware holder assembly of claim 15, wherein the first grate further comprises a brake that selectively engages the rack wire of the rack.

20. The silverware holder assembly of claim 15, wherein the first grate defines a passage for receiving at least one of the articles, and wherein the second grate defines an aperture that is smaller than the passage.