HOUSEHOLD SANITIZATION APPLIANCE

Abstract

A household sanitization appliance has a tub and a sprayer. The tub at least partially defines a treating chamber. The treating chamber has a total volume and a wash volume. The wash volume is smaller than the total volume. The sprayer is adapted to provide a fluid into the treating chamber during a sanitization cycle of the household sanitization appliance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a household sanitization appliance having a tub defining a treating chamber.

BACKGROUND

Contemporary household sanitization appliances include a tub. The tub includes opposing side walls and an access opening. The tub defines a treating chamber. The household sanitization appliance includes at least one rack and at least one sprayer, both located within the treating chamber. The at least one rack is configured to hold an item within the treating chamber. The at least one sprayer is configured to dispense a fluid, such as water, treating chemistry, or a combination thereof, into the treating chamber and towards the item.

In the contemporary household appliances, the at least one rack extends transverse the treating chamber. A vertical location of the at least one rack within the treating chamber, or the inclusions of additional racks spaced vertically with respect to the at least one rack limits the size of the item. Put another way, the at least one rack, and the addition of any additional racks within the treating chamber obstructs the treating chamber in way that limits the maximum size of the item. As such, large items are unable to be washed in contemporary household appliances. Large items include, but are not limited to, trashcans, large serving platters, large cooking vessels, utility clothing (e.g., boots, hats, etc.), large gardening tools (e.g., a rake head, shovels, drain spades, etc.), buckets, or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The disclosure relates to a household sanitization appliance comprising a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening, the treating chamber having a total volume, and a wash volume defined by an unimpeded volume of the treating chamber, the wash volume being greater than or equal to seventy percent and less than or equal to ninety-nine percent of the total volume, and a sprayer provided within the tub and wherein the sprayer is adapted to provide a fluid into the treating chamber during a sanitization cycle.

The disclosure relates to a household sanitization appliance comprising a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a grate positioned within a lower portion of the tub, the grate having an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the treating chamber is defined above the upper surface of the grate, the tub at least in part defining the treating chamber and the treating chamber defining a volume, and a sprayer provided within the tub, below the grate such that the sprayer does not impede the volume of the treating chamber, and wherein the sprayer is adapted to provide a fluid into the treating chamber during a sanitization cycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a household appliance in the form of a dishwasher with a door assembly closed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the household appliance of FIG. 1 with the door assembly opened, and illustrating multiple systems for implementing an automatic cycle of operation systems.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a household sanitization appliance similar in construction to the household appliance of FIG. 1, further illustrating a tub defining a treating chamber, the household sanitization appliance having a grate, a utility rack and a modular rack receivable within the treating chamber.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the utility rack of FIG. 3, further illustrating a peripheral body, a set of hangers, and an auxiliary sprayer.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the modular rack of FIG. 3, further illustrating a body defining a modular seat, and a set of removable modules.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the household sanitization appliance of FIG. 3, further illustrating the grate that is receivable along a grate seat formed by a respective portion of the tub.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the household sanitization appliance of FIG. 3, further illustrating a wash volume of the treating chamber.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary modular rack suitable for use with the household sanitization appliance of FIG. 3, further illustrating a body defining a singular modular seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of this disclosure are directed towards a household sanitization appliance including a tub. The tub has a peripheral surface defining a treating chamber. The household sanitization appliance includes a grate receivable near a bottom of the treating chamber. The household sanitization appliance includes a utility rack and a modular rack receivable within the treating chamber.

The utility rack and the modular rack are configurable to maximize a wash volume of the treating chamber. As used herein, the “wash volume” refers to an unimpeded available three-dimensional area within the treating chamber for items to be received. Maximizing the wash volume allows for larger items (e.g., trashcans, boots, gardening tools, or other large utility items) to be receivable in the treating chamber for purposes of sanitization. While described in terms of the household sanitization appliance, it will be appreciated that the household sanitization appliance has general applicability to other sanitization appliances such as, but not limited to, commercial sanitization appliances such as those found in factories, restaurants, hotels, retailers, or the like.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” or the like can be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. In addition, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” or a “set” of elements can be any number of elements, including only one.

Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations are combined, and interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other.

All directional references (e.g., radial, axial, proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, upstream, downstream, forward, aft, etc.) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of aspects of the disclosure described herein. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, secured, fastened, 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 one another. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto can vary.

Additionally, as used herein, a “controller” or “controller module” can include a component configured or adapted to provide instruction, control, operation, or any form of communication for operable components to effect the operation thereof. A controller module can include any known processor, microcontroller, or logic device, including, but not limited to: field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a proportional controller (P), a proportional integral controller (PI), a proportional derivative controller (PD), a proportional integral derivative controller (PID controller), a hardware-accelerated logic controller (e.g. for encoding, decoding, transcoding, etc.), or the like, or a combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of a controller module can be configured or adapted to run, operate, or otherwise execute program code to effect operational or functional outcomes, including carrying out various methods, functionality, processing tasks, calculations, comparisons, sensing or measuring of values, or the like, to enable or achieve the technical operations or operations described herein. The operation or functional outcomes can be based on one or more inputs, stored data values, sensed or measured values, true or false indications, or the like. While “program code” is described, non-limiting examples of operable or executable instruction sets can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, algorithms, etc., that have the technical effect of performing particular tasks or implementing particular abstract data types.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a household appliance, specifically a dishwasher 10, with a closure 20 closed, capable of implementing an automatic cycle of operation to treat dishes. As used in this description, the term “dish(es)” is intended to be generic to any item, single or plural, that can be treated in the dishwasher 10, including, without limitation, dishes, plates, pots, bowls, pans, glassware, and silverware. As illustrated, the dishwasher 10 is a built-in dishwasher implementation, which is designed for mounting under a countertop. However, this description is applicable to other dishwasher implementations such as a stand-alone, drawer-type or a sink-type, or other household appliances such as washing machines, having treating chemistry dispensing systems.

The dishwasher 10 has a housing, which may include a cabinet or chassis 11 that may define an interior of the dishwasher 10. Depending on whether the dishwasher 10 is a stand-alone or built-in, the housing of the dishwasher 10 may be a chassis/frame with or without panels attached, respectively. Illustrated, the dishwasher 10 includes the chassis 11 with a base 12 and panels 13, 15, 17, and 19.

FIG. 2 illustrates the dishwasher 10 with the closure 20 open. The dishwasher 10 has a variety of systems, some of which are controllable, to implement the automatic cycle of operation. The chassis 11 is provided to support the variety of systems needed to implement the automatic cycle of operation. As illustrated, for a built-in implementation, the chassis 11 includes a frame in the form of the base 12 on which is supported an open-faced tub 14, which at least partially defines a treating chamber 16, having an open face 18, for receiving the dishes, and panels 13, 15, and 17. A closure in the form of the closure 20 is pivotally mounted to the base 12 for movement between opened and closed positions to selectively open and close the open face 18 of the tub 14. Thus, the closure 20 provides selective accessibility to the treating chamber 16 for the loading and unloading of dishes or other items.

The chassis 11, as in the case of the built-in dishwasher implementation, can be formed by other parts of the dishwasher 10, like the tub 14 and the closure 20, in addition to a dedicated frame structure, like the base 12, with them all collectively forming a uni-body frame to which the variety of systems are supported. In other implementations, like the drawer-type dishwasher, the chassis 11 can be a tub that is slidable relative to a frame, with the closure being a part of the chassis 11 or the countertop of the surrounding cabinetry. In a sink-type implementation, the sink forms the tub and the cover closing the open top of the sink forms the closure. Sink-type implementations are more commonly found in recreational vehicles.

The systems supported by the chassis 11, while essentially limitless, can include a dish holding system 30, a spray system 40, a recirculation system 50, a sump 60, a water supply system 70, a drying system 80, a heating system 90, and a filter system 99. These systems are used to implement one or more treating cycles of operation for the dishes, for which there are many, and one of which includes a traditional automatic wash cycle.

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

A controller 22 can also be included in the dishwasher 10 and operably couples with and controls the various components of the dishwasher 10 to implement the cycle of operation. The controller 22 can be located within the closure 20 as illustrated, or it can alternatively be located somewhere within the chassis. The controller 22 can also be operably coupled with a control panel or user interface 24 for receiving user-selected inputs and communicating information to the user. The user interface 24 can 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 22 and receive information.

The dish holding system 30 can include any suitable structure for holding dishes within the treating chamber 16. Exemplary dish holders are illustrated in the form of upper dish racks 32 and lower dish rack 34, commonly referred to as “racks”, which are located within the treating chamber 16. The upper dish racks 32 and the lower dish rack 34 are typically mounted for slidable movement in and out of the treating chamber 16 through the open face 18 for ease of loading and unloading. Drawer guides/slides/rails 36 are typically used to slidably mount the upper dish rack 32 to the tub 14. The lower dish rack 34 typically has wheels or rollers 38 that roll along rails 39 formed in sidewalls of the tub 14 and onto the closure 20, when the closure 20 is in the opened position.

Dedicated dish holders can also be provided. One such dedicated dish holder is a third level rack 28 located above the upper dish rack 32. Like the upper dish rack 32, the third level rack is slidably mounted to the tub 14 with drawer guides/slides/rails 36. The third level rack 28 is typically used to hold utensils, such as tableware, spoons, knives, spatulas, etc., in an on-the-side or flat orientation. However, the third level rack 28 is not limited to holding utensils. If an item can fit in the third level rack, it can be washed in the third level rack 28. The third level rack 28 generally has a much shorter height or lower profile than the upper and lower dish racks 32, 34. Typically, the height of the third level rack is short enough that a typical glass cannot be stood vertically in the third level rack 28 and the third level rack 28 still slide into the treating chamber 16.

Another dedicated dish holder can be a silverware basket (not shown), which is typically carried by one of the upper or lower dish racks 32, 34 or mounted to the closure 20. The silverware basket typically holds utensils and the like in an upright orientation as compared to the on-the-side or flat orientation of the third level rack 28.

A treating chemistry dispensing system 46 dispenses treating chemistry, directly or indirectly, into the treating chamber 16. The treating chemistry dispensing system 46 includes a treating chemistry cartridge 48 that is operably coupled to the treating chamber 16 by a conduit (not shown), such that one or more treating chemistries dispensed from the treating chemistry cartridge 48 are supplied to the treating chamber 16. The treating chemistry cartridge 48 can be either or both single-use or bulk sources of treating chemistry. In a bulk-use configuration, the treating chemistry cartridge 48 can be a container that is re-filled by the user and/or a container that is replaced after multiple cycles. While any desired treating chemistries can be dispensed, exemplary types of chemistries that might be dispensed include: detergent, anti-spotting agent, bleach, and enzymes.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a household sanitization appliance 100. The household sanitization appliance 100 is similar in construction to the dishwasher 10 of FIG. 1. Specifically, the household sanitization appliance 100 comprises a tub 102 (e.g., the tub 14 of FIG. 2), a closure 106 (e.g., the closure 20 of FIG. 2), a set of sprayers 108 (e.g., the sprayer system 40 of FIG. 2), and a sump 110 (e.g., the sump 60 of FIG. 2). The household sanitization appliance 100 further includes a utility holding system 118 similar in function to the dish holding system 30 (FIG. 2). While not expressly stated, it will be appreciated that the household sanitization appliance 100 can include additional elements similar to the dishwasher 10 such as, but not limited to, the chassis 11 (FIG. 1), the base 12 (FIG. 1), the recirculation system 50 (FIG. 2), the water supply system 70 (FIG. 2), the drying system (FIG. 2), the heating system 90 (FIG. 2), the controller 22 (FIG. 2), the treating chemistry dispensing system 46 (FIG. 2), or any other suitable system or component of the dishwasher 10.

The tub 102 has a periphery 164. The periphery 164 defines a treating chamber 114. The tub 102 extends vertically between a bottom 166 and a top 168. The bottom 166 and the top 168 each define respective portions of the periphery 164. The tub 102 has an access opening 116. The access opening 116 defines an opening to the treating chamber 114.

The sump 110 is located along the bottom 166 of the tub 102. The sump 110 defines a fluid outlet from the treating chamber 114. The sump 110 can be coupled to other systems of the household sanitization appliance 100 (e.g.., a recirculation system) or a drain fluidly coupled to the household sanitization appliance 100.

The closure 106 is coupled to or formed with the tub 102. The closure 106 provides selective access to the treating chamber 114 through selective obstruction and non-obstruction of the access opening 116. As illustrated, the closure 106 is in an opened position allowing for access to the treating chamber 114 through the access opening 116. The closure 106 includes an interior surface 172. When in a closed position, the interior surface 172 defined a portion of the periphery 164 of the tub 102 and the treating chamber 114.

The set of sprayers 108 include any number of one or more sprayers opening into the treating chamber 114. The set of sprayers 108 define a fluid inlet to the treating chamber. The fluid, as used herein, can be any singular fluid or combination of fluids including, but not limited to, water, treating chemistry, or the like. The set of sprayers 108 can include a first sprayer 122 and a second sprayer 124. The first sprayer 122 can be located along the bottom 166 of the tub 102. The second sprayer 124 can be located along the top 168 of the tub 102. The set of sprayers 108 can include any other suitable sprayers such as an auxiliary sprayer 154. The auxiliary sprayer 154 will be described in further detail below in relation to the utility holding system 118. The set of sprayers 108 are configured to exhaust a fluid into the treating chamber 114 during a sanitization cycle of the household sanitization appliance 100.

The utility holding system 118 includes a grate 126, a utility rack 128 and a modular rack 130. The grate 126 is spaced vertically from the bottom 166 and overlays the sump 110 and the first sprayer 122. The utility rack 128 is spaced vertically from the grate 126 with respect to the bottom 166. The modular rack 130 is spaced vertically from the utility rack with respect to the bottom 166. The utility rack 128 is located vertically between the modular rack 130 and the grate 126. The utility holding system 118 can include any additional racks or carriers such as, but not limited to, a closure basket 174. The closure basket 174 is receivable along the interior surface 172 of the closure 106. The closure basket 174 is removable from the household sanitization appliance 100.

The grate 126 includes a set of tines 132. The set of tines 132 form a lattice or grid network of material. The grate 126 includes a lower surface 135 facing the sump 110 and an upper surface 134 opposite the lower surface 135 with respect to the bottom 166. The grate 126, as illustrated, is formed such that the upper surface 134 extends along a 2D plane extending transverse the treating chamber 114. It will be appreciated, however, that the grate 126 can include any additional elements such as, but not limited, tines or other bodies extending vertically outward from the upper surface 134 to form holders or seats for items to be placed within the treating chamber 114.

The utility rack 128 includes a peripheral body 136. The peripheral body 136 defines a central region 138. The central region 138 is defined as a three-dimensional area formed between opposing sections of the peripheral body 136. The peripheral body 136 includes opposing side portions 146 and at least one of a rear connecting portion 150, a front connecting portion 148, or a combination thereof interconnecting the opposing side portions 146. As illustrated, the peripheral body 136 includes both the front connecting portion 148 and the rear connecting portion 150. The front connecting portion 148 defines a portion of the peripheral body that extends nearest to and transverse a respective portion of the access opening 116. As such, the front connecting portion 148 can form a handle 152 providing for physical access to the utility rack 128. The utility rack 128 includes a set of hangers 140. Each hanger of the set of hangers 140 extend from a respective portion of the peripheral body 136 and to a distal end 142. As a non-limiting example, the set of hangers 140 extend from both sides of the opposing side portions 146.

Each hanger of the set of hangers 140 can be formed as a U-shaped hanger, as illustrated, with the opening of the “U” facing the peripheral body 136. It will be appreciated, however, that each hanger of the set of hangers 140 can take any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a J-shape forming a hook. The set of hangers 140 include any number of one or mor hangers. As illustrated, the set of hangers 140 include ten hangers, with 5 hangers of the set of hangers provided on each side of the opposing side portions 146. It will be appreciated, however, that the set of hangers 140 can be non-uniformly distributed such that one side of the peripheral body 136 has more hangers extending from it than another side of the peripheral body 136 (e.g., one side of the opposing side portions 146 can have 6 hangers while another side of the opposing side portions 146 can have 4 hangers).

The utility rack 128 can include the auxiliary sprayer 154. The auxiliary sprayer 154 can be formed along any suitable portion of the peripheral body 136. As a non-limiting example, the auxiliary sprayer 154 is formed along the rear connecting portion 150. The auxiliary sprayer 154 includes a set of spray nozzles 156 defining fluid outlets of the auxiliary sprayer 154. The auxiliary sprayer 154 is oriented such that a fluid exiting the set of spray nozzles 156 enters a respective portion of the treating chamber 114. As a non-limiting example, the set of spray nozzles 156 are oriented to direct a fluid, at least, into the central region 138.

Each hanger of the set of hangers 140 is movable between a horizontal position and a vertical position. As a non-limiting example, the set of hangers 140 located on a left side of the page are in the horizontal position while the set of hangers 140 located on the right side of the page are in the vertical position. The horizontal position is defined as any position of the set of hangers where the distal end 142 of a respective hanger of the set of hangers 140 is located within the central region 138. The vertical position is defined as any position of the set of hangers where the distal end 142 of a respective hanger of the set of hangers 140 is not located within the central region 138. It will be appreciated that the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” in relation to the set of hangers 140 does not necessarily require that the set of hangers 140 are perfectly horizontal or vertical, respectively, with respect to the bottom 166 or top 168 of the tub 102. As a non-limiting example, a respective hanger of the set of hangers 140 can be located within a horizontal position where the respective hanger extends non-parallel to a respective portion of the bottom 166 or the top 168. As a non-limiting example, a respective hanger of the set of hangers 140 can be located within a vertical position where the respective hanger extends at a non-perpendicular angle relative a respective portion of the bottom 166 or the top 168. The movement of the set of hangers 140 will be described in further detail with relation to FIG. 4.

The modular rack 130 includes a body 158. The body 158 defines a set of modular seats 160. The body 158, as illustrated, is a rectangular body with at least one open center (e.g., the set of modular seats 160). It will be appreciated that the body 158 can be any suitable shape. The modular rack 130 can include any number of one or more modular seats of the set of modular seats 160. As a non-limiting example, the modular rack 130 can include a central bar 170 that splits the central region of the body 158 into two modular seats 160.

The modular rack 130 includes a set of removable modules 162. Each removable module of the set of removable modules 162 is receivable within a respective modular seat of the set of modular seats 160. Each removable module of the set of removable modules 162, as illustrated, is a wire basket 188. It will be appreciated, however, that the set of removable modules 162 can include any suitable removable module.

The utility rack 128 and the modular rack 130 are movable along a plane of movement (Md). The plane of movement (Md) is in any suitable direction. As a non-limiting example, the plane of movement (Md) is oriented to allow for at least a portion of the utility rack 128 and the modular rack 130 to move into and out of the treating chamber 114 through the access opening 116. It will be appreciated that the utility rack 128 and the modular rack 130 can be moveable about the same plane of movement (Md) or different planes of movement with respect to one another. The utility rack 128 and the modular rack 130 include any suitable component to allow for the utility rack 128 and the modular rack 130, respectively, to move along the plane of movement (Md). As a non-limiting example, the utility rack and the modular rack 130 can each include rollers or bearings that interface with a rail assembly positioned along the periphery 164 of the tub 104.

At least one of a portion of the grate 126, the utility rack 128, the modular rack 130, or a combination thereof is removable from the treating chamber 114. As a non-limiting example, an entirety of the grate 126, the utility rack 128, and the modular rack 130 can be removed from the treating chamber 114. As a non-limiting example, at least the set of removable modules 162 of the modular rack 130 can be removed from the modular rack 130, as illustrated.

It is contemplated that the household sanitization appliance 100 can be similar in size to a household dishwasher (e.g., the dishwasher 10 of FIG. 1). Additionally, it is contemplated that the household sanitization appliance 100 can have a similar drainage system (e.g., a similar drain leading to a household drainage system), a similar power hookup (e.g., a dedicated 120V power source), and a similar water hookup (e.g., a water inlet fluidly coupled to the household water main) as the household dishwasher. As such, the household sanitization appliance 100 can be used wherever the household dishwasher can be used.

During operation, a set of utility items 196 can be positioned within the treating chamber 114. Specifically, each utility of the set of utility items 196 is positioned along at least one of the grate 126, the utility rack 128, the modular rack 130, the closure basket 174, or a combination thereof. As illustrated, a singular utility of the set of utility items 196 is positioned along a respective portion of the utility rack 128. The singular utility of the set of utility items 196 is shown to be a boot that is held in an inverted position within the treating chamber 114. The set of hangers 140 are configured to suspend the boot within, at least, the central region 138 or otherwise within the treating chamber 114.

It will be appreciated that the set of utility items 196 can include any number of utility items received along any one or more of the grate 126, the utility rack 128, the modular rack 130, the closure basket 174, or a combination thereof. It will be appreciated that the set of utility items 196 can include any suitable utility such as, but not limited to, trashcans, large serving platters, large cooking vessels, clothing (e.g., boots, hats, etc.), gardening tools (e.g., a rake head, shovels, drain spades, etc.), buckets, dining utensils, or the like. As a non-limiting example, the set of utility items 196 can include a trashcan that rests against the upper surface 134 of the grate 126. As a non-limiting example, the set of utility items 196 can include garden tools that are received within at least one of the closure basket 174 or the wire basket 188 of the set of removable modules 162.

It will be appreciated that the sanitization cycle of the household sanitization appliance 100 can vary based on the type of, size of, or location of the set of utility items 196 within the treating chamber 114. As a non-limiting example, if the set of utility items 196 includes a trashcan, the trashcan can be positioned along the grate 126 and the opening formed at the top of the trashcan be positioned along the upper surface 134 of the grate 126. A trashcan sanitization cycle can be selected that assumes that the opening of the trashcan is positioned along the upper surface 134. As such, the household sanitization appliance 100 can prioritize sending fluid (e.g., water, treating chemistry, or a combination thereof) to the first sprayer 122 such that the fluid can be emitted into an interior of the trashcan, which would be the anticipated sanitization of the trashcan most in need of sanitization. As a non-limiting example, if the set of utility items 196 include a boot or other utility suspended within the treating chamber 114 by the set of hangers 140, a sanitization cycle that prioritizes the auxiliary sprayer 154 can be selected in order to ensure adequate sanitization of the set of utility items 196.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the utility rack 128 of FIG. 3. The utility rack 128 includes the peripheral body 136 having opposing side portions 146, the front connecting portion 148 defining the handle 152, and the rear connecting portion 150. The auxiliary sprayer 154 having the auxiliary spray nozzles 156 is located along the rear connecting portion 150. The auxiliary spray nozzles 156 exhaust into or otherwise open to the central region 138. The set of hangers 140 extend from respective portions of the peripheral body 136 and to the distal end 142.

The utility rack 128 includes a set of hanger slots 180 and a set of hanger stops 182. Each hanger slot of the set of hanger slots 180 is defined as a portion of the peripheral body 136 sized to accept a respective hanger of the set of hangers 140 when the respective hanger is positioned in the vertical position. The set of hanger slots 180 define a constraint for the orientation of the set of hangers 140 when in the vertical position. As illustrated, a subset of hangers of the set of hangers 140 located on the right-side of the utility rack 128 are in the vertical position. Each hanger of the set of hangers 140 is received within a respective slot of the set of hanger slots 180 to hold the respective hanger in the illustrated vertical position.

Each hanger stop of the set of hanger stops 182 is defined as a physical interface of the peripheral body 136 that is configured to prevent further movement of a respective hanger of the set of hangers 140 from the vertical position and to the horizontal position. The set of hanger stops 182 define a constraint for the orientation of the set of hangers 140 when in the horizontal position. As illustrated, a subset of hangers of the set of hangers 140 located on the left-side of the utility rack 128 are in the horizontal position. Each hanger of the set of hangers 140 rests against at least one hanger stop of the set of hanger stops 182 in the illustrated horizontal position.

Each hanger stop of the set of hanger stops 182 can be formed as a triangular protrusion. The triangular protrusion extends from the peripheral body 136. The triangular protrusion has at least one leg that a respective portion of a hanger of the set of hangers 140 is adapted to rest against in the horizontal position. It is contemplated that a total number of stops of the set of hanger stops 182 can be equal to or greater than a total number of hangers of the set of hangers 140. It is contemplated that the total number of hanger stops of the set of hanger stops 182 can be dependent on a construction of the set of hangers 140. As a non-limiting example, if a hanger of the set of hangers 140 has a U-shape with two opposing legs, each leg of the respective hanger can rest against a respective hanger stop of the set of hanger stops 182. As such, there can be two hanger stops of the set of hanger stops 182 per hanger of the set of hangers 140. A single hanger stop of the set of hanger stops 182 can contact any number of one or more legs or portions of a respective hanger of the set of hangers 140.

Each hanger of the set of hangers 140 is movable between the vertical position (illustrated on the right-side hangers of the set of hangers 140) and the horizontal position (illustrated on the left-side hangers of the set of hangers 140) about a pivot axis 144. Each hanger of the set of hangers 140 includes a respective pivot axis 144. Each hanger of the set of hangers 140 is movable about the respective pivot axis 144 in a rotational direction (Rd). It will be appreciated that each hanger of the set of hangers 140 is independently movable about the respective pivot axis 144. Alternatively, one or more hangers of the set of hangers 140 can be connected in such a way that they share a single pivot axis 144 and are codependently movable with respect to one another.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the modular rack 130 of FIG. 3. The modular rack 130 includes the body 158. The body 158 defines a set of modular seats 160. The set of removable modules 162 is receivable within the set of modular seats 160. The body 158 includes the central bar 170. As such, the set of modular seats 160 includes two modular seats.

Each removable module of the set of removable modules 162 can be in the form of the wire basket 188. Each removable module of the set of removable modules 162 can include a lip 184. The lip 184 can extend about an upper periphery of a respective removable module of the set of removable modules 162.

The body 158 can include a lip seat 186. The lip seat 186 can extend about a perimeter of the modular seat 160. The lip seat 186 and the lip 184 collectively form an interface between the respective removable module of the set of removable modules 162 and the body 158. The lip 184, when the respective removable module of the set of removable modules 162 is positioned within the modular seat 160, rests against the lip seat 186. While illustrated as the lip seat 186 and the lip 184, it will be appreciated that the interface between the body 158 and the set of removable modules 162 can be formed in any suitable manner such as, but not limited to, in the form of hooks, latches, magnets, adhesion, or the like.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the household sanitization appliance 100 of FIG. 3. The household sanitization appliance 100 includes the tub 104 having the periphery 164 and defining a treating chamber 114. The household sanitization appliance 100 includes the sump 110 and the first sprayer 122. The household sanitization appliance 100 includes grate 126 having the set of tines 132, the upper surface 134 and the lower surface 135. For purposes of illustration, the grate 126 is removed from the treating chamber 114.

The household sanitization appliance 100 includes a fluid distribution duct 192. The fluid distribution duct 192 fluidly couples a fluid (e.g., a water, a treating chemistry, or a combination thereof) to the first sprayer 122, the second sprayer 124, and the auxiliary sprayer 154.

The grate 126 includes the set of tines 132 that collectively form the structure of the grate 126. The set of tines 132 can collectively form any suitable shape such as, but not limited to, a generally rectangular shape as illustrated. The set of tines 132 can be formed such that the grate 126 extends around existing structure of the household sanitization appliance 100. As a non-limiting example, the grate 126 can include a cutout 190.

The tub 104 includes a grate seat 194. The grate seat 194 is defined as a ledge provided along a portion of the tub 104. As a non-limiting example, the grate seat 194 extends around at least a portion of the first sprayer 122. The grate seat 194 is sized to accommodate for the grate 126. Specifically, the bottom surface 135 of the grate 126 can be rested against a top of the grate seat 194 to receive the grate 126 in the illustrated positioning of FIG. 3. The cutout 190 can be sized to fit around a periphery of a respective portion of the fluid distribution duct 192 when the grate 126 is positioned within the treating chamber 114. The use of the set of tines 132 allows for a fluid exhausted from the first sprayer 122 to pass through the grate 126 from the bottom surface 135 and to the upper surface 134.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the household sanitization appliance 100 of FIG. 3. For purposes of illustration, the closure 106 and the closure basket 174 have been removed from the household sanitization appliance 100.

The household sanitization appliance 100 includes the tub 104 having the periphery 164 and defining the treating chamber 114. The tub 104 has the access opening 116. The household sanitization appliance 100 has the grate 126, the utility rack 128, and the modular rack 130. The utility rack 128 includes the set of hangers 140. As illustrated, each hanger of the set of hangers 140 are in the vertical position. The modular rack 130 includes the body 158. As illustrated, the set of removable modules 162 (FIG. 3) are removed from the modular rack 130.

The treating chamber 114 of the household sanitization appliance 100 is defined by a total volume and a wash volume 120. The wash volume 120 is illustrated as a shaded rectangular prism. The total volume is defined as the total three-dimensional space within the treating chamber 114 bounded by the periphery 164, the top 168 and the bottom 166 of the tub 104. The total volume is designated by its height, width, and depth which will be described in further detail below. The wash volume 120 is defined as a total three-dimensional, unimpeded space within the treating chamber 114 able to accommodate for the set of utility items 196 (FIG. 3).

The total volume is defined by a first maximum height (H1), a first maximum width (W1), and a first maximum depth (D1). The wash volume 120 is defined by a second maximum height (H2), a second maximum width (W2), and a second maximum depth (D2). At least one of the first maximum height (H1), the first maximum width (W1), or the first maximum depth (D1) is larger than the second maximum height (H2), the second maximum width (W2), or the second maximum depth (D2), respectively. As a non-limiting example, the second maximum height (H2) is greater than or equal to seventy percent and less than or equal to ninety-nine-percent of the first maximum height (H1). As a non-limiting example, the second maximum width (W2) is greater than or equal to seventy percent and less than or equal to ninety-nine-percent of the first maximum width (W1). As a non-limiting example, the second maximum depth (D2) is greater than or equal to seventy percent and less than or equal to ninety-nine-percent of the first maximum depth (D1). The benefit of providing the second maximum height (H2), the second maximum width (W2), and the second maximum depth (D2) within the aforementioned ranges allows for a maximized wash volume 120, the benefit of which will be described in further detail below.

The total volume is larger than the wash volume 120. Specifically, the wash volume 120 is greater than or equal to seventy percent and less than or equal to ninety-nine percent of the total volume. It will be appreciated that the relationship of the wash volume 120, specifically the unimpeded wash volume, is dependent on the configuration of the utility rack 128 and the modular rack 130. As a non-limiting example, if the set of hangers 140 are in the horizontal position, a portion of the wash volume 120 is impeded, thus minimizing the total wash volume 120. As a non-limiting example, when the set of hangers 140 are in the vertical position, as illustrated, and the set of removable modules 162 are removed, as illustrated, the wash volume 120 can be increased in relation to a scenario where the set of hangers 140 are in the horizontal position or the set of removable modules 162 are included. It is contemplated that the utility rack 128 and the modular rack 130 can be completely removed from the household sanitization appliance 100 to maximize a total size of the wash volume 120.

It will be appreciated that the total volume and the wash volume 120 are defined by any suitable shape. As a non-limiting example, both the total volume and the wash volume 120 can be defined by a generally rectangular prism, as illustrated. Alternatively, one or more of the wash volume 120 or the total volume can be defined by an irregular prism.

The variation of and the maximization of the wash volume 120 allows for large utility items and for a wide variety of utility items of the set of utility items 196 to be placed within the treating chamber 114. In comparison with a conventional household appliance (e.g., the dishwasher 10 of FIG. 1), a maximum value of the wash volume 120 is greater than or equal to one-hundred and fifty percent of and less than or equal to two-hundred and fifty percent of a maximum value of an unimpeded wash volume of the conventional household appliance. As such, the household sanitization appliance 100 can hold much larger items for sanitization than the conventional household appliance.

It will be appreciated that the wash volume 120 can be maximized without removing the utility rack 128 and the modular rack 130 from the household sanitization appliance 100. Specifically, the set of hangers 140 can be moved to the vertical position, and the set of removable modules 162 can be removed from the utility rack 128 and the modular rack 130, respectively, to maximize the wash volume 120 without having to remove an entirety of the utility rack 128 and the modular rack 130. This greatly reduces the strain on a user of the household sanitization appliance 100 to maximize the wash volume 120 as removing and reinstalling racks (e.g., the utility rack 128 and the modular rack 130) can be time-consuming.

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary modular rack 230 suitable for use with the household sanitization appliance 100 of FIG. 3. The modular rack 230 is similar to the modular rack 130 (FIG. 3); therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased to the 200 series with it being understood that the description of the modular rack 130 applies to the modular rack 230 unless noted otherwise.

The modular rack 230, like the modular rack 130, includes a body 258. The body 258 defines a set of modular seats 260. The body 258 includes a lip seat 286 that forms an interface with a removable module (e.g., the removable module 162 of FIG. 3). The body 258 in comparison with the body 158 (FIG. 3), however, does not include a central bar (e.g., the central bar 170 of FIG. 3). Put another way, the body 158 defines a singular modular seat. As such, the set of modular seats 262 includes one modular seat.

The exclusion of the central bar further maximizes a wash volume (e.g., the wash volume 120 of FIG. 7). In comparison with the modular rack 130, the modular rack 230 does not include the barrier of the central bar 170 that would create an impedance within the treating chamber (e.g., the treating chamber 114 of FIG. 3). As such, the unimpeded area of the wash volume can extend through the set of modular seats 260; thus, maximizing the value of the wash volume in comparison with the household sanitization appliance 100.

Benefits of the present disclosure include a household sanitization appliance with a maximized and variable wash volume in comparison with a conventional household appliance. Specifically, the use of the utility rack and the modular rack allow for the wash volume to be maximized so larger utility items (e.g., a trashcan) can be positioned within the household sanitization appliance. This maximization of the wash volume can be done without removing the utility rack and the modular rack from the household sanitization appliance. Specifically, orienting the set of hangers in the vertical position and removing the set of removable modules from the household sanitization appliance create the unimpeded wash volume described herein.

The utility rack is configured to suspend the set of utilities within the treating chamber. The suspension of the set of utilities within the treating chamber maximizes a total surface area of the set of utilities that is exposed to a spray exiting the set of sprayers. As a non-limiting example, if the set of utilities were positioned within a conventional rack (e.g., such as those shown in FIG. 1) a structure of the conventional rack can create a barrier between the sprayers and the set of utilities.

The modular rack is configured to accept a set of removable modules. The set of removable modules can take any suitable form such as, but not limited to, the wire basket as illustrated. It will be appreciated, however, that the modular rack is formed to accept a wide variety of removable modules with each removable module of the variety of removable modules being best suited for a specific purpose.

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various aspects can be used in combination, or in substitution with each other as desired. That one feature is not illustrated in all of the examples is not meant to be construed that it cannot be so illustrated, 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 describe aspects of the disclosure described herein, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of aspects 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.

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

• • A household sanitization appliance comprising a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening, the treating chamber having a total volume, and a wash volume defined by an unimpeded volume of the treating chamber, the wash volume being greater than or equal to seventy percent and less than or equal to ninety-nine percent of the total volume, and a sprayer provided within the tub and wherein the sprayer is adapted to provide a fluid into the treating chamber during a sanitization cycle.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, further comprising a sump at least partially formed by a lower portion of the tub.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, further comprising a grate positioned above the sump, the grate forming a seat for a utility item.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the treating chamber is defined above an upper surface of the grate and the sprayer is located below the grate.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, further comprising a utility rack located in the treating chamber.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the utility rack includes a peripheral body defining a central region of the utility rack.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the utility rack includes a set of hangers extending from the peripheral body into the central region.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the set of hangers are adapted to suspend a utility item within the treating chamber.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, wherein each hanger of the set of hangers is radially moveable about a pivot axis.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the central region defines a respective portion of the wash volume when the set of hangers are positioned in a vertical position.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the peripheral body comprises opposing side portions and a connecting portion interconnecting the opposing side portions.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the connecting portion is opposite the access opening.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the connecting portion comprises an auxiliary sprayer configured to exhaust fluid into the central region.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the connecting portion comprises a front connecting portion and a rear connecting portion, with the front connecting portion forming a handle of the utility rack.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, further comprising a body provided along a portion of a periphery of the tub, the body defining a modular seat adapted to selectively receive a removeable module.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the removable module is a modular wire basket.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the body defines two modular seats, with each modular seat of the two modular seats adapted to receive a respective removable module.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the treating chamber includes a first maximum height, the wash volume includes a second maximum height, with the second maximum height being greater than or equal to 90% and less than or equal to 98% of the first maximum height.
  • A household sanitization appliance comprising a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a grate positioned within a lower portion of the tub, the grate having an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the treating chamber is defined above the upper surface of the grate, the tub at least in part defining the treating chamber and the treating chamber defining a volume, and a sprayer provided within the tub, below the grate such that the sprayer does not impede the volume of the treating chamber, and wherein the sprayer is adapted to provide a fluid into the treating chamber during a sanitization cycle.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause and further comprising at least one of a seat provided along a portion of the tub, the seat adapted to selectively receive a receptacle or a utility rack provided within the tub, the utility rack including at least one moveable hanger configured to selectively extend into the treating chamber.
  • The household sanitization appliance of any preceding clause, wherein the household sanitization appliance is a residential appliance.
  • A utility rack received within a treating chamber of a household sanitization appliance, the utility rack comprising a peripheral body defining a central region, and a set of hangers, with each hanger of the set of hangers extending from a respective portion of the peripheral body and to a distal end, each hanger of the set of hangers being radially moveable about a respective pivot axis between a horizontal position where the distal end is located in the central region, and a vertical position where the distal end is spaced from the central region.
  • The utility rack of any preceding clause, wherein the set of hangers are configured to suspend a utility item within the treating chamber when at least a portion of the hangers of the set of hangers are in the horizontal position.
  • The utility rack of any preceding clause, wherein the peripheral body comprises opposing side portions and a connecting portion interconnecting the opposing side portions.
  • The utility rack of any preceding clause, wherein the connecting portion is opposite an access opening to the treating chamber.
  • The utility rack of any preceding clause, wherein the connecting portion comprises an auxiliary sprayer configured to exhaust fluid into the central region.
  • The utility rack of any preceding clause, wherein the connecting portion comprises a front connecting portion and a rear connecting portion, with the front connecting portion forming a handle of the utility rack.
  • A modular rack received within a treating chamber of a household sanitization appliance, the modular rack comprising, a peripheral body defining a module seat, the peripheral body having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a module receivable within the module seat such that when the module is received within the module seat, the module extends continuously between the upper surface and the lower surface.
  • The modular rack of any preceding clause, wherein the module is a wire basket.

Claims

1. A household sanitization appliance comprising:

a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber with an access opening, the treating chamber having:

a total volume; and

a wash volume defined by an unimpeded volume of the treating chamber, the wash volume being greater than or equal to seventy percent and less than or equal to ninety-nine percent of the total volume; and

a sprayer provided within the tub and wherein the sprayer is adapted to provide a fluid into the treating chamber during a sanitization cycle.

2. The household sanitization appliance of claim 1, further comprising a sump at least partially formed by a lower portion of the tub.

3. The household sanitization appliance of claim 2, further comprising a grate positioned above the sump, the grate forming a seat for a utility item.

4. The household sanitization appliance of claim 3, wherein the treating chamber is defined above an upper surface of the grate and the sprayer is located below the grate.

5. The household sanitization appliance of claim 1, further comprising a utility rack located in the treating chamber.

6. The household sanitization appliance of claim 5, wherein the utility rack includes a peripheral body defining a central region of the utility rack.

7. The household sanitization appliance of claim 6, wherein the utility rack includes a set of hangers extending from the peripheral body into the central region.

8. The household sanitization appliance of claim 7, wherein the set of hangers are adapted to suspend a utility item within the treating chamber.

9. The household sanitization appliance of claim 7, wherein each hanger of the set of hangers is radially moveable about a pivot axis.

10. The household sanitization appliance of claim 7, wherein the central region defines a respective portion of the wash volume when the set of hangers are positioned in a vertical position.

11. The household sanitization appliance of claim 6, wherein the peripheral body comprises opposing side portions and a connecting portion interconnecting the opposing side portions.

12. The household sanitization appliance of claim 11, wherein the connecting portion is opposite the access opening.

13. The household sanitization appliance of claim 11, wherein the connecting portion comprises an auxiliary sprayer configured to exhaust fluid into the central region.

14. The household sanitization appliance of claim 11, wherein the connecting portion comprises a front connecting portion and a rear connecting portion, with the front connecting portion forming a handle of the utility rack.

15. The household sanitization appliance of claim 1, further comprising a body provided along a portion of a periphery of the tub, the body defining a modular seat adapted to selectively receive a removeable module.

16. The household sanitization appliance of claim 15, wherein the removable module is a modular wire basket.

17. The household sanitization appliance of claim 15, wherein the body defines two modular seats, with each modular seat of the two modular seats adapted to receive a respective removable module.

18. The household sanitization appliance of claim 1, wherein the treating chamber includes a first maximum height, the wash volume includes a second maximum height, with the second maximum height being greater than or equal to 90% and less than or equal to 98% of the first maximum height.

19. A household sanitization appliance comprising:

a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber;

a grate positioned within a lower portion of the tub, the grate having an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the treating chamber is defined above the upper surface of the grate, the tub at least in part defining the treating chamber and the treating chamber defining a volume; and

a sprayer provided within the tub, below the grate such that the sprayer does not impede the volume of the treating chamber, and wherein the sprayer is adapted to provide a fluid into the treating chamber during a sanitization cycle.

20. The household sanitization appliance of claim 19 and further comprising at least one of a seat provided along a portion of the tub, the seat adapted to selectively receive a receptacle or a utility rack provided within the tub, the utility rack including at least one moveable hanger configured to selectively extend into the treating chamber.