Component Patents (Class 211/41.9)
  • Patent number: 12153061
    Abstract: This invention relates to a cartridge assembly tray for conducting automated biochemical tests, such as immunoassay tests. The tray comprises a base member, a hinged frame and a locking mechanism. The base member includes a plurality of slots within the base member. Each of the plurality of slots is to receive a test cartridge. The hinged frame is coupled to the base member. The hinged frame is capable to rotate to an opened position or a closed position. The hinged frame includes a horizontal push bar configured to apply a downward force to test cartridges received in the plurality of slots when the hinged frame is in the closed position. The locking mechanism is to lock the hinged frame in the closed position when the hinged frame rotates to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: ACCESS MEDICAL SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Hong Tan, Yongli Ren, Ming Xia, Genqian Li
  • Patent number: 12121195
    Abstract: A dishwasher appliance includes a tub defining a wash chamber. A first rack assembly is slidably positioned within the wash chamber. A first spray assembly is positioned in the wash chamber and configured to direct wash fluids at the first rack assembly. A second rack assembly is slidably positioned in the wash chamber above the first rack assembly. A second spray assembly is positioned in the wash chamber and configured to direct wash fluids at the second rack assembly. A third rack assembly is slidably positioned in the wash chamber above the second rack assembly. A third spray assembly is positioned over the third rack assembly and configured to direct wash fluid at articles located in the third rack assembly. The third rack assembly includes a wire framework defining the perimeter of the third rack assembly. A wire insert is configured to removably couple to the wire framework. The wire insert includes a wire floor portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Daniel Ryan, Steven Chadwick Koepke, Nathaniel Lee Min Sheeran
  • Patent number: 12059114
    Abstract: A dishwashing appliance or removable rack accessory may include a rigid upper strut, a rigid lower strut, and a plurality of intermediate struts. The rigid lower strut may be spaced apart from the rigid upper strut along a vertical direction. The plurality of intermediate struts may extend between the rigid upper and lower struts. The intermediate struts may be generally movable along a transverse direction relative to the rigid upper and lower struts. The plurality of intermediate struts and the rigid upper and lower struts may collectively define a plurality of variable apertures extending through the removable rack accessory along a lateral direction to receive one or more container lids therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Allen Rowe, Aldo Vincent Kremmel
  • Patent number: 11730339
    Abstract: An article holder assembly for use with a dishwasher appliance includes a base portion adapted to fit onto an upper rack or a lower rack of the dishwasher appliance. The article holder assembly includes at least one arm member removably coupled to the base portion, a first attachment location for the at least one arm member, and a second attachment location for the at least one arm member. Further, the article holder assembly is adjustable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. Thus, in the engaged position, the arm member(s) is secured to the first attachment location such that the arm member(s) extends outward from the base portion to support one or more of the articles during a wash cycle of the dishwasher appliance. Moreover, in the disengaged position, the arm member(s) is secured to the second attachment location such that the arm member(s) rests against the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Tal Abraham Ohayon
  • Patent number: 11317740
    Abstract: An adaptor for facilitating mounting of a shelf divider for pivoting around an axis perpendicular to uniformly spaced apart wires of a shelf include a frame having side members that are fixedly spaced apart, an axle extending between the side members on which a shelf divider can be pivotably mounted, and snap-fit connectors configured to releasably secure the adaptor onto spaced apart parallel wires of a wire shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: LogiQuip LLC
    Inventors: Mark Roberts, Kevin Langston
  • Patent number: 10945585
    Abstract: A dishwasher having a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber that receives dishes for treatment, a dish rack located in the tub and having a bottom wall and at least a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, the side wall including a set of vertical tines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Vikramsinh S. Mohite, Shailender Tiwari
  • Patent number: 10638914
    Abstract: A dishwasher including a dish rack having a wire frame rack defining an interior and comprising a plurality of spaced wire frame elements defining a dish supporting surface forming at least a portion of the interior, and a bumper having a body and an elastic surface. The bumper can span at least two of the wire frame elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Pugh, Ameresh B. Viswanathan, Michael Kahwaji
  • Patent number: 10111576
    Abstract: Bottle washer assemblies for dishwasher appliances are provided. A bottle washer assembly includes a main conduit defining a main passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough, and a tine base connected to the main conduit, the tine base defining a base passage in fluid communication with the main passage for flowing wash fluid from the main passage therethrough. The bottle washer assembly further includes a check valve disposed within the base passage, the check valve movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position the check valve permits wash fluid flow therepast and in the closed position the check valve prevents wash fluid flow therepast. The bottle washer assembly further includes a spray tine, the spray tine comprising a conduit defining a passage for flowing wash fluid therethrough, the spray tine removably connectable to the tine base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Charles Boyer
  • Patent number: 9656304
    Abstract: A washing device for washing breast pump accessories and baby bottles, by spraying water in jets of high pressure, includes a washing enclosure; a water inlet; a drain outlet; a tube network; a wash pump; a heating element; a tray; a top sliding mesh lid; a breast shield clamp, including a clip, a clamp base, and extender arm, and adjustable side arms; a distribution valve; a plurality of water dispensing components, including spray pipes, a top spinner, a bottom spinner, side spinners, side nozzles. Spray pipes can be height adjustable, and can include spray nozzles, which can be flexible or rotating. Side nozzles can be adjustable or rotating. The washing device can further include a steam generator or an ultraviolet sterilizer lamp for sterilizing contents placed in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Anchal Tiwari
  • Patent number: 9615722
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stemware holder unit (1) for holding a stemware (23) in a predetermined position in a dishwasher cup shelf (13), said stemware holder unit (1) comprising a flexible holding element (2) adapted to hold a stem (22) of said stemware (23). The holding element (2) comprises a first attachment portion (3) and a second attachment portion (4) adapted to be movably interconnected with said dishwasher cup shelf (13). The stemware holder unit (1) has a loading state, in which said holding element (2) is adapted to receive said stem (22) of said stemware (23), and a secured state, in which said holding element (2) is adapted to secure said stem (22) of said stemware (23), and wherein, in said loading state, said holding element (2) is essentially unfolded, and in said secured state, said holding element (2) is folded and essentially enclosing said stem (22) of said stemware (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Daniel Mesa, Adam Szczepanowski
  • Patent number: 9596975
    Abstract: A dish rack is supported for both selective movement into and out of a washing chamber of a dishwasher tub and vertically relative to the tub, with the vertical adjustment being made by manually grasping and shifting at least one frontal cross bar extending above a front wall of the dish rack to cause pivoting of first and second lever members extending along sides of the dish rack. The side lever members cooperate with latching mechanisms to lift and retain the dish rack in a select raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Harshal J. Bhajak, Joseph T. Ferencevich, Gerald J. McNerney, Thomas M. O'Brien, Mihir Ponkshe, Amit K. Sharma
  • Patent number: 9265404
    Abstract: A washware carrier for the accommodation of washware to be washed in dishwasher includes a base portion, and a multiplicity of retainers for the washware. The retainers are arranged, in a row, with a first plurality of retainers being fixed and a second plurality of retainers configured for swing action. The first and second pluralities of retainers are arranged in a random sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Janina Fey, Wolfgang Kaczmarek, Franz Kiechle, Thomas Knöller, Hermann Moser, Thomas Ott, Nico Zendel
  • Patent number: 9131828
    Abstract: The dishwasher may include a tub forming a washing space, a rack received in the washing space of the tub and having an accommodating space to receive items to be washed, and a support provided in the accommodating space of the rack to receive and support the items to be washed. The support may be inserted into the rack, and may have a rotation shaft that is formed outside the accommodating space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sangheon Yoon, Moonkee Chung, Gapsu Shin
  • Patent number: 8985375
    Abstract: An adjustable rack assembly for a dishwasher basket, comprises a rack (12) having a base bar (14) and a plurality of holding bars (16) that are fixedly attached to the base bar; and a bracket (18; 60; 80) provided at each end of the base bar for connecting said rack to a bar (10) of the dishwasher basket. The brackets (18; 60; 80) are adapted to permit horizontal shifting thereof along the bars (10) of the dishwasher basket. The rack assembly further comprises a releasable clamping means for securing the position of the brackets with respect to the bars of the dishwasher basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation, N.V.
    Inventors: Dieter Kohles, Gerhard Dürr, Klaus-Martin Forst
  • Publication number: 20140217869
    Abstract: An accessory for supporting crockery in a dishwasher comprises a generally U-shaped main body having a pair of legs and a connecting portion that connects the pair of legs, at least one of the legs having a free end that is adapted to be releasably attached to a crockery basket in the dishwasher when in an installation position, and a smoothly radiused portion connecting each leg to the connecting portion, wherein the legs are spaced apart in the installation position a sufficient distance to promote stability of the crockery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Lindsay Eng, Charlie Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8789711
    Abstract: A dishwasher, especially a household dishwasher, at least comprising a crockery basket provided with a storage tray for items to be washed, said storage tray comprising at least one holding device to be brought into contact with a first section of the crockery basket in order to fix to the crockery basket in a first storage position for placing items to be washed. According to the invention, the holding device is designed to be brought into contact with a second section of the crockery basket in order to fix to the crockery basket in a second storage position for placing items to be washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Haltmayer, Mathias Herrmann, Stefan Kasbauer, Claus Köther, Martin Weissenburger, Mark Woldenberg
  • Patent number: 8783472
    Abstract: An accessory for supporting crockery in a dishwasher comprises a generally U-shaped main body having a pair of legs and a connecting portion that connects the pair of legs, at least one of the legs having a free end that is adapted to be releasably attached to a crockery basket in the dishwasher when in an installation position, and a smoothly radiused portion connecting each leg to the connecting portion, wherein the legs are spaced apart in the installation position a sufficient distance to promote stability of the crockery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Lindsay Eng, Charlie Pipkin
  • Publication number: 20140190911
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a device to be affixed to an automatic dishwasher rack in order to provide a means by which one can secure a number of chopsticks or similarly shaped items such that the items can be cleaned without risk of damaging either the dishwasher or aforementioned items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Katherine Ann Hamilton, Matthew Dino Minuti
  • Patent number: 8733859
    Abstract: A silverware basket for a dishwasher appliance is provided. The silverware basket appliance includes features for selectively securing a cover of the silverware basket in an open position. To selectively secure the cover in an open position, the silverware basket can include a pin with a noncircular cross-section that rotatably mounts the cover to the silverware basket or a recess defined by a brace that can receive a portion of the cover in the open position or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Darrell W. Shewmaker, Ryan James Diener, William Nathan Garnett, Daniel J. Hart
  • Patent number: 8707576
    Abstract: A tableware sterilizing and drying apparatus of the present invention includes a rotatable base plate, several frames, and a fixation wheel. The frames have rotatable members, which are revolved by rotation of the base plate, and rotated by engagement or contaction of the fixation wheel. Thus, the rotatable member is provided for tableware to be placed thereon. The tableware is then brought drying and sterilizing with flipping motion. Surface of the tableware can be fully dried and sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Yang Yih Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Cheng Lin
  • Publication number: 20140010629
    Abstract: A basin which stackably interlocks with 20-inch square racks that hold dish and glassware washed in commercial dishwashers. The basin has substantially the exterior configuration of a commercial dishwasher rack and receives a plurality of dishwasher racks slacked above. The basin solid on its base and sides for prohibiting substances which drip down into it from racks stacked above from dripping onto the floor. The basin has circular indentations in the top surface or the base, trapping water and preventing it from sloshing from side to side of the basin when it is carried or moved. The basin may be loaded into a dolly used to transport commercial dishwasher racks, as the dollies typically have an open bottom. Thus, the basin can provide the water-catching function for racks loaded onto a dolly. Grooves in the basin's bottom surface permit stacking on top of a rack or other basins for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Alexandra Laray Abraham
  • Publication number: 20130334941
    Abstract: An accessory for supporting crockery in a dishwasher comprises a generally U-shaped main body having a pair of legs and a connecting portion that connects the pair of legs, at least one of the legs having a free end that is adapted to be releasably attached to a crockery basket in the dishwasher when in an installation position, and a smoothly radiused portion connecting each leg to the connecting portion, wherein the legs are spaced apart in the installation position a sufficient distance to promote stability of the crockery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Lindsay Eng, Charlie Pipkin
  • Publication number: 20130299438
    Abstract: A tine block assembly for a dishwashing appliance is provided that can be repositioned within and/or removed from a rack assembly. A user can, for example, reverse the direction of the tine assembly based upon the location of a dishwasher in the kitchen. The tines can be moved relative to the side or wall of the rack assembly to accommodate different article sizes. The tines can also be completely removed from the rack assembly to accommodate a large article. Additionally, a degree of modularity is provided in that the same rack assembly may be provided with different tine assembly configurations so as to e.g., simplify the manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron Matthew McDaniel, Daniel J. Hart
  • Patent number: 8579121
    Abstract: An accessory for supporting crockery in a dishwasher comprises a generally U-shaped main body having a pair of legs and a connecting portion that connects the pair of legs, at least one of the legs having a free end that is adapted to be releasably attached to a crockery basket in the dishwasher when in an installation position, and a smoothly radiused portion connecting each leg to the connecting portion, wherein the legs are spaced apart in the installation position a sufficient distance to promote stability of the crockery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Home Applications Corporation
    Inventors: Lindsay Eng, Charlie Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8540085
    Abstract: A dishwasher rack assembly includes a bottom wall formed of spaced apart lateral rods crossed by spaced apart longitudinal rods to define an open lattice structure. A plurality of fixed vertical tines extend upward from the bottom wall and are arranged in pairs along the longitudinal or lateral rods of the bottom wall with a defined space between adjacent pairs of the fixed vertical tines. A frame structure is provided with a shape and size so as to slide along the bottom wall between the pairs of fixed vertical tines. A plurality of vertical tines extend upward from the frame structure and are arranged in pairs along the frame structure. A securement mechanism is configured between the frame structure and the bottom wall to accommodate relative movement and anchoring between the frame structure and the bottom wall for variable positioning of the frame structure tines relative to the pairs of fixed vertical tines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Murray Klump, Rebecca Lynne Hannon
  • Publication number: 20130220954
    Abstract: A dish net and method of using is presented. The dish net comprises a body being configured to be placed over a rack of a dishwasher. The body comprises a net material being formed to have a top, a rear wall, a front wall and two side walls. An elastic hem is configured to grasp the rack. The elastic hem is joined to bottom ends of the rear wall, front wall and side walls, in which the elastic hem being placed about a perimeter of the rack, secures the body over the rack and the body restrains items placed on the rack during operation of the dishwasher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Carol L. Williams
  • Patent number: 8424692
    Abstract: A supporting device for an inner supporting member of an electric household appliance, which includes a support securable, in use, by a first part thereof to a fixed guide and a second part facing the first, to a side edge of the inner supporting member. Both parts are relatively movable in a sliding direction perpendicular to the supporting member. Further included is a releasable retaining means for blocking the second part in different positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: ITW Industrial Components S.R.L.
    Inventor: Gianbattista Ala
  • Patent number: 8381919
    Abstract: Provided is a mat device to be arranged in a basket of a dishwashing machine. The mat device includes a base structure including a rigid supporting structure and a flexible structure allowing the base structure to be at least partially conformed to a bottom of the basket. The base structure is at least partially covered by an elastic material, supports a flexible structure for receiving dishes or cutlery, or is at least partially covered by the elastic material and supports the flexible structure for receiving the dishes or cutlery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Henrique Amaral, Stefan Westergard, Hartmut Hofmann, Daniela Salmaso, Lizandro Chrestenzen, Luigi Salerno
  • Patent number: 8353412
    Abstract: An insert having insert compartments separated from one another by separating walls with at least two insert compartments provided with compartment floors, arranged in different heights, for loading different silverware pieces and/or small dishes. The silverware pieces and/or the small dishes may, depending on their respective length/size/shape, be loaded into the insert compartment having the corresponding compartment floor positioned in a suitable height, so that they stand on the compartment floor and are no longer required to be hung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Georg Rosenbauer, Ulrich Deiss, Gerhard Fetzer, Heinz Heiβler
  • Publication number: 20120306333
    Abstract: An accessory for supporting crockery in a dishwasher comprises a generally U-shaped main body having a pair of legs and a connecting portion that connects the pair of legs, at least one of the legs having a free end that is adapted to be releasably attached to a crockery basket in the dishwasher when in an installation position, and a smoothly radiused portion connecting each leg to the connecting portion, wherein the legs are spaced apart in the installation position a sufficient distance to promote stability of the crockery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lindsay Eng, Charlie Pipkin
  • Patent number: 8303725
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes lower and upper racks that slide in and out for loading and unloading of dishes. Either or both of the racks includes a handle secured to the front wall of the rack. The handle is molded from a thermoset polymer material and at least part of the handle is plated with a bright-finish metal coating such as powdered stainless steel. The handle for the lower rack extends above the upper edge of the front wall of the rack for easier accessibility. The upper handle is arranged to be contacted by the door of the dishwasher when the door is closed such that the upper rack is urged inwardly to a correct position for connecting a mid-level spray arm delivery tube to a check valve assembly of the water delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Allen Stephen Crookshanks, Ashwin Jadhav, Ronald Gene Tynes
  • Patent number: 8152001
    Abstract: A generally rectangular flexible elastic article retainer for retaining articles in a dishwasher rack has laterally opposed longitudinal sides, each having a plurality apertures configured to securely engage selected upstanding or horizontal wire-like members of the dishwasher rack frame and a center portion formed of a plurality of transverse thin elastic bands disposed in parallel spaced relation for engaging and securing articles loaded into the rack. When the elastic bands are stretched across the articles, some of the bands may be positioned to extend across the upward facing bottom surface of shorter inverted articles, such as cups, bowls or short containers, to prevent vertical movement and overturning; while at the same time other pairs of the bands of the same article retainer may be positioned on the lateral sides of adjacent taller inverted objects, such as drinking glasses, to securely grip the sides of the taller articles to prevent vertical movement and overturning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Victor A. Vinklarek, Joseph A. Decker, Jr., Laurie K. Vinklarek
  • Publication number: 20120074080
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting the height of at least one counter, the at least one counter being guided in a household device by at least one pull-out guide. The apparatus includes at least one sliding rail on which the at least one counter is guidable and configured to be pulled out in a pull-out direction. Also included is a height adjustment mechanism configured to be fixed to opposing side walls of the household device. The height adjustment mechanism includes two arms which are rotatably fixed to each of the side walls. Further included are two guide rails fixable to respective second ends of the arms in a rotatable manner parallel to the plane of the side walls and an energy storage device is fixed to at least one of the opposing side walls of the household device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO., KG.
    Inventors: Oscar Garcia, Eqaut Arriaga, IIker Lopetegi, Mikel Azkue
  • Publication number: 20120031861
    Abstract: A dishwasher, especially a household dishwasher, at least comprising a crockery basket provided with a storage tray for items to be washed, said storage tray comprising at least one holding device to be brought into contact with a first section of the crockery basket in order to fix to the crockery basket in a first storage position for placing items to be washed. According to the invention, the holding device is designed to be brought into contact with a second section of the crockery basket in order to fix to the crockery basket in a second storage position for placing items to be washed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Haltmayer, Mathias Herrmann, Stefan Kasbauer, Claus Köther, Martin Weissenburger, Mark Woldenberg
  • Patent number: 8042559
    Abstract: A dishwasher is disclosed which includes a rack arranged inside of a washing cabinet, a plurality of shelves arranged on the rack, and a shelf holder installed on the rack. The shelf holder may include a plurality of shelf fixing parts that fix the shelves together. The dishwasher so configured is capable of minimizing the number of shelf holders needed to fix a plurality of shelves to a rack and, therefore, simplifies the assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Jin Choi, Nung Seo Park, Young Hwan Park, Gap Su Shin
  • Publication number: 20110253650
    Abstract: A rack insert for a dishwasher rack includes a plurality of undulated wire members disposed successively along a loading direction of a dishwasher. Each undulating wire member includes first and second ends and extends across a majority of a width direction of the dishwasher rack. Each undulating wire member includes a plurality of curves and a tine integrally formed at each of the first and second ends. Each tine extends upward in a vertical direction of the dishwasher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventors: Eugen Renz, Dirk Wegener
  • Patent number: 8038805
    Abstract: A dishrack system for a drawer-type dishwasher having a tub including bottom, rear and opposing side walls includes a side portion and a readily removable base portion supported by the side portion. The side portion includes a base section having first and second leg members, and a back wall section. The leg members directly support the side portion upon the bottom wall of the tub, with the back wall section extending along one of the opposing side walls. The base portion includes a first end directly supported by the side portion and a second end which can be supported either directly by the bottom wall of the washing chamber or by another side portion. With this arrangement, the dishrack system occupies a full length and width of the tub, while the base portion can be removed without disturbing dishware items resting on the side portion(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Anderson, Kory A. Gunnerson, Heather M. Hagans, Kristen K. Hedstrom, Mark E. Palm, David K. Reynolds, Barry E. Tuller, Rodney M. Welch, Jeffrey N. Williams
  • Publication number: 20110215689
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a housing having a washing chamber with an access opening. An access door is operable to close the access opening in a fluid tight manner. A movable loading unit is disposable in the washing chamber and is at least partially removable from the washing chamber through the access opening. The loading unit includes an illumination device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Wegener, Seyfettin Kara
  • Publication number: 20110192808
    Abstract: An insert for a rack of a dishwasher includes a bowl holder having a frustoconical shape and a contact rib. The contact rib has an exterior side and a sawtooth profile disposed on the exterior side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventors: David Buhl, Dirk Wegener, Pia Theyson
  • Patent number: 7988107
    Abstract: A stemware holder for holding a stem of a stemware in a wire-frame dish rack. The dish rack comprises a bottom wall formed by wires with multiple tines extending from the bottom wall. The stemware holder comprises a stem holder configured to hold the stem, a rack mount configured to couple the stem holder to the dish rack, and a radial lock configured to releasably hold the stem holder at multiple radial positions relative to an axis generally perpendicular to the bottom wall when the stemware holder is mounted to the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Miller, Danielle Marie Hafling, John Irven Smith, Sandra C. Steward
  • Patent number: 7984812
    Abstract: A support member is provided that includes a body defining a first channel configured to engage a main spine of a folding rack and a second channel perpendicularly disposed with respect to the first channel and configured to engage a wire member of a dishwasher rack so as to secure the folding rack thereto. The body further defines an aperture configured to receive therethrough one of a plurality of tines of the folding rack. The aperture can define horizontal and vertical support portions configured to support the tine when the folding rack is in folded and unfolded positions, respectively. The aperture can further define an arcuate channel extending between the horizontal support portion and the vertical support portion, the arcuate channel being configured to axially displace the tine along the longitudinal axis as the tine is moved between the horizontal support portion and the vertical support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bryan Pike, Ronald Gene Tynes, John C. Bragg
  • Patent number: 7931155
    Abstract: A dishwasher including a basket having a holder whose position may be easily changed using a lever from an active state to a passive state, by folding ergonomically, so that different kinds of kitchenware may be washed, such as saucepans, pans, etc. or plates, glasses, etc. The active position of the holder is utilized to hold such kitchenware such as plates, glasses etc. at right or certain inclined angles in order for the mentioned type of kitchenware to be washed easily at the lower and upper basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: Cem Bastuji
  • Patent number: 7918361
    Abstract: A device for containing plastic container lids for use in an automatic dishwasher or for storage. The device includes an open lattice structure having a top, bottom, back and side walls and a removable door. The lattice members preferably have convex outer surfaces and substantially planar interior surfaces and are configured to maximize water penetration into the device during a wash cycle. Longitudinally-oriented lattice members include projections and grooves that assist in retaining lids in position and maintaining separation between adjacent lids. Concentric circular members may be provided on the sides of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Carrie L. Geis
  • Patent number: 7854030
    Abstract: A utility tub is provided with a sink area having support surfaces for removably supporting a tray. The tray may hold items that are drying. In addition, the utility tub may be provided with an enlarged area for supporting other items, and various accessories such as a towel rack or towel pegs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: American Shower and Bath
    Inventors: Chia Ying Lee, Victor Hoernig
  • Patent number: 7793790
    Abstract: Provided is a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a dish rack receiving articles and a bottle rack. The bottle rack includes a rack body detachably coupled to the dish rack and one or more bottle tines coupled to a top portion of the rack body, for receiving articles having a bottle or cup shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 7775380
    Abstract: A dish rack has a collector tray that has a compartment. A retaining block is seated in the compartment for holding knives or other utensils having sharp edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Tzu-Hao Wei, Joseph Sandor
  • Publication number: 20100194254
    Abstract: A basket assembly for holding items such as silverware and the like in a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance has a rack member movable into and out of a tub portion, wherein the basket assembly is received and supported by the rack member. The basket assembly comprises a plurality of wall members cooperating to form a compartment defining a compartment opening. A lid member is coupled to the compartment about the compartment opening. The lid member defines a lid plane and is configured to be pivotable about a pivot axis, disposed medially across the lid member and extending along the lid plane, between a first position with the lid member extending across the compartment opening, and a second position with the lid member extending substantially perpendicularly to the compartment opening. An associated apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: David E. House, Kyle Taylor Perkinson
  • Patent number: 7766175
    Abstract: A shelf accessory for a dishwasher rack is provided, comprising a spine extending in parallel with a structural member of the rack. A plurality of loops extends perpendicularly from the spine, and the loops are spaced apart in relation to each other along the spine, and cooperate therewith to define a shelf member. A clip member is operably engaged between the shelf member and the structural member, and is configured to be capable of rotating about the structural member such that the shelf member correspondingly orbits about the structural member. The clip member further comprises at least one retention member operably engaged therewith. The at least one retention member is configured to cooperate with the rack so as to retain and support the shelf member in at least one of a plurality of angular positions with respect to and about the structural member. Associated apparatuses are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashwin Jadhav, Kent Crookshanks, Michael Bryan Pike
  • Patent number: 7731805
    Abstract: A rack support system for a lower rack in a dishwasher is provided for a dishwasher having a wash chamber within a tub. The rack support system includes a frame configured to support the lower rack. A linkage system couples the frame to a side wall of the tub such that the lower rack is movable between a retracted position within the wash chamber and an extended position wherein the lower rack extends from the wash chamber. The lower rack is movable within a range between a lowered position and an elevated position with the lower rack extended from the wash chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Banta, Derek Watkins, Ronald Tarr, Martin Mitchell Zentner, Sanjay Manohar Anikhindi, Subhash Viswanathan Kollengode
  • Patent number: 7682465
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub defining a washing chamber within which is arranged a dishrack having provided thereon an adjustable tine row assembly. The dishrack includes a base portion formed by a first plurality of spaced support members, and a second plurality of spaced support members that extend generally perpendicularly to the first plurality of spaced support members. The first and second plurality of spaced support members form a lattice work that defines the base portion. The tine row assembly includes a first tine row element, a second tine row element and a slider element that interconnects the first and second tine row elements with at least one of the first plurality of spaced support members. In this manner, the first and second tine row elements are selectively shiftable along the base portion providing a consumer with a greater degree of flexibility when loading/arranging dishware on the dishrack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Anderson, Heather Hagans, Kristen K. Hedstrom, Mark E. Palm, Jeffrey N. Williams