Abstract: A dishwashing machine comprises a stationary housing with an open front face and at least two structures for supporting wash load items. The support structures are able to slide horizontally with respect to the housing through the open front face of the housing. At least one of the support structures is capable of sliding horizontally jointly with a door, which closes the open front face of the housing, and is adapted to move in a substantially vertical direction along an inner surface of the door. The inner surface of the door is able to accommodate the front bulk of at least another one of the remaining support structures.

Abstract: A control panel is retractably received within a recess in an appliance housing. The panel may be moved from an extended position wherein the control panel is exposed outside the cabinet to a retracted position wherein the control panel is enclosed within the recess. A spring urges the control panel to its extended position, and a latch is provided for releasably holding the control panel in its retracted position.

Abstract: A washing appliance such as a dishwasher where a top-loading wash chamber is slidable out of cabinet for loading and unloading has a cabinet-mounted chamber lid which is power driven down onto the open top of the wash chamber during the washing cycle. Linear actuators or motors mounted in opposite sides of the appliance cabinet are coupled to opposite sides of the lid to pull the lid down when the chamber has been slid back into the cabinet. In a preferred embodiment rotating dc motors are used to rotate a threaded nut which in turn produces linear motion in a threaded shaft engaged within the nut and connected to the lid.

Abstract: An end cap for preliminary attachment of a control panel to a main body of an appliance includes a generally planar body having a front side and first and second supporting sides. The supporting sides are disposed at a rear and bottom of the planar body and are adapted for securement to the appliance main body. Each of the supporting sides has a plurality of securing tabs extending therefrom. The securing tabs are adapted to extend through an opening in the appliance main body and to engage the main body to preliminarily secure the control panel to the main body.

Abstract: A single piece tub support and frame for a dishwasher has a unitary support member that includes a pair of laterally spaced U-shaped upright end portions and an intermediate inverted U-shaped upright portion. The intermediate portion fits over the top and sides of the dishwasher tub rearwardly adjacent the front flange portion thereof. When the U-shaped end portions clear the bottom wall of the tub, they resiliently spring inward into supporting positions under the bottom wall. The unitary support member greatly reduces the number of components required, reduces manufacturing time and cost, and maintains the tub in its designed shape.

Abstract: An automatic dishwashing mechanism with a pivoting door that incorporates a push/pull door latch mechanism comprising a moveable strike plate and a positive-return cam. The cam movement is limited such that the door opening force and door closing force are independent of each other.

Abstract: A wheelchair accessible vanity panel has a panel that is cantilevered at a space over a floor or other surface, and has a free edge along a side or along a curve or angle extending around two or more sides. The cantilevered panel leaves a free space over a vertical height that preferably is dimensioned to admit the lower part of a wheelchair or can be used with a stationary-type chair. A hand grip is formed integrally with the horizontal panel, the grip being defined by at least one strip along the free edge of the panel subdivided from the free edge by a slot extending for a distance along the free edge. The handgrip is durably and attractively integral with the panel and provides a readily and securely grasped part of the panel by which the user of a wheelchair can displace the chair toward or away from the panel and the work surface it defines. Preferably the hand grip is provided by laminating multiple thicknesses, forming a slot and rounding over the edges of the slot and the free edges of the panel.

Abstract: The invention comprises an automatic dishwashing mechanism with a pivoting door that incorporates a push/pull door latch mechanism comprising a moveable strike plate and a positive-return cam. The cam movement is limited such that the door opening force and door closing force are independent of each other.

Abstract: A cabinet for a washing machine including a vibration-proof plate attached to the front panel to reduce vibrations. A recess is provided to the vibration-proof plate's lower part, and a recess is formed on the front panel's lower part corresponding to the recess of the plate. A plurality of screw holes are each provided to upper and lower ends of the respective vibration-proof plate and front panel, and the vibration-proof plate is screw attached to the front panel. The vibration-proof plate has a plurality of hooks that are provided on both sides of its inner surface, and the front panel has a plurality of mating hook holes that are provided on both sides thereof so that the vibration-proof plate is more firmly attached to the front panel. The overall vibration-proof plate is convex to the outside, and at least one vibration-absorbing member is attached to the inner surface of the vibration-proof plate, thus contacting the front panel.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism to secure a console onto an appliance is provided in which the console is mounted without the use of threaded fasteners and, one mounted, the attachment mechanism is hidden from view from the exterior of the appliance. A projection on one of the appliance and console mates with an opening in the other of the appliance and console and a clip extends from one of the appliance and console to mate with an opening in the other of the appliance and console, such that the projection serves to align the two parts and the clip serves to secure the parts together. Preferably the projection and clip, or more than one of each, are located on a mating surface between the appliance and console such that when the console is mounted onto the appliance, the projection and clip can no longer be seen from the exterior of the appliance.

Abstract: A plastic vanity and method for making the same. The vanity includes a base having two side walls, a bottom member forming a shelf inside the base, a rear brace member, a front brace member, and a front opening disposed between the front brace member and the bottom member. The two side walls, the bottom member, the rear brace member, and the front brace member are constructed from a plastic material. The vanity also includes a door swingably mounted to the base and which is configured to cover the front opening. The door, like the base, is constructed from the plastic material. The vanity also has a top opening disposed at the top thereof which is configured to receive a sink top or other surface structure.

Abstract: A toe kick drawer and method which includes installation of a first and second track for insertably connecting a drawer. Each track is attached to an inner wall portion located within a cavity, enclosed by the toe kick plate or portion of a cabinet. The drawer also includes a spring-loaded mechanism for selectively opening, closing and/or securing the drawer respectively. A rolling disc is attached to a number of drawers at a first and second location for dynamic movement of a respective drawer through each respective track. The toe kick drawer is particularly shaped and configured to fit a geometry defined by a preexisting clearance or cavity covered or enclosed by a toe kick plate. The drawer and track or guide assembly are shaped and formed from a number of durable materials. A preferred method of making and installing the drawer includes the use of cleats to provide opening clearances for bathroom or kitchen cabinets.

Abstract: The concept herein is focused on an apparatus centered on a sand and water table, as used by young children for play and educational purposes, such sand and water table comprising an upright table having a depressed container area, which is open at the top for access from above with an upper table perimeter portion around the upper edge of the depressed container area, into which table perimeter portion is formed a recessed channel area that has dual functions, one being to help prevent spillage of sand, water, or other substances from the depressed container area, with the additional concept including an interior lining member that is adapted to fit conformingly into the open depressed container area, with the liner having an upper opening edge which opening edge is provided with an outwardly extending flat ledge adapted to rest on an inner portion of the perimeter portion of such table with an outer partially looped portion affixed to the outer perimeter of the flat ledge of the liner, which partially loope

Abstract: A cabinet for a washing machine including a vibration-proof plate attached to the front panel to reduce vibrations. A recess is provided to the vibration-proof plate's lower part, and a recess is formed on the front panel's lower part corresponding to the recess of the plate. A plurality of screw holes are each provided to upper and lower ends of the respective vibration-proof plate and front panel, and the vibration-proof plate is screw attached to the front panel. The vibration-proof plate has a plurality of hooks that are provided on both sides of its inner surface, and the front panel has a plurality of mating hook holes that are provided on both sides thereof so that the vibration-proof plate is more firmly attached to the front panel. The overall vibration-proof plate is convex to the outside, and at least one vibration-absorbing member is attached to the inner surface of the vibration-proof plate, thus contacting the front panel.

Abstract: A double, front loading, dishwasher comprising two side-by-side dishwashing cabinets each provided with a washing arm and either a common pump and motor or an individual pump and motor is described. Preferably, the dishwasher is designed to fit into an existing kitchen cabinet and even more preferably into an eye level kitchen cabinet so that while one cabinet is used to store clean dishes and cutlery the other cabinet is available to load and wash another set of dirty dishes. Storage of a set of clean dishes in the dishwasher saves time as the step of unloading the dishwasher to a separate storage cabinet is eliminated, as the clean dishes may be unloaded directly to the table.

Abstract: A washing machine lid having a lid frame is provided with the lid frame including a forward edge, a rear edge, at least first and second opposite side edges, and upper surface and a lower surface. A housing is detachably mounted to the lid frame by a bracket assembly. The bracket assembly retentively engages the lid frame. At least one isecuring member retentively engages the housing and also retentively engages the bracket assembly for attaching the housing to the lid frame.

Abstract: A dishwasher cabinet has a front wall, a rear wall, and opposite sidewalls. The cabinet has an intermediate wall for forming the cabinet into a first compartment and a second compartment. The front wall has a first opening and a second opening providing access into the first and second compartments respectively. First and second doors are in covering relation over the first and second openings and are movable between open and closed positions.

Abstract: An article support and transfer assembly includes a carrier frame, which is selectively shiftable between raised and lowered positions relative to a countertop work surface, and an article support tray which is mounted for sliding movement in opposing directions between a first extended position, wherein the article support tray projects, at least partially, over the work surface and, a second extended position, wherein the tray projects over a side edge portion of the countertop. The tray can be shifted between the first and second extended positions for loading and unloading thereof and arranged in an intermediate position wherein the tray can be lowered with the carrier frame into a base associated with the countertop.

Abstract: An appliance, such as a cooking range, a clothes dryer, a clothes washer, an oven or the like, includes a console along a rear edge of the appliance which can pivot between an upright in-use position and a lower shipping, repair and/or servicing position. The console is preferably of a two-part construction including a front housing body having an integrally injection molded encapsulation or frame peripherally retaining a touch sensor control panel which can be readily accessed when the console is in its lower repair position.

Abstract: An improved access top cover for a washing machine includes a top panel having a rear edge, first and second opposite side edges, and a front edge. The upper surface of the top panel includes a sloping surface commencing adjacent the front edge of the top panel and sloping upwardly and rearwardly toward the rear edge of the top panel. An access opening is provided in the top panel and a lip flange is positioned between the access opening and the front edge of the top panel. The lip flange forms a ridge which is located above both of the front edge of the top panel and the access opening.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle quick connect for appliances including a rectangular housing secured within a rear panel of an appliance. The housing has a peripheral flange disposed around an outer edge thereof. The peripheral flange has a pair of apertures through upper and lower portions thereof. The apertures receive threaded screws therethrough for securing the housing to the appliance. A three prong plug extends outwardly of the housing. The three prong plug is adapted for coupling with an appliance extension cord whereby the appliance extension cord couples with an electrical outlet. The three prong plug has wiring extending outwardly therefrom. The wiring includes a pair of wires for coupling with a motor winding of the appliance. The wiring includes a ground wire.

Abstract: An insulated bed bath construction 10 including a thermally insulated dual reservoir basin member 20 which cooperates with a main lid member 30 having a pair of apertures 32, 33 which are alignable with the pair of liquid reservoirs 24, 25 and wherein each of the apertures 32, 33 is provided with a closure unit 13 adapted to sealingly engage the respective apertures 32, 33 to minimize thermal losses from one reservoir 24 when the other reservoir 25 is being accessed through its aligned aperture 33 during the bathing process.

Abstract: A trim assembly for a dishwasher tub having a U-shaped front flange disposed about a front opening. The front flange has radiused upper corners to minimize material stretching during tub forming. The trim assembly connects to the front flange of the tub and includes a pair of corner trim member, a plurality of straight trim members and a pair of tub trim spacers wherein the trim assembly forms a continuous frame of trim disposed about the peripheral edge of the front flange. The straight trim members frictionally engage the straight edge portions of the tub front flange. The pair of corner trim members snap connect to the tub flange upper corners such that the tub front flange is provided with square upper corners. The pair of bottom trim spacers are disposed at the bottom edges of the side trim members and complete the trim assembly. The bottom trim spacers function to deflect wash liquid running off from the dishwasher door back into the tub and serves as structural spacers in the tub support assembly.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher comprising a metal wash tub mounted to a structural frame. The metal tub comprises multiple sides, which are welded together to form a weldment. The structural frame comprises a rear leg that is positioned beneath the bottom wall of the metal tub adjacent the weldment formed by the sidewall and the bottom wall. A retainer is mounted to the face of the leg and abuts the sidewall to mount the rear of the metal tub to the structural frame. The retainer conforms to the shape of the leg, weldment, and the sidewall to apply a clamping pressure thereto to clamp the weldment and the corner of the metal tub formed by the junction of the sidewall and the bottom wall between the retainer and the leg. The retainer and the leg have positioning means and alignment means to position and align the retainer relative to the leg for quick and easy assembly.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine with a supporting structure is provided and is constructed from horizontal and vertical frame members. The supporting structure forms at least a front and a rear supporting frame which support a rinsing container. The parts and assembly costs for the dishwashing machine can be considerably reduced in that the supporting frames are assembled from individual horizontal frame members and vertical frame members, the respectively abutting areas of a horizontal and a vertical frame member being provided with locking and counter-locking elements which are adapted to one another. The rinsing container is provided with integral grooves for the positive positioning of the supporting structure on the rinsing container.

Abstract: An appliance console is provided, wherein the console is quickly and easily mounted on the appliance without the use of mounting hardware or tools. The console includes pairs of front and rear feet which are adapted to be received within corresponding slots in the top cover of the cabinet. In mounting the console to the appliance cabinet, the console is tilted forwardly with the front feet extending into the front slots. The console is then rotated rearwardly such that the rear feet extend into the rear slots. The length of the slots is substantially the same as the width of the feet, such that the console is substantially free from forward and rearward movement relative to the top cover of the cabinet. A back plate is connected to the back of the console and the back of the appliance to provide enhanced structural integrity and security to the mounted console.

Abstract: A fastener is provided for securing the top cover to the cabinet of a laundry appliance. The fastener doubles as a handle. The fastener includes a first fastener member mounted to the top cover and a second fastener member extending through an opening in the cabinet and being secured to the first fastener member. A recessed portion in the second fastener member defines a hand grip for facilitating movement of the appliance.

Abstract: A dishwasher construction having a molded one piece tub with integrally molded reinforcing ribs on an outside surface of the tub, the reinforcing ribs being hollow members formed by gas injection molding. At least one of the reinforcing ribs can be fashioned as a hollow conduit for transferring water from a bottom mounted pump to a top mounted wash arm of the dishwasher, or from a drain pump to a drain outlet. By using hollow reinforcing members molded integrally with the tub, an external upper wash arm conduit is avoided which can have external leakage, and an internal upper wash arm conduit is avoided which tends to restrict the working space within the dishwasher and can trap food and be otherwise functional and unappealing to the consumer.

Abstract: An ergonomic adjustable work surface system (12) comprising a cabinet (14) having a counter top (16) thereon. An assembly (18) is for setting the cabinet (14) in a height up and down movable manner against a wall (20) in a room (22) of a building (24). A facility (26) is for adjusting the height of the counter top (16) of the cabinet (14) with respect to a floor (28) in the room (22) of the building (24), so as to greatly reduce a lower back problem caused by an individual working in a standing position at the cabinet (14), by affording the individual easy height adjustment of the counter top (16) to ergonomically correspond to the individual's statue.

Abstract: In order to equip a dishwasher (1) with a machine base (10), on which a washing container (20) is arranged so as to be capable of being put down in position, in a simple way with a fastening for the washing container (20), said fastening being less complicated and therefore more cost-effective and having better stability, according to the invention the washing container (20) rests, on the rear side, on the upper edge (11) of the machine base (10).

Abstract: An improved laundry appliance is provided wherein the door is mounted to a shroud, separate from the front and top panels of the cabinet. Therefore, during manufacturing assembly or repair work, the door can be shut and the operation of the appliance tested with the front and top panels removed from the appliance. After the operational testing is completed, the front and top panels can be installed to the remaining cabinet panels.

Abstract: A sink construction for use in a kitchen, bathroom or any other facility in which an attractive sink would be normally installed. The sink construction includes a sink bowl bottom combined with a vertical wall, with the vertical wall and counter top preferably constructed of the same material. The vertical wall includes at least one seam with connection including a tongue and a groove. The vertical wall is connected to the counter top assisted by laterally extending support members beneath the counter top. The sink bowl is secured within a downwardly and inwardly opening recess on the lower inner edge of the vertical wall by a filler material that engages a lateral flange at the top of the sink bowl.

Abstract: A washer having a pair of offset legs. In addition to the offset legs, the washer includes a tub, a front frame and a rear frame. The tub defines a wash chamber with a front opening and includes a bottom wall and opposing side walls. The front frame has a pair of legs respectively disposed adjacent to the opposing side walls of the tub toward the front opening. The rear frame has a pair of horizontal legs with outer ends and a pair of vertical supports. The vertical supports are disposed rearward from the legs of the front frame. The horizontal legs are secured to the vertical supports and extend forward therefrom to the outer ends. The offset legs each have a neck and an upright member. The necks are offset forward of the upright members and are respectively secured to the legs of the front frame. The upright members are respectively secured to the horizontal legs toward the outer ends.

Abstract: For providing a rack for storing compact disks or drawers for storing articles, a selected number of blanks, a top plate and a base are provided. Each rack unit blank has a central plate, and three side plates which are folded down to provided respective tabs having horizontally inwardly projecting pegs which are received in horizontally outwardly opening holes formed in corresponding locations on the next underlying module. The top plate has similar holes. The rack assembled provides one horizontally forwardly opening storage slot per rack unit. Springs and spaces may be molded with or assembled to the rack unit blanks for interaction with the stored articles.

Abstract: A washer having a tub supported by a front frame, a pair of front supports and a rear frame. The tub defines a wash chamber with a front opening. The front frame has a pair of vertical members respectively disposed adjacent to the opposing side walls of the tub toward the front opening. The front supports each have a nose extending forward from a neck. The necks are respectively secured to lower ends of the vertical members. A door is pivotally secured to the noses of the front supports. A door hinge support is secured between the noses of the front supports so as to secure the front supports from lateral movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing or otherwise treating parts includes a modular support structure for a conveyor from which the parts are suspended and further includes transparent walls that enable visual observation of the treatment process. The support structure includes a plurality of upstanding, longitudinally spaced apart stanchions, each of which has a top piece adapted to engage the uppermost end of a flexible sheet of transparent material such as vinyl. In one embodiment, the lowermost end of each sheet of material is immersed in water contained within an elongate trough that extends along both sides of the apparatus. Thus, a vapor seal is formed that prevents vapors and chemicals from escaping the interior of the apparatus. Dams are placed in the trough at longitudinally spaced intervals to prevent mixing of the chemicals that are collected in the trough. Additional embodiments require no troughs, and include metallic panels that replace or overlie one or more of the vinyl sheets.

Abstract: A housing is provided for use in an industrial finishing equipment station. The housing includes housing wall panels, each having a top edge, a bottom edge, and two spaced-apart sides therebetween and a flange that is appended to the top and side edges. In addition, a clamp having flange-engaging portions is mounted upon the flanges appended to the top edges of the housing wall panels to couple the housing wall panels together. The housing wall panels are positioned to lie in opposing rows and cooperate to define a tunnel-like passageway workspace therebetween through which work pieces can pass.

Abstract: A portable bar having a sink disposed therein having a base member having a central opening with a trough disposed peripherally around the opening. A cold plate is sealed against a side wall of the trough within the sink opening. The cold plate is formed of a heat transfer material such as a metal formed into at least one major surface and has a plurality of internal channels for circulation of fluid to be cooled. A peripheral flange surrounding the cold plate has a unique inwardly angled leading edge and an outwardly angled trailing edge for sealing to the trough of the sink.

Abstract: A base for a portable washer having a tub supported by a frame with legs. The base is composed of a structural foam and is movably supported by a plurality of casters having upward-projecting pintles. The base defines a plurality of vertical bores and a compartment for holding a mass of material to counterbalance a door that closes the tub. The base also has a pair of angular surfaces for supporting the legs of the frame. The pintles of the casters are securely disposed within the vertical bores of the base.

Abstract: A laundry appliance cabinet includes a first panel member of integral construction and at least one additional panel member joined to the first panel member to form a plurality of exterior cabinet walls and a tub within those exterior walls.

Abstract: The laundry dresser includes (a) a dresser frame having two segments arranged horizontally; (b) a flat table plate extending horizontally over the two segments; (c) a hollow portion disposed in a first segment beneath the table plate for receiving a drum rotation-type washing machine; (d) a washbowl mounted to the dresser frame; and (e) a drain pipe having (i) an upright portion rotatable around a vertical axis thereof, and (ii) a slightly slanting, horizontal portion connected to a lower end of the upright portion and having an exit opening at a lower end thereof, the direction and length of the horizontal portion being determined such that the exit opening of the horizontal portion is fitted into a drain opening of a floor, the drain pipe receiving a drain hose of the washing machine and a drain hose of the washbowl through the upper opening to allow drainage from the washing machine and the washbowl to flow into the drain opening.

Abstract: A portable kitchen for storing and preparing food products comprising a main box having a table, a sink detachably connected to and covering the main box, and a front panel pivotally attached to the main box where the front panel opens to provide access to a compartment defined by the main box.

Abstract: A handicapped vanity of the type including a counter and a sink positioned in the counter. The vanity further includes left and right cabinets positioned beneath the counter proximate the sink and each mounted for pivotal movement between a storage position in which a storage portion of the cabinet is positioned beneath the counter and an access position in which the storage portion is positioned forwardly of the counter on a respective side of the centerline of the sink. Each cabinet further includes an impact portion positioned directly beneath the sink in the path of movement of an approaching wheelchair so that the approaching wheelchair strikes the impact portions of the cabinets and pivots the storage portions of the cabinets to their access positions on opposite sides of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A pair of end cap connectors serve to connect a vertical toe kick plate between the spaced vertical side walls of a kitchen base cabinet, or the like. Each end cap connector includes a body portion adapted to abut the front edge of the associated side panel, a first flange portion extending orthogonally from the body portion to engage the corresponding inner surface of the associated side wall, and an abutment surface parallel with the first flange portion for covering the corresponding end surface of the toe kick plate.

Abstract: The subject apparatus is an improved sand and water table, as used by young children for play and educational purposes, such sand and water table comprising a supported table having a depressed container area, which is open at the top for access from above with an upper perimeter around the upper edge of the depressed container area, in which perimeter is formed a recessed channel area that functions for dual purposes, one being to help prevent spillage of sand, water, or other products from the depressed container area, and the other function being to receive conformingly the bottom perimeter of a covering lid.

Abstract: The toespace below the door of a front-loading dishwasher is closed off from the under-tub space inside the dishwasher assembly by a combined toeplate-and-access-panel member which also closes off the door-bottom-receiving recess above the toespace; in installed condition, the combined member is anchored at its top edge by cooperating projecting and receptor elements associated respectively with the tub bottom and the top edge of the combined member.

Abstract: A top-loading washing machine including a washer assembly (1) and an appliance exterior having a front (2) and side plates (3, 4). The machine also includes an upper lid (5), an upper control panel (6), and support feet (29). The elements are assembled and supported by a bearing structure having two distinct lower and upper elements (8, 9). The lower element (8) includes a support base provided with respective columns at four corners that extend vertically from the bottom and terminate at the same height. The upper element (9) is provided with respective columns at four corners that extend vertically. The bottoms of said upper columns rest on the tops of the lower columns. The front (2) and side plates (3, 4) of said appliance are made from a single strip of sheet metal, folded so as to fit against said bearing structure in order to enclose completely the respective side and front faces. The plates are provided with extension fitting into grooves in the upper and lower elements.

Abstract: A countertop for use in a fume hood or similar application including a substantially planar member which defines the countertop and a recess defined in the top surface of the countertop and which defines a reservoir for liquid spills. Within the recess there is provided a platform having a top surface that is disposed at a lower level than the level of the top surface of the countertop, but at a higher level than the bottom surface of the recess. A cupsink is provided on the platform. Preferably a safety zone demarcation identifier is provided which is mounted in a groove formed in the countertop. Both the countertop and the indentifier preferably are formed of an acrylic resin.

Abstract: A laundry appliance cabinet includes a first panel member of integral construction and at least one additional panel member joined to the first panel member to form a plurality of exterior cabinet walls and a tub within those exterior walls.

Abstract: The device catches pieces of clothes susceptible to fall behind a domestic appliance, such as a washing machine and a dryer. The domestic appliance comprises an upper backguard and a rear face spaced apart from a wall standing behind the appliance. A basket-like clothes catching member is mounted behind the backguard substantially over the spacing between the rear face of the domestic appliance and the wall behind this appliance, whereby pieces of clothes susceptible to fall behind the appliance are caught by this basket-like member. The latter member is advantageously pivotally mounted on the backguard so that it can be pivoted to help to recover the caught pieces of clothes.