Spray tines for a dishwasher rack

Abstract

Tines that can provide a spray into the interior of containers placed onto a rack of a dishwasher are provided. More particularly, hollow tines or tines having an internal fluid path for feeding washing fluid to one or more openings at or near an upper end of the tines are described. As a fluid is sprayed or ejected from the opening(s), it provides for the cleaning of the interior of glasses, containers, and other dishes placed over the tines.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to tines for the rack of dishwasher appliance that can provide a spray for cleaning dishes, particularly the interior of containers such as glasses, cups, bowls, and others.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Modern dishwashers typically include a wash chamber where e.g., detergent, water, and heat can be applied to clean food or other materials from dishes and other articles being washed. Often an upper rack assembly is disposed close to the top of the washing chamber and is used to hold glasses, cups, and other small items. Typically, a lower rack assembly is positioned near the bottom of the chamber and a considerable distance below the upper rack. This provides vertical clearance to place dishes and platters on edge (i.e. a vertical orientation) and to place food preparation bowls and pots up-side-down on the lower rack for washing.[0003]Each rack normally is supplied with an array of spaced apart, generally vertical tines o...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For items having an interior cavity such as tall glasses or other containers, challenges are encountered in effectively cleaning the interior surfaces of the cavity and particularly the bottom of the cavity.

Depending upon the level of soiling on the interior of the container, such intermittent spraying may not consistently clean all of the interior surfaces.

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