Glassware rack for dish washing machines

Abstract

The glassware rack for dishwashing machines includes an outer frame adapted to be slidably mounted inside a dishwasher. A plurality of wire-frame, glassware mounting bars are disposed between two sides of the outer frame. Each glassware mounting bar includes spaced loops for mounting the stems of the glassware. A mesh cover is pivotally attached to each glassware mounting bar and locks onto the bar by a latching mechanism. The cover overlies the bases of the mounted glassware and prevents the same from undesirable movement during subsequent washing and cleaning cycles of the dishwasher. Alternatively, the bars may be configured to hold the glassware at an angle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 487,479, filed May 18, 2011.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to glassware racks and holders, and particularly to a glassware rack for dishwashing machines configured to securely hold the glassware and prevent damage throughout the washing process.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Connoisseurs of fine wines and other spirits often collect fine glassware to complement the beverage. The variety of glassware available to the connoisseur can range widely in styles, shapes, stem lengths and price. In a fine restaurant, a sommelier would often serve wine in a specific wine glass or stemware that is designed to extract the best essence and bouquet for enjoyment by the diners and complementary with the food. Such an experience can be reproduced at home with the appropriate glassware. However,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The glassware rack for dishwashing machines includes an outer frame adapted to be slidably mounted inside a dishwasher. A plurality of wire-frame glassware mounting bars are disposed between two sides of the outer frame. Each glassware mounting bar includes spaced loops for mounting the stems of the glassware. A mesh cover is pivotally attached to each glassware mounting bar and locks onto the bar by a latching mechanism. The cover overlies the bases of the mounted glassware and prevents the glassware from undesirable movement during subsequent washing and cleaning cycles of the dishwasher. Alternatively, the bars may be configured to hold the glassware at an angle.

Problems solved by technology

However, some care must be exercised when handling and cleaning the stemware or glassware due to their delicate nature.

This is especially evident with the more expensive crystal glassware because accidental breakage of such glassware can be a significant financial and / or sentimental loss.

Unfortunately, most dishwashers do not have a rack that can safely hold the glassware in a manner that will prevent damage while maintaining satisfactory cleaning of the glassware.

The standard racks in most dishwashers are usually not specifically designed to stably hold stemware.

Of course, hand washing the glassware is another method of cleaning, but that can be a time consuming chore.

Moreover, there is a greater chance that the glassware may accidentally slip from one's hands and break during the process of washing if one is not careful.

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