Apparatuses and Methods for Dishwasher Rack Emptying

Abstract

In one embodiment, a dishwasher rack includes: an interior structure divided into separate compartments, each of such compartments sized and configured to hold an individual beverage container; a top side through which the compartments may be loaded; and a bottom side having a floor that includes a first movable grid and a second movable grid. Each of the first movable grid and the second movable grid can be slid into a closed configuration to support beverage containers and can be slid into an open configuration in which the beverage containers are able to pass through.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 057,603, filed on Oct. 18, 2013, which in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 715,744, filed on Oct. 18, 2012. Each such application is incorporated by reference herein as though set forth herein in full.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention pertains, among other things, to apparatuses, systems, methods and techniques for facilitating the emptying of a dishwasher rack, and is particularly applicable to commercial dishwasher racks.BACKGROUND[0003]It is common in the restaurant, food service, and beverage industry to use automatic dishwashers that accept a standard dishwasher rack for cups and glasses. Generally speaking, a conventional dishwasher rack is in the shape of a rectangular (typically square) box with a bottom panel and four sidewalls, but an open top. Within this box is a rectangular grid of walls or slats, defining a matrix of compartm...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a dishwasher rack that has a releasable surface that can hold glasses, cups, and other beverage containers, and it can be easily changed to release the containers. The rack can also be lifted up, leaving the containers on the second surface. The rack has a combination of securing and releasing capabilities, allowing the rack to be emptied quickly and without inverting it. The described systems facilitate the emptying of a dishwasher rack of glasses without the need to touch each glass by hand, reducing the risk of unsanitary hands coming into contact with a drinking glass during the process of removing the containers.

Problems solved by technology

However, the present inventor has discovered that problems arise in connection with these conventional structures, particularly when high volumes of cups and / or glasses are required for service in a busy restaurant, bar, event or other venue.

In this case, service staff spends a significant amount of time unloading dishwasher racks of cups and glasses.

In addition to the time spent emptying commercial dishwasher racks by hand, one glass at a time, this method of emptying the rack sometimes is not sanitary because each clean glass mush be touched by hand in order to remove the glass from the dish rack, and when working in a commercial kitchen a worker's hands can become easily soiled or otherwise exposed to non-sanitary surfaces.

Images