Article holder assembly for a dishwasher appliance
By introducing an item holder assembly into the dishwasher, the problem of the top shelf restricting the height of tall items is solved, enabling effective cleaning of tall items and improving cleaning results.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202180082328.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-12-07
- Filing Date
- 2021-12-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-12-03
AI Technical Summary
In existing dishwashers, the top shelf has strict height restrictions on wine glasses and other tall items, and the restrictions become even stricter when the middle shelf is added, making it impossible to effectively clean taller items.
Design an item holder assembly including an attachment arm and an item positioning arm fixed to the side wall of a lower shelf, capable of securing items at the engagement position, providing a predetermined geometry for receiving and cleaning tall items, without affecting the normal operation of the sprayer assembly.
This allows for the placement of tall items in the lower shelves, improving cleaning performance without affecting the normal operation of the sprayer components.
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Figure CN116600693B_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to dishwasher appliances, and in particular to an item holder assembly for a dishwasher appliance. BACKGROUND
[0002] A dishwasher appliance generally includes a tub that defines a wash chamber. The dishwasher appliance also generally includes a rack assembly mounted within the wash chamber. The rack assembly is configured to receive items for washing. For example, a user can slide the rack assembly out of the wash chamber and load the rack assembly with dishes, bowls, cups, or any suitable item or combination of items. After loading is complete, the user can slide the rack assembly back into the wash chamber.
[0003] In particular, a user can slide the rack assembly to a retracted position. This configuration of the rack assembly is preferred during operation of the dishwasher appliance and can be required for certain dishwasher appliance components to function properly. Moreover, certain dishwasher appliances include a sprayer assembly mounted to the rack assembly. The sprayer assembly is generally configured such that the rack assembly must be positioned in the retracted position for the sprayer assembly to receive washing fluid during operation of the dishwasher appliance. The rack assembly can include, for example, a top and bottom rack or a top, middle, and bottom rack.
[0004] In certain dishwasher appliances, the top rack assembly can include stemware holders on either side thereof. However, the top rack has strict height limitations for stemware and other tall items placed therein. Moreover, this height limitation is even more strict with the addition of a middle rack.
[0005] Accordingly, an item holder assembly for a dishwasher appliance that addresses the above-mentioned problems would be useful. Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to an item holder assembly for use in a lower rack that can be placed on top of a silverware cleaning system such that taller items can be placed therein and that also has better washing performance. SUMMARY
[0006] Aspects and advantages of the application will be set forth in part in the following description, or can be obvious from the description, or can be learned through practice of the application.
[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a dishwasher appliance having a tub defining a wash chamber. The dishwasher appliance further includes a door mounted proximate the tub and allowing selective access to the wash chamber of the tub. In addition, the dishwasher appliance includes a rack assembly mounted within the wash chamber and configured to receive articles for cleaning. The rack assembly includes an upper rack and a lower rack. Further, the dishwasher appliance includes an article holder assembly having at least one attachment arm secured to a sidewall of the lower rack and at least one article positioning arm secured to the attachment arm. The article positioning arm is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. As such, the article positioning arm defines a predetermined geometry configured to receive a portion of one or more articles for cleaning. In addition, when the article positioning arm is in the engaged position, the predetermined geometry positions and secures the one or more articles for cleaning.
[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an article holder assembly for use in a dishwasher appliance. The article holder assembly includes a first attachment arm for securing to a first sidewall of a rack of the dishwasher appliance, a second attachment arm for securing to an opposite second sidewall of the rack of the dishwasher appliance, and at least one article positioning arm secured between the first attachment arm and the second attachment arm. The article positioning arm is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. As such, the article positioning arm defines a predetermined geometry configured to receive a portion of one or more articles for cleaning in the dishwasher appliance. In addition, when the article positioning arm is in the engaged position, the predetermined geometry positions and secures the one or more articles on the rack of the dishwasher appliance for cleaning.
[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present application will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the application and serve to explain the principles of the application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] A complete and enabling disclosure of the present application, including its best mode, is set forth in the specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together serve to explain the principles of the application and to provide an overview of its implementation.
[0011] Figure 1 A front view of a dishwasher appliance in accordance with example embodiments of the present subject matter is provided.
[0012] Figure 2 A front view of a dishwasher appliance in accordance with example embodiments of the present subject matter is provided. Figure 1 A side view of the dishwasher appliance of A side view of the dishwasher appliance of
[0013] Figure 3 A partial perspective view of a shelf assembly and an article holder assembly according to example embodiments of the present subject matter is shown, particularly showing an article in the article holder assembly.
[0014] Figure 4A A partial perspective view of a shelf assembly and an article holder assembly according to example embodiments of the present subject matter is shown, particularly showing the article holder assembly in an engaged position.
[0015] Figure 4B A partial perspective view of a shelf assembly and an article holder assembly according to example embodiments of the present subject matter is shown, particularly showing the article holder assembly in a disengaged position.
[0016] Figure 5A A partial perspective view of an article holder assembly according to example embodiments of the present subject matter is shown, particularly showing the article holder assembly in an engaged position.
[0017] Figure 5B A partial perspective view of an article holder assembly according to example embodiments of the present subject matter is shown, particularly showing the article holder assembly in a disengaged position.
[0018] Figure 6 A perspective view of an article holder assembly according to example embodiments of the present subject matter is shown.
[0019] Figure 7A A perspective view of an attachment arm of an article holder assembly according to example embodiments of the present subject matter is shown.
[0020] Figure 7B A front view of an attachment arm of an article holder assembly according to example embodiments of the present subject matter is shown.
[0021] Figure 8 A bottom view of an attachment arm of an article holder assembly according to example embodiments of the present subject matter is shown.
[0022] Figure 9 A partial perspective view of a top portion of an attachment arm of an article holder assembly according to example embodiments of the present subject matter is shown.
[0023] The repeated use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or similar features or elements of the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the application, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the application, not limitation of the application. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present application without departing from the scope or spirit of the application. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present application encompass such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the application, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the application, not limitation of the application. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present application without departing from the scope or spirit of the application. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield still a further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present application encompass such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Figure 1 Figure 2 An exemplary dishwasher appliance 100 is depicted. The dishwasher appliance 100 can be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The dishwasher appliance 100 includes an enclosure 102 having a tub 104 ( Figure 2 ) therein defining a wash chamber 106 ( Figure 2 ). The tub 104 includes a door 120 hingedly attached at a bottom 122 thereof for movement between a normally closed configuration and an open configuration. The normally closed configuration is shown in Figure 1 Figure 2 and the door 120 is shown in the open configuration. The open configuration is for example for loading and unloading items from the dishwasher appliance 100. A latch 123 ( Figure 1 ) is used to lock and unlock the door 120 for access to the wash chamber 106.
[0026] The dishwasher appliance 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L and a transverse direction T. As can be seen in Figure 1 , the dishwasher appliance 100 extends along the vertical direction V between a top 110 and a bottom 111, and also extends along the lateral direction L between a first side 114 and a second side 115. As can be seen in Figure 2 , the dishwasher appliance 100 also extends along the transverse direction T between a front 112 and a rear 113. The vertical direction V, the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T are perpendicular to each other and form an orthogonal direction system.
[0027] As can be seen in Figure 2 , a guide rail 126 is mounted on a tub side wall 128 and accommodates a rack assembly 130. The rack assembly 130 has for example an upper rack 132 and a lower rack 134 fitted with rollers. Each of the upper rack 132 and the lower rack 134 is made of a grid structure comprising a plurality of elongated members 138. Each rack 132, 134 is adapted to be in an extended loading position (not shown) and a retracted position ( Figure 1 2 The shelves move between an extended loading position, in which the shelves are positioned substantially outside the wash chamber 106, and a retracted position, in which the shelves are positioned inside the wash chamber 106.
[0028] The silverware basket 108 is removably mounted to the lower shelf 134. However, the silverware basket 108 can alternatively be selectively attached to other portions of the dishwasher appliance 100, such as the upper shelf 132 or the door 120. The silverware basket 108 is configured to receive silverware, utensils, and the like (e.g., spoons, forks, and / or knives) that are too small to be accommodated by the upper shelf 132 and the lower shelf 134. Further, the silverware basket 108 can be constructed of any suitable material (e.g., metal or plastic) and will be discussed in greater detail below.
[0029] The dishwasher appliance 100 further includes a lower sprayer assembly 144. The lower sprayer assembly 144 is mounted within a lower region 146 of the wash chamber 106 and above the tub sump portion 142, thereby positioned in relatively close proximity to the lower shelf 134. A mid-level sprayer assembly 148 is positioned in an upper region of the wash chamber 106 and can be positioned in close proximity to the upper shelf 132. In particular, the mid-level sprayer assembly 148 can be mounted to the upper shelf 132, as discussed in greater detail below.
[0030] The sprayer assemblies 144, 148 are supplied by a fluid circulation assembly (not shown) for circulating water and cleaning fluid in the tub 104. Portions of the fluid circulation assembly can be located in a machine chamber 140. This machine chamber 140 is located below the bottom sump portion 142 of the tub 104, as is recognized in the art. Each sprayer assembly includes an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing cleaning liquid onto the dishes or other items located in the shelf assembly 130 and the silverware basket 108. The arrangement of discharge ports in at least the lower sprayer assembly 144 provides a rotational force by way of the cleaning fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resulting rotation of the lower sprayer assembly 144 provides coverage of the dishes and other dishwasher contents with a cleaning spray.
[0031] The dishwasher appliance 100 is further equipped with a controller 137 to regulate the operation of the dishwasher appliance 100. The controller 137 can include a memory and a microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programmed instructions or microcontrol code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory can represent random access memory, such as DRAM, or read only memory, such as ROM or FLASH. In one example embodiment, the processor executes programmed instructions stored in the memory. The memory can be a separate component from the processor or can be included on board within the processor.
[0032] The controller 137 can be positioned in a variety of locations throughout the dishwasher appliance 100. In the illustrated example embodiment, the controller 137 can be located within the control panel area 121 of the door 120, as shown. In such an embodiment, input / output ("I / O") signals can be routed between various operating components and control systems of the dishwasher appliance 100 along a wire harness that can be routed through the bottom 122 of the door 120. Generally, the controller 137 includes a user interface panel 136. Through this user interface panel 136, a user can select various operating features and modes, and monitor the progress of the dishwasher appliance 100. In one example embodiment, the user interface panel 136 can represent a general purpose I / O ("GPIO") device or functional block. In one example embodiment, the user interface panel 136 can include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical input devices including rotary dials, buttons, and touch pads. The user interface panel 136 can include display components, such as digital or analog display devices designed to provide operational feedback to the user. The user interface 136 can communicate with the controller 137 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.
[0033] It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited to any particular style, model, or other configuration of dishwasher appliance, and Figure 1 and Figure 2 the example embodiments depicted in
[0034] It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited to any particular style, model, or other configuration of dishwasher appliance, and Figure 3 、 Figure 4A and Figure 4B are shown, with the silverware basket 108 removed from the dishwasher appliance 100. As shown, the lower rack 134 is generally configured as a basket-like structure having a bottom wall 162 and a front wall 150, as well as side walls 164 extending upward from the bottom wall 162 in the vertical direction V. The front wall 150 extends along the lateral direction L so as to extend between and connect the side walls 164. The front wall 150 and the side walls 164 form corners 190 where the front wall 150 intersects the side walls 164.
[0035] As noted above, the lower shelf 134 is formed from a plurality of elongate members 138. Thus, the bottom wall 162, the front wall 150, and the side walls 164 can be formed with wire or rod members in an open grid structure. For example, the bottom wall 162 can be defined by a plurality of longitudinal rods 172 that cross a plurality of lateral rods 170, as is well known in the art. The rods 170, 172 can be connected together by any suitable means, including welding, epoxy, clips, etc. A plurality of fixed tines 174 protrude vertically upward from the bottom wall 162 and from any combination of the rods 170, 172. Thus, the shelf assembly 130 is configured to receive articles 214 for cleaning.
[0036] Referring generally to Figures 3-9 , the dishwasher appliance 100 further includes an article holder assembly 200. In particular, Figures 3-9 A plurality of views of one embodiment of an article holder assembly 200 according to the present disclosure is shown. More particularly, as shown, the article holder assembly 200 has at least one attachment arm 202. The attachment arm 202 is secured to one of the side walls 164 of the lower shelf 134. In particular, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the article holder assembly 200 has a first attachment arm 204 and a second attachment arm 206 that are secured to opposite side walls 164 of the lower shelf 134. For example, in certain embodiments, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 6 , Figure 7A and Figure 9 , the top end 222 of the first attachment arm 204 and the second attachment arm 206 can include a slot 220. The slot 220 is configured to slide onto the opposite side walls 164 of the lower shelf 134 so as to facilitate securing the first attachment arm 204 and the second attachment arm 206 in place.
[0037] Further, as shown particularly in Figure 8 , the first attachment arm 204 and the second attachment arm 206 can also include a female connector 224 or a cavity that is configured to receive at least one tine 174 of the lower shelf 164 (as shown in Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) so as to further facilitate securing the first attachment arm 204 and the second attachment arm 206 in place.
[0038] Further, the article holder assembly 200 has at least one article positioning arm 208 that is secured between the first attachment arm 204 and the second attachment arm 206. More particularly, as shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4A , Figure 4B andFigure 6 As shown, the article holder assembly 200 may include a first positioning arm 210 and a second positioning arm 212. In addition, as shown, the first article positioning arm 210 and the second article positioning arm 212 may be in an engaged position ( Figure 3 、 Figure 4A and Figure 5A ) and disengaged positions ( Figure 4B and Figure 5B ). For example, in some embodiments, particularly as Figure 6 As shown, the first locating arm 210 and the second locating arm 212 may be rotatably mounted between the first attachment arm 204 and the second attachment arm 206 at a first height H1 and a lower second height H2, respectively.
[0039] In addition, especially Figure 3 、 Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B and Figure 6 As shown, the first positioning arm 210 can define a predetermined geometric shape that is configured to receive a portion of one or more items 214 for cleaning. Therefore, when the item positioning arm 208 is in the engaged position, the predetermined geometric shape positions and secures the one or more items 214 for cleaning. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first item positioning arm 210 and the second item positioning arm 212 can be formed from a flexible wire structure. More specifically, as shown Figure 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first item locating arm 210 defines a wire structure having one or more notches 244 for receiving items. For example, such notches 227 can be V-shaped, U-shaped, etc., for receiving various types of items 214, such as the handles of water bottles 218, stemware 216, etc. In addition, as shown, the second item locator 212 can define a wire structure having any suitable shape that helps maintain the items 214 in a desired position during cleaning. Thus, in certain embodiments, in the engaged position, the first item locating arm 210 orients the items 214 (e.g., stemware 216, water bottles 218, etc.) in a direction away from the side walls 164 of the lower rack 134 so that fluid does not accumulate on top of the base of the items 214 during operation of the dishwasher apparatus 100. In such an embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the article holder assembly 200 orients the article 214 at an angle relative to the sidewall 164. In certain embodiments, the angle may range up to about 60 degrees.
[0040] Special References Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 7A and Figure 7B, the first and second attachment arms 204, 206 each include an attachment location 228, 230 at each of the respective first and second heights H1, H2 for respective end portions 232, 234 of the first and second article positioning arms 210, 212 Figure 6 . Further, as shown, each attachment location 228, 230 includes a recess 236 formed into an inner surface 242 of the first and second attachment arms 204, 206 at the respective first and second heights H1, H2. More particularly, as shown, each recess 236 includes a first cutout 238 extending in a first direction and a second cutout 240 extending in a second direction. Further, as shown, the first and second directions can be different. As Figure 7B illustrated, the first direction D1 can extend at an angle relative to the second direction D2. Further, the first cutout 238 of the upper portion can extend at a different angle or at the same angle as the first cutout 238 of the lower portion. Further, as shown, the first cutout 238 of each recess 236 intersects the second cutout 240 of each recess 236.
[0041] Accordingly, in the engaged position, as Figure 3 , Figure 4A , Figure 5A and Figure 6 illustrated, the respective end portions 232, 234 of the first and second article positioning arms 210, 212 are secured in place via the first cutout 238. Further, in the disengaged position, as Figure 4B and Figure 5B illustrated, the respective end portions 232, 234 of the first and second article positioning arms 210, 212 are secured in place via the second cutout 240.
[0042] Accordingly, in certain embodiments, to move either of the first and second article positioning arms 210, 212 to the engaged position, a user need only compress and rotate the corresponding wire structure until its corresponding end portion (e.g., end portion 232 or 234) aligns with the first cutout 238. The compressed wire structure can then be released, thereby securing the corresponding end portion of one of the article positioning arms 210, 212 within the first cutout 238. Similarly, to move either of the first and second article positioning arms 210, 212 to the disengaged position, a user need only compress and rotate the corresponding wire structure until its corresponding end portion (e.g., end portion 232 or 234) aligns with the second cutout 240. The compressed wire structure can then be released, thereby securing the corresponding end portion of one of the article positioning arms 210, 212 within the second cutout 240. Accordingly, as Figure 4B andFigure 5B As shown, when in the disengaged position, the first and second article positioning arms 210, 212 extend in a direction generally parallel to the first and second attachment arms 204, 206, such that the first and second article positioning arms 210, 212 and the first and second attachment arms 204, 206 extend in a common two-dimensional plane.
[0043] In further embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the first and second article positioning arms 210, 212 can be configured to extend in a direction that is not parallel to the first and second attachment arms 204, 206. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the first and second article positioning arms 210, 212 can be configured to extend in a direction that is perpendicular to the first and second attachment arms 204, 206. In such embodiments, the first and second article positioning arms 210, 212 can be configured to extend in a direction that is perpendicular to the first and second attachment arms 204, 206 when the first and second attachment arms 204, 206 are fixed to the lower rack 134. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the dishwasher apparatus 100 can also include a silverware cleaning system 226 positioned proximate the lower rack 134. In such embodiments, as shown, the article holder assembly 200 can be positioned proximate the silverware cleaning system 226 or silverware blaster manifold. In this way, when the first and second attachment arms 204, 206 are fixed to the opposing side walls 164 of the lower rack 134, the first and second positioning arms 210, 212 position and secure one or more articles 214 above the silverware cleaning system 226 during cleaning. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the silverware cleaning system 220 is configured to provide improved cleaning performance for the articles in the article holder assembly 200 due to the dedicated jets concentrated in this area.
[0044] Further, in certain embodiments, the first and second attachment arms 204, 206 and the first and second article positioning arms 210, 212 described herein can be constructed from the same material or different materials. For example, in one embodiment, the first and second attachment arms 204, 206 can be constructed from a polymeric material, while the first and second article positioning arms 210, 212 can be constructed from a metallic material. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the first and second attachment arms 204, 206 can be press-fit onto the side walls 164 of the lower rack 134, for example via the female connectors 224 Figure 8 ) described above. In further embodiments, the first and second attachment arms 204, 206 can be fixed to the lower rack 134 by any suitable means, including welding, epoxy, clips, etc. Further, by constructing the first and second article positioning arms 210, 212 from metal, such components can be easily formed as wire structures having any suitable shape.
[0045] This written description uses examples to disclose the application, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the application, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the application is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims
1. A warewashing machine apparatus comprising: a tub defining a wash chamber; a door mounted adjacent the tub and allowing selective access to the wash chamber of the tub; a rack assembly mounted within the wash chamber and configured to receive articles for cleaning, the rack assembly including an upper rack and a lower rack; and an article holder assembly including at least one attachment arm secured to a side wall of the lower rack and at least one article positioning arm secured to the at least one attachment arm, the at least one article positioning arm movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the at least one article positioning arm defines a predetermined geometry configured to receive a portion of one or more articles for cleaning, and wherein when the at least one article positioning arm is in the engaged position, the predetermined geometry positions and secures one or more articles for cleaning; wherein the at least one attachment arm includes first and second attachment arms secured to opposite side walls of the lower rack; wherein the at least one article positioning arm includes first and second article positioning arms rotatably mounted between the first and second attachment arms at a first height and a lower second height, respectively; wherein the first and second attachment arms each include an attachment location for respective end portions of the first and second article positioning arms at the first and second heights, each attachment location including a recess formed in an inner surface of the first and second attachment arms at the first and second heights, respectively; wherein each recess includes a first cutout extending in a first direction and a second cutout extending in a second direction, the first and second directions being different, wherein in the engaged position, the respective end portions of the first and second article positioning arms are secured in place via the first cutouts, and wherein in the disengaged position, the respective end portions of the first and second article positioning arms are secured in place via the second cutouts. top end portions of the first and second attachment arms each include a slot configured to slide onto the opposite side walls of the lower rack to help secure the first and second attachment arms in place.
2. The warewashing machine apparatus of claim 1, wherein, bottom end portions of the first and second attachment arms each include a female connector configured to receive at least one prong of the lower rack to help secure the first and second attachment arms in place.
3. The warewashing machine apparatus of claim 1, wherein, when the first and second attachment arms are secured to the opposite side walls of the lower rack, the first and second article positioning arms position and secure one or more articles over the silverware cleaning system during cleaning.
4. The warewashing machine apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a silverware cleaning system positioned adjacent to the lower rack, wherein, 5. The warewashing machine apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The first cutout of each recess extends at an angle relative to the second cutout of each recess, and wherein the first cutout of each recess intersects the second cutout of each recess.
6. The warewashing machine apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The first and second article positioning arms are each formed of a flexible wire structure, wherein, to move the first and second article positioning arms to the engaged position, each wire structure is compressed and rotated until respective end portions of the first and second article positioning arms are aligned with the first cutout, and then the compressed wire structure is released, thereby securing the respective end portions of the article positioning arms within the first cutout.
7. The warewashing machine apparatus of claim 6, wherein, To move the article positioning arms to the disengaged position, each wire structure is compressed and rotated until respective end portions of the first and second article positioning arms are aligned with the second cutout, and then the compressed wire structure is released, thereby securing the respective end portions of the article positioning arms within the second cutout.
8. The warewashing machine apparatus of claim 7, wherein, When in the disengaged position, the first and second article positioning arms extend in a direction that is generally parallel to the first and second attachment arms, such that the first and second article positioning arms and the first and second attachment arms extend in a common two-dimensional plane. 9.The dishwasher apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The article comprises at least one of a wine glass or one or more water bottles.
10. The warewashing machine apparatus of claim 9, wherein, In the engaged position, the at least one article positioning arm orients the wine glass in a direction away from a side wall of the lower shelf, such that during operation of the dishwasher apparatus, fluid does not collect on a base top of the wine glass.
11. An article holder assembly for use in a dishwasher apparatus, comprising: a first attachment arm for securing to a first side wall of a shelf of the dishwasher apparatus; a second attachment arm for securing to an opposing second side wall of a shelf of the dishwasher apparatus; and at least one article positioning arm secured between the first and second attachment arms, the at least one article positioning arm being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein the at least one article positioning arm defines a predetermined geometry configured to receive a portion of one or more articles for cleaning in the dishwasher apparatus, and wherein, when the at least one article positioning arm is in the engaged position, the predetermined geometry positions and secures one or more articles on the shelf of the dishwasher apparatus for cleaning; wherein the at least one article positioning arm comprises a first article positioning arm and a second article positioning arm rotatably mounted between the first and second attachment arms at a first height and a lower second height, respectively; wherein, to move the first and second article positioning arms to the engaged position, each wire structure is compressed and rotated until respective end portions of the first and second article positioning arms are aligned with the first cutout, and then the compressed wire structure is released, thereby securing the respective end portions of the article positioning arms within the first cutout. To move the article positioning arms to the disengaged position, each wire structure is compressed and rotated until respective end portions of the first and second article positioning arms are aligned with the second cutout, and then the compressed wire structure is released, thereby securing the respective end portions of the article positioning arms within the second cutout. When in the disengaged position, the first and second article positioning arms extend in a direction that is generally parallel to the first and second attachment arms, such that the first and second article positioning arms and the first and second attachment arms extend in a common two-dimensional plane. The article comprises at least one of a wine glass or one or more water bottles. In the engaged position, the at least one article positioning arm orients the wine glass in a direction away from a side wall of the lower shelf, such that during operation of the dishwasher apparatus, fluid does not collect on a base top of the wine glass. wherein the first and second attachment arms each comprise at the first and second heights attachment locations for respective end portions of the first and second article positioning arms, each attachment location comprising a recess formed in an inner surface of the first and second attachment arms at the first and second heights, respectively, wherein each recess comprises a first cutout extending in a first direction and a second cutout extending in a second direction, the first and second directions being different, wherein in the engaged position the respective end portions of the first and second article positioning arms are secured in place via the first cutouts, and wherein in the disengaged position the respective end portions of the first and second article positioning arms are secured in place via the second cutouts.
12. The article holder assembly of claim 11, wherein, top end portions of the first and second attachment arms each comprise a slot configured for sliding onto opposing side walls of a rack of the dishwasher apparatus so as to help secure the first and second attachment arms in place.
13. The article holder assembly of claim 11, wherein, bottom end portions of the first and second attachment arms each comprise a female connector configured for receiving at least one prong of a rack of the dishwasher apparatus so as to help secure the first and second attachment arms in place.
14. The article holder assembly of claim 11, wherein, the first cutout of each recess extends at an angle relative to the second cutout of each recess, and wherein the first cutout of each recess intersects the second cutout of each recess.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Goblet support and dishwasher
CN110101347A