Dish basket
The dish basket's innovative design allows for easy adjustment of storage space using linear members and position fixing members, addressing the issues of component loss and manufacturing complexity in existing designs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025281314
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing dish baskets face issues with storage space adjustment complexity and components being easily lost or requiring high manufacturing costs due to separate parts.
A dish basket design featuring a dish support member composed of linear members with openings and position fixing members that allow for easy adjustment of storage space without separating from the basket body, using rotational and directional movements to fix the support member in place.
The design prevents the dish support member from becoming a separate entity, eliminating the risk of loss and simplifying space adjustment, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Smart Images
Figure 2026034806000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a dish basket for storing a plurality of dishes such as plates used in school lunches, hospitals, etc. [Background technology]
[0002] In a conventional method, used dishes are lined up in a dish basket and then sprayed with washing water. To prevent any unwashed portions from being left unwashed, it is necessary to leave an appropriate gap between the dishes so that the washing water can reach all of the dishes.
[0003] This is an important issue in washing methods that separate dishes by using the spray force of washing water, and to maintain the distance between each dish, the number of dishes to be stored must be appropriate in relation to the storage volume, i.e., the storage space, of the dish basket. If there are too many dishes in the dish basket, the dishes cannot be separated by the spray force of washing water, and conversely, if there are too few dishes, the dishes will fall forward or backward relative to the arrangement direction, and washing water will not be sprayed all over the dishes, resulting in some dishes not being washed.
[0004] To solve this problem, it has been proposed to provide the dish basket with a mechanism that can adjust the storage space inside the dish basket appropriately depending on the number of dishes being washed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6169320 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-18166 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0006] However, the dish basket in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which the bottom plate (a dish support member located at the bottom of the container) that defines the storage space can be completely detached from the basket body. This is done by inserting the bottom plate's protrusions into the staggered through-holes of a fixture receiving plate attached to the basket body, and the bottom plate is secured with a separate bottom plate fastener. To change the storage space depending on the number of dishes, the bottom plate fastener is removed from the dish basket by pulling out the bottom plate fastener, and then the bottom plate's protrusions are reinserted into the appropriate staggered through-holes to secure the bottom plate with the bottom plate fastener. In other words, the position of the bottom plate (the dish support member) can be changed by selecting the staggered through-holes of the fixture receiving plate attached to the basket body, thereby changing the storage space. However, because the bottom plate and bottom plate fastener are separate from the dish basket body, they are easily lost. In particular, the bottom plate fastener is a small wire, and there is a high risk of losing the bottom plate fastener when it is removed from the dish basket body during cleaning of the bottom plate itself.
[0007] Furthermore, the dish basket of Patent Document 2 has a basic structure in which the dividing means, which are dish support members, are arranged in an X-shape in side view and have two rotating frames that rotate in different directions. Therefore, by changing the shape of the dividing means while rotating the rotating frames, it is possible to provide storage space corresponding to the number of dishes. However, such dividing means has a complex structure and is time-consuming to manufacture, which raises the problem of high manufacturing costs for the dish basket.
[0008] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a dish basket that allows the size of the dish basket's storage space to be easily adjusted and has a structure in which the dish support member used for adjustment does not separate from the dish basket body and become a separate entity. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the dish basket of the present invention comprises a dish support member which is composed of a combination of a plurality of linear members and has an opening through which at least one of the linear members in the stacking direction of the dishes stored in the dish basket passes, and a position fixing member which has a plurality of element portions which abut against a part of the dish support member along the stacking direction in order to hold the dish support member in a desired position within the dish basket, and is characterized in that at least one of the linear members in the stacking direction of the dishes passes through the opening of the dish support member, and the dish support member does not come off the linear member and become a separate entity, but rather the dish support member comes off from the abutment at the current fixed position of the position fixing member.
[0010] The dish support member can be released from contact with the position fixing member at the current fixed position by rotating the dish support member around the opening or the point where the linear member contacts the inner edge of the opening within the opening as a rotation center. Alternatively, the dish support member can be released from contact with the position fixing member at the current fixed position by moving the dish support member in the dish loading / unloading direction, which corresponds to the upward direction when the stacking direction of the dishes is taken as the left-right direction, within the opening or with the linear member passing through the opening within the opening.
[0011] Furthermore, when a plurality of linear members arranged opposite to each other along the stacking direction of the dishes pass through openings at both ends of the dish support member, the opening on the side not having the rotation center is formed with a diameter large enough to allow the dish support member to be released from the position fixing member by rotation of the dish support member. Also, the element portion provided on the position fixing member has a comb-tooth structure or position fixing pin holes at predetermined intervals. [Effects of the Invention]
[0012] The dish basket of the present invention is structured so that at least one of the linear members that constitute the dish basket and that extends in the stacking direction of the dishes penetrates an opening in the dish support member, preventing the dish support member from slipping off. Therefore, the dish support member will not become a separate entity from the dish basket body. Furthermore, the position of the dish support member in the stacking direction of the dishes is fixed using a position fixing member that is connected to the dish basket body, eliminating the need for positioning pins or the like, and as a result, the dish support member or the like will not be lost.
[0013] In addition, when the dish support member rotates around the opening of the dish support member through which the linear member, which is part of the dish basket, passes, the dish support member is disengaged from the position fixing member due to the rotational movement. This makes it possible to change the position of the dish support member with a single touch, and makes it easy to adjust the storage space to match the number of storage containers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view showing an outline of a dish basket according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view showing a part of the dish basket shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a view showing a part of the dish basket shown in FIG. 1 from a different viewpoint. FIG. [Figure 4] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the shape and arrangement of the position fixing member, which is different from the embodiment shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the shape and arrangement of the position fixing member, which is different from the embodiment shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a position fixing member. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a position fixing member. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a position fixing member. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing how the dish support member of the dish basket shown in FIG. 1 is removed. [Figure 10]FIG. 2 is a diagram mainly showing the tableware support member and the position fixing member. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing how the tableware support member is rotated and released from the position fixing member. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of the shape of the opening of the dish support member. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of the shape of the opening of the dish support member. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of the shape of the opening of the dish support member. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of the shape of the opening of the dish support member. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows a dish basket 100 that is carried into a dishwashing system. This dish basket 100 is used when dishes and trays are stored in the dish basket and washed together with the dish basket using detergent sprayed from the dishwashing system. As shown in FIG. 1, the dish basket 100 is made up of multiple parallel linear members 1 assembled in a roughly rectangular shape. The linear members 1 are made of a material such as stainless steel, taking into consideration the weight of the dishes and durability against high-temperature rinse water.
[0016] Among the multiple linear members 1, linear members 1c and 1d that make up one side of the dish basket 100 function as a lid to prevent dishes from falling out. They rotate upward to facilitate the storage of dishes inside, and once the dishes have been stored, linear members 1c and 1d return to their original position before being transported to the dishwashing system. These linear members 1c and 1d support not only the dishes but also the dish support member 2 (described below). The dish basket is also provided with a handle 6 to facilitate easy transport. Furthermore, a mechanism (not shown) that engages and locks with another linear member 1e may be provided to ensure the lid function of the linear members 1c and 1d. The dish basket 100 is also provided with a dish bottom plate 4 made of a plate-like member such as stainless steel to catch any food scraps or juices that may fall from the stored dishes when the dish basket 100 is transported by the handle 6.
[0017] Dishwashing systems can be broadly divided into two types: dish baskets in which multiple dividers are pre-installed on a linear member or connected to the linear member, and each dish is stored according to these dividers, and dish baskets without dividers.
[0018] In the case of dish baskets with dividers like those used in domestic dishwashers, there is space between the dishes, so spraying the detergent into the space can achieve high cleaning performance. However, since the positions of the multiple dividers are fixed, the type and size of the dishes (especially the depth of the dishes) must match the spacing between the dividers, making it unsuitable for washing dishes that do not fit neatly. In schools, hospitals, etc., dedicated dish baskets are often prepared and used for each type of dish.
[0019] On the other hand, dishwashing systems that use dish baskets without dividers use the force of the washing water sprayed from the washing nozzle to create spaces between dishes and remove dirt. Because the dish basket has no dividers to separate each dish, the same dish basket can be used for dishes of different types and sizes. This has the advantage of eliminating the need to prepare dedicated dish baskets for each type of dish. On the other hand, because there are no dividers, if there are only a few dishes to store, the dishes may tip forward or backward relative to the arrangement direction, resulting in some dishes remaining unwashed. To prevent dishes from tipping over, the dish basket 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a dish support member 2 made of a material such as stainless steel. In other words, the dish support member 2 functions like a bookend on a bookshelf, supporting the dishes within the dish basket.
[0020] One of the features of the dish basket 100 of this embodiment is that the dish support member 2 has openings 5a and 5b, which are through-holes, through which portions 1a and 1b of the linear members constituting the dish basket body pass. As a result, the dish support member 2 cannot be separated from the dish basket 100. Furthermore, to enable the dish support member 2 to perform its support function, position fixing members 3a and 3b are attached to the inside of the dish basket. The position of the dish support member 2 is fixed (i.e., movement in the dish stacking direction is restricted) by portions of the dish support member 2 abutting against the position fixing members 3a and 3b, thereby enabling the dish support member 2 to support the contained dishes. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , position fixing members 3a and 3b, each with a series of comb-like notches that fit the thickness of the dish support member 2, are arranged on both sides of the dish support member 2. The position fixing members 3a and 3b are fixed to the linear members 1 constituting the dish basket body or the dish bottom plate 4 by welding or the like.
[0021] 2 and 3 are views mainly showing the dish support member 2 and the position fixing members 3a and 3b of FIG. 1. As can be seen from both figures, the two position fixing members 3a and 3b are not identical in shape, and the orientation of the main portions of the grooves is also different. Specifically, the grooves of the position fixing member 3b are mainly oriented toward the center of the dish basket, while the grooves of the position fixing member 3a are present not only in the center but also on the upper side. However, as shown in FIG. 4 or 5, the same position fixing members 3a or 3b may be arranged in the same way on both sides of the dish support member.
[0022] In another embodiment, the position fixing member may be a comb-teeth shaped position fixing member as shown in Fig. 6, or may further be a position fixing member with an inclined comb-teeth shape as shown in Fig. 7. In yet another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the dish support member 2 may have a protruding portion 22, and the protruding portion 22 may be inserted into a hole provided in the position fixing member 3a in Fig. 8 to fix the position of the dish support member 2. In other words, as long as the dish support member 2 can be positioned so that movement of the dish support member in the dish arrangement direction is stopped at one of the multiple selectable restraining positions on the position fixing members 3a and 3b, the shape and installation direction of the position fixing members 3a and 3b are not important.
[0023] Next, the movement of the dish support member 2 will be described. When the portion of the dish support member 2 near A shown in Fig. 9 is lifted upward, the dish support member 2 rotates upward around the opening 5b through which the dish support member 2 passes (more precisely, the portion of the peripheral edge of the opening that the dish support member 2 comes into contact with). In other words, the dish support member 2 changes from the state shown in Fig. 10 to the state shown in Fig. 11.
[0024] To enable this rotation, the opening 5a on the opposite side of the opening 5b at the center of rotation is a roughly elliptical slot with a major axis much larger than the axial diameter of the linear member 1a, as shown in the figure. The size of this major axis determines the amount of rotation of the dish support member 2. The purpose of the rotation is to disengage the dish support member 2 from the groove of the comb teeth of the position fixing member 3a in which it is currently clamped and shift its position so that it is clamped in another groove. Therefore, the rotation amount must be such that the dish support member 2 disengages from the groove of the position fixing member 3a. At the same time, the rotation amount must also be such that the dish support member 2 disengages from the position fixing member 3b located on the side where the center of rotation is located. Therefore, the diameter size of the slot in the opening 5a is determined based on the rotation angle required for the dish support member to disengage from the grooves of the position fixing members 3a and 3b on both sides.
[0025] In the case of Figure 10, the elongated hole of opening 5a has a linear opening shape along the vertical direction, but it may also be an elongated hole that is inclined relative to the vertical direction in accordance with an arc drawn from the center of rotation at opening 5b, as in the elongated hole opening 5a shown in Figure 12.
[0026] In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 etc., openings 5a, 5b are provided on both sides of the dish support member 2, and position fixing members 3a, 3b are provided on both sides of the dish support member 2. However, a configuration in which only opening 5b is provided and linear member 1b passes through it is also possible. Having only opening 5b makes it easier for the dish support member 2 to rotate. In this case, arranging a position fixing member (i.e., position fixing member 3a) on the side opposite to the side where opening 5b is provided (the side where there is no rotation center) makes the dish support member more stable. However, it is also possible to arrange only a position fixing member (i.e., position fixing member 3b) on the rotation center side, or to arrange both positions (i.e., position fixing members 3a, 3b). In other words, if the position fixing member is located on at least one side of the dish support member, the movement of the position fixing member in the dish stacking direction can be restricted by abutting against the groove or protrusion of the position fixing member.
[0027] However, such a one-sided configuration of the position fixing member results in a relatively small force preventing the dish support member 2 from moving in the stacking direction of the dishes. For example, when multiple heavy dishes are tilted onto the dish support member 2, the dish support member 2 is likely to come out of the grooves of the position fixing member 3a and / or the position fixing member 3b. Therefore, it is preferable to use a one-sided arrangement of the position fixing member when storing small, lightweight dishes that can withstand the weight of the dishes when they are tilted onto the dish support member 2.
[0028] (Application example) In the dish basket 100 of the above-described embodiment, the shape of the opening 5b, which serves as the center of rotation, is slightly larger than the diameter of the linear member 1b so that the linear member 1b can pass through. This is intended to prevent the center of rotation from shifting when the dish support member 2 rotates. However, the shape of the opening 5b is not necessarily limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the object of the present invention can be achieved even if the openings 5a and 5b on both sides are shaped like elongated holes. However, in the case of openings 5a and 5b on both sides as shown in FIG. 13, depending on the size of the elongated holes, the dish support member 2 can be removed from the position fixing members 3a and 3b by moving it upward (in the direction in which dishes are loaded and unloaded), which means that rotation is not necessary.
[0029] Alternatively, instead of providing an opening serving as a through-hole in the dish support member 2 itself, a part 7 through which the linear member 1b can pass may be attached integrally to the dish support member 2 as shown in Figure 14. Even with the relationship between the dish support member 2 and the linear member 1b as shown in Figure 14, the object of the present invention can be achieved.
[0030] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the openings through which the linear members 1a and / or 1b pass are all described as so-called closed holes. However, since the dish support member will not be separated from the dish basket body as long as at least one linear member passes through an opening that is a closed hole, other linear members may pass through an opening 5a that is an open hole as shown in Fig. 15.
[0031] In addition, the linear members 1a and 1b are usually round bars to achieve smooth rotation, but they are not necessarily limited to round bars, and any linear member can be selected, even if its cross-sectional shape is rectangular, as long as the specified rotation can be achieved. [Explanation of symbols]
[0032] 1a Linear member 1b Linear member 2. Dish support member 3a Position fixing member 3b Position fixing member 4 Dish bottom plate 5a opening 5b opening 6 Handle 7 parts 100 dish baskets
Claims
1. A dish basket constructed by combining a plurality of linear members, a dish support member having an opening through which at least one of the linear members in the stacking direction of the dishes contained in the dish basket can pass, the linear member passing through the opening preventing the dish support member from becoming detached from the dish basket and becoming a separate body; a position fixing member having a plurality of element portions that abut against parts of the dish support member on one or both sides along the stacking direction in order to restrain the dish support member at a desired position within the dish basket; A dish basket characterized in that the size of the opening is determined based on the number or size of the position fixing members so that the dish support member can rotate or move vertically upward when the stacking direction of the dishes is left-to-right.
2. A dish basket as described in claim 1, wherein when the dish support member rotates, the dish support member rotates around the opening or the point within the opening where the linear member contacts the inner edge of the opening, thereby causing the dish support member to release from contact with the position fixing member at its current fixed position.
3. A dish basket as described in claim 1, having the number of position fixing members or the shape of the element parts of the position fixing members adjusted to the support strength of the dish support member required when the dishes are tilted.
4. The dish basket according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the element portion provided on the position fixing member has a comb-tooth structure or has position fixing pin holes at predetermined intervals.
5. The dish basket according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the dish support member is replaced by a dish support member having a part that is connected to the dish support member and has an opening through which the linear member can pass.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Automatic ground monitor of DC power source circuit
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Dish basket
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