Utensil caddy of a dishwasher appliance

Abstract

A dishwasher appliance defines a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction. The dishwasher appliance includes a wash tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. The dishwasher appliance includes a door rotatably mounted to the wash tub for providing selective access to the wash chamber. The dishwasher appliance further includes a utensil caddy operably positioned within the wash chamber. The utensil caddy is configured for receipt of the articles. The utensil caddy in a first configuration defines a first volume, and the utensil caddy in a second configuration further defines a second volume.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to dishwasher appliances, and more particularly to utensil caddies for supporting utensils to be cleaned within dishwasher appliances.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A dishwasher or dishwashing appliance generally includes a tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. Certain dishwashing appliances also include a rack assembly slidably mounted within the wash chamber. A user can load articles, such as plates, bowls, glasses, or cups, into the rack assembly, and the rack assembly can support such articles within the wash chamber during operation of the dishwashing appliance.

[0003] Certain dishwashing appliances also include utensil caddies configured for receipt of articles (e.g., forks, knives, spoons, or other utensils) for washing. The utensil caddy is often formed from multiple molded polymer pieces and can be mounted within the wash chamber in various configurations. For example, the utensil caddy can be mounted within the rack assembly, on a front of the rack assembly, or on a door of the appliance. Typically, such utensil caddies can be selectively removed from the rack assembly or other portion of the dishwashing appliance on which such caddies are mounted. As a result, a handle is often attached to the utensil caddies so that a user has something to hold when the utensil caddy is removed from the dishwashing appliance. These utensil caddies may be oriented such that they hold the utensils in an upright or vertical orientation during washing. Some dishwashers can have a utensil caddy that occupies a definite volume within the wash chamber. These dishwashers with definite volumes are able to hold only a limited quantity of utensils.

[0004] Accordingly, a dishwasher appliance that utilizes an improved utensil caddy would be useful. More specifically, a utensil caddy that can expand that is simple to assemble, versatile, and may be universally used with different wash racks or doors would be particularly beneficial.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present subject matter provides a dishwasher appliance including a XXXXXX. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a XXXXXX.

[0007] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a XXXXXX.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention 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 invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure with a door in a partially open position.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides a side, cross sectional view of the exemplary dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a lower rack and utensil caddy according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of the exemplary utensil caddy of FIG. 3 in a first configuration.

[0014] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the exemplary utensil caddy of FIG. 3 in a second configuration according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0015] FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of the exemplary utensil caddy of FIG. 3 in the second configuration according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0016] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0018] As used herein, the term “article” may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance. The term “wash cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which a dishwashing appliance operates while containing the articles to be washed and uses a detergent and water, preferably with agitation, to e.g., remove soil particles including food and other undesirable elements from the articles. The term “rinse cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to remove residual soil, detergents, and other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles after completion of the wash cycle. The term “drain cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to discharge soiled water from the dishwashing appliance. The term “wash fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing and / or rinsing the articles and is typically made up of water that may include other additives such as detergent or other treatments. Furthermore, as used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,”“substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error.

[0019] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary domestic dishwasher or dishwashing appliance 100 that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher 100 includes a cabinet 102 (FIG. 2) having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash chamber 106. As shown in FIG. 2, tub 104 extends between a top 107 and a bottom 108 along a vertical direction V, between a pair of side walls 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 111 and a rear side 112 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

[0020] The tub 104 includes a front opening 114 and a door 116 hinged at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in FIG. 2), wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher 100. According to exemplary embodiments, dishwasher 100 further includes a door closure mechanism or assembly 118 that is used to lock and unlock door 116 for accessing and sealing wash chamber 106.

[0021] As best illustrated in FIG. 2, tub side walls 110 accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. More specifically, a lower rack assembly 122, a middle rack assembly 124, and an upper rack assembly 126 are stacked along the vertical direction V within wash chamber 106. Each rack assembly 122, 124, 126 is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. With respect to middle rack assembly 124 and upper rack assembly 126, this is facilitated, for example, by guide rails 120 which are mounted to tub side walls 110 and rollers 128 mounted onto rack assemblies 124, 126, respectively. In addition, as will be described in more detail below, lower rack assembly 122 (or any other rack assembly) may include a plurality of carrier roller assemblies 200 which slidably support lower rack assembly 122, thereby permitting the lower rack to roll out of wash chamber 106 and rest on door 116 when it is in the open (i.e., horizontal) position. Although a guide rails 120, rollers 128, and carrier roller assemblies 200 are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments.

[0022] Some or all of the rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of wires or elongated members 130 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are shown in FIG. 2). In this regard, rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are generally configured for supporting articles within wash chamber 106 while allowing a flow of wash fluid to reach and impinge on those articles, e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing cycle. According to another exemplary embodiment, a utensil caddy may be removably attached to a rack assembly, e.g., lower rack assembly 122, for placement of silverware, utensils, articles, and the like, that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by rack 122.

[0023] Dishwasher 100 further includes a plurality of spray assemblies for urging a flow of water or wash fluid onto the articles placed within wash chamber 106. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, dishwasher 100 includes a lower spray arm assembly 134 disposed in a lower region 136 of wash chamber 106 and above a sump 138 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to lower rack assembly 122. Similarly, a mid-level spray arm assembly 140 is located in an upper region of wash chamber 106 and may be located below and in close proximity to middle rack assembly 124. In this regard, mid-level spray arm assembly 140 may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash fluid up through middle rack assembly 124 and upper rack assembly 126. Additionally, an upper spray assembly 142 may be located above upper rack assembly 126 along the vertical direction V. In this manner, upper spray assembly 142 may be configured for urging and / or cascading a flow of wash fluid downward over rack assemblies 122, 124, and 126. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, upper rack assembly 126 may further define an integral spray manifold 144, which is generally configured for urging a flow of wash fluid substantially upward along the vertical direction V through upper rack assembly 126.

[0024] The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating water and wash fluid in the tub 104. More specifically, fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a pump 152 for circulating water and wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, and / or rinse aid) in the tub 104. Pump 152 may be located within sump 138 or within a machinery compartment located below sump 138 of tub 104, as generally recognized in the art. Fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing water and / or wash fluid from pump 152 to the various spray assemblies and manifolds. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a primary supply conduit 154 may extend from pump 152, along rear 112 of tub 104 along the vertical direction V to supply wash fluid throughout wash chamber 106.

[0025] As illustrated, primary supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash fluid to one or more spray assemblies, e.g., to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 and upper spray assembly 142. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash fluid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein. For example, according to another exemplary embodiment, primary supply conduit 154 could be used to provide wash fluid to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash fluid to upper spray assembly 142. Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash fluid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location within dishwasher appliance 100.

[0026] Each spray arm assembly 134, 140, 142, integral spray manifold 144, or other spray device may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid received from pump 152 onto dishes or other articles located in wash chamber 106. The arrangement of the discharge ports, also referred to as jets, apertures, or orifices, may provide a rotational force by virtue of wash fluid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism. Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. The resultant movement of the spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and the spray from fixed manifolds provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. For example, dishwasher 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments discussed herein are used for the purpose of explanation only, and are not limitations of the present subject matter.

[0027] In operation, pump 152 draws wash fluid in from sump 138 and pumps it to a diverter assembly 156, e.g., which is positioned within sump 138 of dishwasher appliance. Diverter assembly 156 may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber 158 for selectively distributing the wash fluid to the spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and / or other spray manifolds or devices. For example, the diverter disk may have a plurality of apertures that are configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) at the top of diverter chamber 158. In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash fluid to the desired spray device.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, diverter assembly 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash fluid from pump 152 to various fluid supply conduits, only some of which are illustrated in FIG. 2 for clarity. More specifically, diverter assembly 156 may include four outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash fluid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134, a second conduit for rotating mid-level spray arm assembly 140, a third conduit for spraying upper spray assembly 142, and a fourth conduit for spraying an auxiliary rack such as the silverware rack.

[0029] The dishwasher 100 is further equipped with a controller 160 to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller 160 may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 160 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and / or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

[0030] The controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 160 may be located within a control panel area 162 of door 116 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In such an embodiment, input / output (“I / O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom of door 116. Typically, the controller 160 includes a user interface panel / controls 164 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher 100. In one embodiment, the user interface 164 may represent a general purpose I / O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface 164 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 164 may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface 164 may be in communication with the controller 160 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

[0031] It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher 100. The exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for user interface 164, different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, different spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and spray manifold configurations may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0032] Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 through 6, a utensil caddy 300 will be described according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. As described in more detail below, the utensil caddy 300 transitions between a first configuration 346 (e.g., as shown for example in FIG. 4) and a second configuration 348 (e.g., as shown for example in FIGS. 5 and 6). The lower rack assembly 122 may be used as shown in FIG. 2 for supporting the utensil caddy 300. In other words, the utensil caddy 300 is operably, generally connected with the lower rack assembly 122 or specifically coupled with the lower rack 202.

[0033] In addition, as shown in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, tub 104 of dishwasher 100 may define lower guide rails 204 and door 116 may define a lower rack rolling surface 206. In this manner, when door 116 is in the open position such that it extends substantially within a horizontal plane, the lower rack assembly 122 may slide out of wash chamber 106 along the transverse direction T and rest on door 116 for loading and unloading dishes as well as the utensil caddy 300 and utensils from the utensil caddy 300. Although utensil caddy 300 is illustrated as being supported by lower rack 202, it should be appreciated that utensil caddy 300 may be supported with any suitable dishwasher rack. Additionally, or alternatively, the utensil caddy 300 may be supported by any suitable surface within the wash chamber 106 (e.g., the tub side wall 110, the door 116, etc.).

[0034] As best shown in FIG. 3, lower rack 202 may support the utensil caddy 300. In this regard, the utensil caddy 300 may be positioned on a lateral side of the lower rack 202. Additionally, or alternatively, the utensil caddy 300 may be positioned on a transverse side of the lower rack 202. Moreover, as described below, the utensil caddy 300 is designed to be interchangeably used on either the left side, the right side, the front side, or the rear side of lower rack 202. In this manner, the same utensil caddy 300 may be placed at the left, the right side, the front side, and the rear side, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and complexity. Notably, when the utensil caddy 300 is placed onto the lower rack 202, the utensil caddy 300 shares a coordinate system with the dishwasher 100. Therefore, the utensil caddy 300 will be described herein as sharing the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the transverse direction T with dishwasher 100.

[0035] With additional reference to FIG. 3, the utensil caddy 300 may be generally elongate, prismatic, rectangular, or a combination thereof. Therefore, the utensil caddy 300 may have a major direction 302 of extent and a minor direction of extent 304. The major direction of extent 302 is generally orthogonal with the minor direction of extent 304. As described above, the utensil caddy 300 may be placed adjacent to a lateral or transverse side of the lower rack 202, or another conceivable location within the wash chamber 106. Further, the utensil caddy 300 may be placed with the major direction of extent 302 oriented along the transverse direction T or the lateral direction L. Even further, the utensil caddy 300 may be placed with the minor direction of extent 304 along the vertical direction V (not shown). Alternatively, the utensil caddy 300 may be placed with the major direction of extent 302 along the vertical direction V (not shown). As illustrated, the utensil caddy 300 is placed onto the lower rack 202 such that the major direction of extent is along the transverse direction T and the minor direction of extent is along the lateral direction L.

[0036] With even further reference to FIGS. 3 through 6, the utensil caddy 300 includes a shell 306. The shell 306 may define a plurality of apertures 308, as illustrated. The plurality of apertures 308 allow for the utensil caddy 300 to release liquid and dry faster after the dishwasher 100 has completed an operating cycle. Further, the plurality of apertures 308 allow liquid to contact the utensils for cleaning purposes during the operating cycle. The plurality of apertures 308 may take the form as rectangles, as illustrated. Alternatively, the plurality of apertures 308 may take the form of another conceivable shape (e.g., circles).

[0037] As shown, the shell 306 of the utensil caddy 300 generally extends along the vertical direction V between a top section 310 and a bottom section 318 (not shown). Further, the shell 306 extends in the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T along a side section 312. As will be described in detail below, the utensil caddy 300, and therefore the shell 306, may be generally formed as a single, integral, unitary component, advantageously requiring no post-molding or post-formation processing (e.g., attachment of multiple parts, coating, or polishing). In particular, a handle 340 may be formed as an integral unitary component with the shell 306 and may extend upward therefrom (e.g., at the section 310, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment). Therefore, the shell 306 of the utensil caddy 300 in the first configuration 346 defines a first volume 336 between the top section 310, bottom section 318, and side section 312.

[0038] The side section 312, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, includes at least one transverse section 314 coupled with the top section 310 and the bottom section 318 while extending therebetween. Further, the side section 312 may include at least one lateral section 316, as illustrated. The side section 312 may include a second lateral section 317, as shown; collectively, the at least one lateral section 316 and the second lateral section 317 may be referred to as the at least one lateral section 316. Therefore, the shell 306 may be generally rectangular, oblong, and prismatic, as illustrated. Alternatively, the shell 306 may be at least one of curved, continuous, or equidistant from a geometric center.

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the at least one lateral section 316 may define a main opening 320. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one transverse section 314 may define the main opening 320. Alternatively, the top section 310 may define the main opening 320 if the utensil caddy 300 is positioned with the major direction of extent 302 or the minor direction of extent 304 along the transverse direction T. Further, the bottom section 318 may define the main opening 320 if the utensil caddy 300 is positioned with the major direction of extent 302 or the minor direction of extent 304 along the transverse direction T.

[0040] The utensil caddy 300 includes a moveable side wall 322 coupled with the shell 306. The moveable side wall 322 moves between a closed position 324 and an open position 326. The moveable side wall 322 in the closed position 324 puts the utensil caddy 300 in the first configuration 346, thus the moveable side wall 322 is generally flush with the shell 306. The moveable side wall 322 in the open position 326 puts the utensil caddy 300 in the second configuration 348. The moveable side wall 322, as illustrated in FIG. 5, may pivot along a transverse axis or a lateral axis, or generally, a horizontal axis. For example, the moveable side wall 322 may pivot along a bottom edge 328 away from the top section 310, as illustrated. Alternatively, the moveable side wall 322 may pivot along a vertical axis. For example, the moveable side wall 322 may be coupled with the side section 312 along a side edge 330.

[0041] The moveable side wall 322 may rotate within a range of 0 degrees and 45 degrees to transition between the closed position 324 and the open position 326. Additionally, or alternatively, the moveable side wall 322 may rotate within a range of 10 degrees and 35 degrees to transition between the closed position 324 and the open position 326. Additionally, or alternatively, the moveable side wall 322 may rotate within a range of 20 degrees and 30 degrees to transition between the closed position 324 and the open position 326. Additionally, or alternatively, the moveable side wall 322 may rotate about 25 degrees to transition between the closed position 324 and the open position 326. The moveable side wall 322 in the open position 326 may be referred to as protruding away from the shell 306 of the utensil caddy 300 in the second configuration 348.

[0042] The utensil caddy 300 may include at least one edge wall 342 coupled with the moveable side wall 322. As illustrated, the utensil caddy 300 further includes a second edge wall 343; the at least one edge wall 342 and the second edge wall 343 may be referred to herein collectively as the at least one edge wall 342. The at least one edge wall 342 may be generally orthogonal with the moveable side wall 322. As shown in the exemplary embodiments, the at least one edge wall 342 may be generally planar and extend planarly in the lateral direction L and the vertical direction V. The moveable side wall 322 in the closed position 324, in the illustrated examples, is generally planar and extends planarly in the transverse direction T and the vertical direction V.

[0043] The moveable side wall 322 in the open position 326 and the at least one edge wall 342 define a second volume 344 outside of and abutting the first volume 336. Therefore, the utensil caddy 300 in the second configuration 348 defines the second volume 344. The second volume 344, as illustrated, is less than the first volume 336. In other words, the first volume 336 is greater than the second volume 344. Further, the at least one edge wall 342 may include a shoulder 352 that selectively engages the shell 306 at the main opening 320. The shoulder 352 may retain the moveable side wall 322 in the open position, thus retaining the utensil caddy 300 in the second configuration 348.

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment best shown in FIG. 6, the moveable side wall 322 may translate away from the shell 306 to the open position 326. The shell 306 may define a plurality of grooves 332 within the first volume 336. As illustrated, the plurality of grooves 332 may be specifically defined by the side section 312. The utensil caddy 300 may include a bottom wall 358 coupled with the moveable side wall 322 that translates between the closed position 324 and the open position 326. The bottom wall 358, as illustrated, may extend into the first volume 336 of the utensil caddy 300. Further, the bottom wall 358 at least partially defines the second volume 344.

[0045] Further, the utensil caddy 300 may include a divider wall 338 positioned within the first volume 336. The divider wall may be coupled with the side section 312, as illustrated. Specifically, the divider wall 338 may be coupled with and extend between the at least one lateral section 318 and a second lateral section 317. The plurality of grooves 332 may be partially defined by the divider wall 338, as illustrated.

[0046] The moveable side wall 322 in the closed position 324 may couple with the divider wall 338 to retain the utensil caddy 300 in the first configuration 346. The utensil caddy 300 may include a clip 350 coupled with the moveable side wall 322 and operably coupled with the divider wall 338. Alternatively, the clip 350 may be swapped between the divider wall 338 and the moveable side wall 322 such that the clip 350 is coupled with the divider wall 338 and operably coupled with the moveable side wall 322. The clip 350, as illustrated, may be a polymeric material that a user can pinch to flex and, therefore, uncouple the moveable side wall 322 and the divider wall 338. Additionally, or alternatively, the divider wall 338 may define a retention aperture 354, as illustrated. The clip 350 may operably couple with the divider wall 338 at the retention aperture 354 in the first configuration 346. Additionally, or alternatively, the moveable side wall 322 may be selectively retained in the closed position 324 via a living hinge, snaps, or another suitable mechanical locking mechanism, for example.

[0047] The various components of the utensil caddy 300 may be formed from any suitable material and in any suitable manner. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the shell 306 is injection molded as a single piece using a suitably rigid plastic material. Similarly, the moveable side wall 322 and at least one edge wall 342 may be injection molded from plastic and snapped onto the shell 306 to complete utensil caddy 300. Notably, such a construction reduces the number of parts necessary to assemble the utensil caddy 300 thereby reducing manufacturing time, costs, and complexity.

[0048] According to the illustrated embodiment, the utensil caddy 300 may further include a frame 360 coupled with the shell 306 at the top section 310. The frame 360 may increase rigidity of the utensil caddy 300. The frame 360 may surround a periphery of the top section 310. Further, the utensil caddy 300 may include a flange 356 coupled with and extending from the frame 360. The flange 356 may operably couple with the wire 222 of the lower rack 202 to retain the utensil caddy 300 with the lower rack 202. By defining utensil caddy 300 as described above, the utensil caddy 300 may be used in dishwasher appliances having lower racks formed from different types of wire.

[0049] Advantageously, the utensil caddy 300 in the first configuration 346 as described herein allows for a set quantity of utensils to be placed within the first volume 336 defined by the shell 306. Further, the utensil caddy 300 in the second configuration 348 as described herein allows for an additional quantity of utensils to be placed within the second volume 344 defined by at least one of the moveable side wall 322, the at least edge wall 342, or the bottom wall 358. The elegant assembly of the moveable side wall 322 with the shell 306 allows for inexpensive manufacturing of the utensil caddy 300 and ease of use of the dishwasher 100 during loading and unloading of utensils.

[0050] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may 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 include 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 language of the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0017]Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0018]As used herein, the term “article” may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance. The term “wash cycle” is intended to refer to one or more ...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to dishwasher appliances, and more particularly to utensil caddies for supporting utensils to be cleaned within dishwasher appliances.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A dishwasher or dishwashing appliance generally includes a tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. Certain dishwashing appliances also include a rack assembly slidably mounted within the wash chamber. A user can load articles, such as plates, bowls, glasses, or cups, into the rack assembly, and the rack assembly can support such articles within the wash chamber during operation of the dishwashing appliance.

[0003] Certain dishwashing appliances also include utensil caddies configured for receipt of articles (e.g., forks, knives, spoons, or other utensils) for washing. The utensil caddy is often formed from multiple molded polymer pieces and can be mounted within the wash chamber in various configurations. For example, the utensil caddy can be mounted within the rack assembly, on a front of the rack assembly, or on a door of the appliance. Typically, such utensil caddies can be selectively removed from the rack assembly or other portion of the dishwashing appliance on which such caddies are mounted. As a result, a handle is often attached to the utensil caddies so that a user has something to hold when the utensil caddy is removed from the dishwashing appliance. These utensil caddies may be oriented such that they hold the utensils in an upright or vertical orientation during washing. Some dishwashers can have a utensil caddy that occupies a definite volume within the wash chamber. These dishwashers with definite volumes are able to hold only a limited quantity of utensils.

[0004] Accordingly, a dishwasher appliance that utilizes an improved utensil caddy would be useful. More specifically, a utensil caddy that can expand that is simple to assemble, versatile, and may be universally used with different wash racks or doors would be particularly beneficial.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present subject matter provides a dishwasher appliance including a XXXXXX. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a XXXXXX.

[0007] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a XXXXXX.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention 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 invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a dishwashing appliance of the present disclosure with a door in a partially open position.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides a side, cross sectional view of the exemplary dishwashing appliance of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of a lower rack and utensil caddy according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of the exemplary utensil caddy of FIG. 3 in a first configuration.

[0014] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the exemplary utensil caddy of FIG. 3 in a second configuration according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0015] FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of the exemplary utensil caddy of FIG. 3 in the second configuration according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0016] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0018] As used herein, the term “article” may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance. The term “wash cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which a dishwashing appliance operates while containing the articles to be washed and uses a detergent and water, preferably with agitation, to e.g., remove soil particles including food and other undesirable elements from the articles. The term “rinse cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to remove residual soil, detergents, and other undesirable elements that were retained by the articles after completion of the wash cycle. The term “drain cycle” is intended to refer to one or more periods of time during which the dishwashing appliance operates to discharge soiled water from the dishwashing appliance. The term “wash fluid” refers to a liquid used for washing and / or rinsing the articles and is typically made up of water that may include other additives such as detergent or other treatments. Furthermore, as used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,”“substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error.

[0019] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exemplary domestic dishwasher or dishwashing appliance 100 that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For the particular embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher 100 includes a cabinet 102 (FIG. 2) having a tub 104 therein that defines a wash chamber 106. As shown in FIG. 2, tub 104 extends between a top 107 and a bottom 108 along a vertical direction V, between a pair of side walls 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 111 and a rear side 112 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

[0020] The tub 104 includes a front opening 114 and a door 116 hinged at its bottom for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in FIG. 2), wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher 100. According to exemplary embodiments, dishwasher 100 further includes a door closure mechanism or assembly 118 that is used to lock and unlock door 116 for accessing and sealing wash chamber 106.

[0021] As best illustrated in FIG. 2, tub side walls 110 accommodate a plurality of rack assemblies. More specifically, a lower rack assembly 122, a middle rack assembly 124, and an upper rack assembly 126 are stacked along the vertical direction V within wash chamber 106. Each rack assembly 122, 124, 126 is adapted for movement between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. With respect to middle rack assembly 124 and upper rack assembly 126, this is facilitated, for example, by guide rails 120 which are mounted to tub side walls 110 and rollers 128 mounted onto rack assemblies 124, 126, respectively. In addition, as will be described in more detail below, lower rack assembly 122 (or any other rack assembly) may include a plurality of carrier roller assemblies 200 which slidably support lower rack assembly 122, thereby permitting the lower rack to roll out of wash chamber 106 and rest on door 116 when it is in the open (i.e., horizontal) position. Although a guide rails 120, rollers 128, and carrier roller assemblies 200 are illustrated herein as facilitating movement of the respective rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, it should be appreciated that any suitable sliding mechanism or member may be used according to alternative embodiments.

[0022] Some or all of the rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of wires or elongated members 130 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are shown in FIG. 2). In this regard, rack assemblies 122, 124, 126 are generally configured for supporting articles within wash chamber 106 while allowing a flow of wash fluid to reach and impinge on those articles, e.g., during a cleaning or rinsing cycle. According to another exemplary embodiment, a utensil caddy may be removably attached to a rack assembly, e.g., lower rack assembly 122, for placement of silverware, utensils, articles, and the like, that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by rack 122.

[0023] Dishwasher 100 further includes a plurality of spray assemblies for urging a flow of water or wash fluid onto the articles placed within wash chamber 106. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, dishwasher 100 includes a lower spray arm assembly 134 disposed in a lower region 136 of wash chamber 106 and above a sump 138 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to lower rack assembly 122. Similarly, a mid-level spray arm assembly 140 is located in an upper region of wash chamber 106 and may be located below and in close proximity to middle rack assembly 124. In this regard, mid-level spray arm assembly 140 may generally be configured for urging a flow of wash fluid up through middle rack assembly 124 and upper rack assembly 126. Additionally, an upper spray assembly 142 may be located above upper rack assembly 126 along the vertical direction V. In this manner, upper spray assembly 142 may be configured for urging and / or cascading a flow of wash fluid downward over rack assemblies 122, 124, and 126. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, upper rack assembly 126 may further define an integral spray manifold 144, which is generally configured for urging a flow of wash fluid substantially upward along the vertical direction V through upper rack assembly 126.

[0024] The various spray assemblies and manifolds described herein may be part of a fluid distribution system or fluid circulation assembly 150 for circulating water and wash fluid in the tub 104. More specifically, fluid circulation assembly 150 includes a pump 152 for circulating water and wash fluid (e.g., detergent, water, and / or rinse aid) in the tub 104. Pump 152 may be located within sump 138 or within a machinery compartment located below sump 138 of tub 104, as generally recognized in the art. Fluid circulation assembly 150 may include one or more fluid conduits or circulation piping for directing water and / or wash fluid from pump 152 to the various spray assemblies and manifolds. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a primary supply conduit 154 may extend from pump 152, along rear 112 of tub 104 along the vertical direction V to supply wash fluid throughout wash chamber 106.

[0025] As illustrated, primary supply conduit 154 is used to supply wash fluid to one or more spray assemblies, e.g., to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 and upper spray assembly 142. However, it should be appreciated that according to alternative embodiments, any other suitable plumbing configuration may be used to supply wash fluid throughout the various spray manifolds and assemblies described herein. For example, according to another exemplary embodiment, primary supply conduit 154 could be used to provide wash fluid to mid-level spray arm assembly 140 and a dedicated secondary supply conduit (not shown) could be utilized to provide wash fluid to upper spray assembly 142. Other plumbing configurations may be used for providing wash fluid to the various spray devices and manifolds at any location within dishwasher appliance 100.

[0026] Each spray arm assembly 134, 140, 142, integral spray manifold 144, or other spray device may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing wash fluid received from pump 152 onto dishes or other articles located in wash chamber 106. The arrangement of the discharge ports, also referred to as jets, apertures, or orifices, may provide a rotational force by virtue of wash fluid flowing through the discharge ports. Alternatively, spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 may be motor-driven, or may operate using any other suitable drive mechanism. Spray manifolds and assemblies may also be stationary. The resultant movement of the spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and the spray from fixed manifolds provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray. Other configurations of spray assemblies may be used as well. For example, dishwasher 100 may have additional spray assemblies for cleaning silverware, for scouring casserole dishes, for spraying pots and pans, for cleaning bottles, etc. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments discussed herein are used for the purpose of explanation only, and are not limitations of the present subject matter.

[0027] In operation, pump 152 draws wash fluid in from sump 138 and pumps it to a diverter assembly 156, e.g., which is positioned within sump 138 of dishwasher appliance. Diverter assembly 156 may include a diverter disk (not shown) disposed within a diverter chamber 158 for selectively distributing the wash fluid to the spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and / or other spray manifolds or devices. For example, the diverter disk may have a plurality of apertures that are configured to align with one or more outlet ports (not shown) at the top of diverter chamber 158. In this manner, the diverter disk may be selectively rotated to provide wash fluid to the desired spray device.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, diverter assembly 156 is configured for selectively distributing the flow of wash fluid from pump 152 to various fluid supply conduits, only some of which are illustrated in FIG. 2 for clarity. More specifically, diverter assembly 156 may include four outlet ports (not shown) for supplying wash fluid to a first conduit for rotating lower spray arm assembly 134, a second conduit for rotating mid-level spray arm assembly 140, a third conduit for spraying upper spray assembly 142, and a fourth conduit for spraying an auxiliary rack such as the silverware rack.

[0029] The dishwasher 100 is further equipped with a controller 160 to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller 160 may include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 160 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and / or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

[0030] The controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 160 may be located within a control panel area 162 of door 116 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In such an embodiment, input / output (“I / O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of dishwasher 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom of door 116. Typically, the controller 160 includes a user interface panel / controls 164 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher 100. In one embodiment, the user interface 164 may represent a general purpose I / O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. In one embodiment, the user interface 164 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 164 may include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. The user interface 164 may be in communication with the controller 160 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

[0031] It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwasher 100. The exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for user interface 164, different configurations may be provided for rack assemblies 122, 124, 126, different spray arm assemblies 134, 140, 142 and spray manifold configurations may be used, and other differences may be applied while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0032] Referring now generally to FIGS. 3 through 6, a utensil caddy 300 will be described according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. As described in more detail below, the utensil caddy 300 transitions between a first configuration 346 (e.g., as shown for example in FIG. 4) and a second configuration 348 (e.g., as shown for example in FIGS. 5 and 6). The lower rack assembly 122 may be used as shown in FIG. 2 for supporting the utensil caddy 300. In other words, the utensil caddy 300 is operably, generally connected with the lower rack assembly 122 or specifically coupled with the lower rack 202.

[0033] In addition, as shown in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, tub 104 of dishwasher 100 may define lower guide rails 204 and door 116 may define a lower rack rolling surface 206. In this manner, when door 116 is in the open position such that it extends substantially within a horizontal plane, the lower rack assembly 122 may slide out of wash chamber 106 along the transverse direction T and rest on door 116 for loading and unloading dishes as well as the utensil caddy 300 and utensils from the utensil caddy 300. Although utensil caddy 300 is illustrated as being supported by lower rack 202, it should be appreciated that utensil caddy 300 may be supported with any suitable dishwasher rack. Additionally, or alternatively, the utensil caddy 300 may be supported by any suitable surface within the wash chamber 106 (e.g., the tub side wall 110, the door 116, etc.).

[0034] As best shown in FIG. 3, lower rack 202 may support the utensil caddy 300. In this regard, the utensil caddy 300 may be positioned on a lateral side of the lower rack 202. Additionally, or alternatively, the utensil caddy 300 may be positioned on a transverse side of the lower rack 202. Moreover, as described below, the utensil caddy 300 is designed to be interchangeably used on either the left side, the right side, the front side, or the rear side of lower rack 202. In this manner, the same utensil caddy 300 may be placed at the left, the right side, the front side, and the rear side, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and complexity. Notably, when the utensil caddy 300 is placed onto the lower rack 202, the utensil caddy 300 shares a coordinate system with the dishwasher 100. Therefore, the utensil caddy 300 will be described herein as sharing the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the transverse direction T with dishwasher 100.

[0035] With additional reference to FIG. 3, the utensil caddy 300 may be generally elongate, prismatic, rectangular, or a combination thereof. Therefore, the utensil caddy 300 may have a major direction 302 of extent and a minor direction of extent 304. The major direction of extent 302 is generally orthogonal with the minor direction of extent 304. As described above, the utensil caddy 300 may be placed adjacent to a lateral or transverse side of the lower rack 202, or another conceivable location within the wash chamber 106. Further, the utensil caddy 300 may be placed with the major direction of extent 302 oriented along the transverse direction T or the lateral direction L. Even further, the utensil caddy 300 may be placed with the minor direction of extent 304 along the vertical direction V (not shown). Alternatively, the utensil caddy 300 may be placed with the major direction of extent 302 along the vertical direction V (not shown). As illustrated, the utensil caddy 300 is placed onto the lower rack 202 such that the major direction of extent is along the transverse direction T and the minor direction of extent is along the lateral direction L.

[0036] With even further reference to FIGS. 3 through 6, the utensil caddy 300 includes a shell 306. The shell 306 may define a plurality of apertures 308, as illustrated. The plurality of apertures 308 allow for the utensil caddy 300 to release liquid and dry faster after the dishwasher 100 has completed an operating cycle. Further, the plurality of apertures 308 allow liquid to contact the utensils for cleaning purposes during the operating cycle. The plurality of apertures 308 may take the form as rectangles, as illustrated. Alternatively, the plurality of apertures 308 may take the form of another conceivable shape (e.g., circles).

[0037] As shown, the shell 306 of the utensil caddy 300 generally extends along the vertical direction V between a top section 310 and a bottom section 318 (not shown). Further, the shell 306 extends in the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T along a side section 312. As will be described in detail below, the utensil caddy 300, and therefore the shell 306, may be generally formed as a single, integral, unitary component, advantageously requiring no post-molding or post-formation processing (e.g., attachment of multiple parts, coating, or polishing). In particular, a handle 340 may be formed as an integral unitary component with the shell 306 and may extend upward therefrom (e.g., at the section 310, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment). Therefore, the shell 306 of the utensil caddy 300 in the first configuration 346 defines a first volume 336 between the top section 310, bottom section 318, and side section 312.

[0038] The side section 312, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, includes at least one transverse section 314 coupled with the top section 310 and the bottom section 318 while extending therebetween. Further, the side section 312 may include at least one lateral section 316, as illustrated. The side section 312 may include a second lateral section 317, as shown; collectively, the at least one lateral section 316 and the second lateral section 317 may be referred to as the at least one lateral section 316. Therefore, the shell 306 may be generally rectangular, oblong, and prismatic, as illustrated. Alternatively, the shell 306 may be at least one of curved, continuous, or equidistant from a geometric center.

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the at least one lateral section 316 may define a main opening 320. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one transverse section 314 may define the main opening 320. Alternatively, the top section 310 may define the main opening 320 if the utensil caddy 300 is positioned with the major direction of extent 302 or the minor direction of extent 304 along the transverse direction T. Further, the bottom section 318 may define the main opening 320 if the utensil caddy 300 is positioned with the major direction of extent 302 or the minor direction of extent 304 along the transverse direction T.

[0040] The utensil caddy 300 includes a moveable side wall 322 coupled with the shell 306. The moveable side wall 322 moves between a closed position 324 and an open position 326. The moveable side wall 322 in the closed position 324 puts the utensil caddy 300 in the first configuration 346, thus the moveable side wall 322 is generally flush with the shell 306. The moveable side wall 322 in the open position 326 puts the utensil caddy 300 in the second configuration 348. The moveable side wall 322, as illustrated in FIG. 5, may pivot along a transverse axis or a lateral axis, or generally, a horizontal axis. For example, the moveable side wall 322 may pivot along a bottom edge 328 away from the top section 310, as illustrated. Alternatively, the moveable side wall 322 may pivot along a vertical axis. For example, the moveable side wall 322 may be coupled with the side section 312 along a side edge 330.

[0041] The moveable side wall 322 may rotate within a range of 0 degrees and 45 degrees to transition between the closed position 324 and the open position 326. Additionally, or alternatively, the moveable side wall 322 may rotate within a range of 10 degrees and 35 degrees to transition between the closed position 324 and the open position 326. Additionally, or alternatively, the moveable side wall 322 may rotate within a range of 20 degrees and 30 degrees to transition between the closed position 324 and the open position 326. Additionally, or alternatively, the moveable side wall 322 may rotate about 25 degrees to transition between the closed position 324 and the open position 326. The moveable side wall 322 in the open position 326 may be referred to as protruding away from the shell 306 of the utensil caddy 300 in the second configuration 348.

[0042] The utensil caddy 300 may include at least one edge wall 342 coupled with the moveable side wall 322. As illustrated, the utensil caddy 300 further includes a second edge wall 343; the at least one edge wall 342 and the second edge wall 343 may be referred to herein collectively as the at least one edge wall 342. The at least one edge wall 342 may be generally orthogonal with the moveable side wall 322. As shown in the exemplary embodiments, the at least one edge wall 342 may be generally planar and extend planarly in the lateral direction L and the vertical direction V. The moveable side wall 322 in the closed position 324, in the illustrated examples, is generally planar and extends planarly in the transverse direction T and the vertical direction V.

[0043] The moveable side wall 322 in the open position 326 and the at least one edge wall 342 define a second volume 344 outside of and abutting the first volume 336. Therefore, the utensil caddy 300 in the second configuration 348 defines the second volume 344. The second volume 344, as illustrated, is less than the first volume 336. In other words, the first volume 336 is greater than the second volume 344. Further, the at least one edge wall 342 may include a shoulder 352 that selectively engages the shell 306 at the main opening 320. The shoulder 352 may retain the moveable side wall 322 in the open position, thus retaining the utensil caddy 300 in the second configuration 348.

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment best shown in FIG. 6, the moveable side wall 322 may translate away from the shell 306 to the open position 326. The shell 306 may define a plurality of grooves 332 within the first volume 336. As illustrated, the plurality of grooves 332 may be specifically defined by the side section 312. The utensil caddy 300 may include a bottom wall 358 coupled with the moveable side wall 322 that translates between the closed position 324 and the open position 326. The bottom wall 358, as illustrated, may extend into the first volume 336 of the utensil caddy 300. Further, the bottom wall 358 at least partially defines the second volume 344.

[0045] Further, the utensil caddy 300 may include a divider wall 338 positioned within the first volume 336. The divider wall may be coupled with the side section 312, as illustrated. Specifically, the divider wall 338 may be coupled with and extend between the at least one lateral section 318 and a second lateral section 317. The plurality of grooves 332 may be partially defined by the divider wall 338, as illustrated.

[0046] The moveable side wall 322 in the closed position 324 may couple with the divider wall 338 to retain the utensil caddy 300 in the first configuration 346. The utensil caddy 300 may include a clip 350 coupled with the moveable side wall 322 and operably coupled with the divider wall 338. Alternatively, the clip 350 may be swapped between the divider wall 338 and the moveable side wall 322 such that the clip 350 is coupled with the divider wall 338 and operably coupled with the moveable side wall 322. The clip 350, as illustrated, may be a polymeric material that a user can pinch to flex and, therefore, uncouple the moveable side wall 322 and the divider wall 338. Additionally, or alternatively, the divider wall 338 may define a retention aperture 354, as illustrated. The clip 350 may operably couple with the divider wall 338 at the retention aperture 354 in the first configuration 346. Additionally, or alternatively, the moveable side wall 322 may be selectively retained in the closed position 324 via a living hinge, snaps, or another suitable mechanical locking mechanism, for example.

[0047] The various components of the utensil caddy 300 may be formed from any suitable material and in any suitable manner. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the shell 306 is injection molded as a single piece using a suitably rigid plastic material. Similarly, the moveable side wall 322 and at least one edge wall 342 may be injection molded from plastic and snapped onto the shell 306 to complete utensil caddy 300. Notably, such a construction reduces the number of parts necessary to assemble the utensil caddy 300 thereby reducing manufacturing time, costs, and complexity.

[0048] According to the illustrated embodiment, the utensil caddy 300 may further include a frame 360 coupled with the shell 306 at the top section 310. The frame 360 may increase rigidity of the utensil caddy 300. The frame 360 may surround a periphery of the top section 310. Further, the utensil caddy 300 may include a flange 356 coupled with and extending from the frame 360. The flange 356 may operably couple with the wire 222 of the lower rack 202 to retain the utensil caddy 300 with the lower rack 202. By defining utensil caddy 300 as described above, the utensil caddy 300 may be used in dishwasher appliances having lower racks formed from different types of wire.

[0049] Advantageously, the utensil caddy 300 in the first configuration 346 as described herein allows for a set quantity of utensils to be placed within the first volume 336 defined by the shell 306. Further, the utensil caddy 300 in the second configuration 348 as described herein allows for an additional quantity of utensils to be placed within the second volume 344 defined by at least one of the moveable side wall 322, the at least edge wall 342, or the bottom wall 358. The elegant assembly of the moveable side wall 322 with the shell 306 allows for inexpensive manufacturing of the utensil caddy 300 and ease of use of the dishwasher 100 during loading and unloading of utensils.

[0050] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may 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 include 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 language of the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0017]Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0018]As used herein, the term “article” may refer to, but need not be limited to dishes, pots, pans, silverware, and other cooking utensils and items that can be cleaned in a dishwashing appliance. The term “wash cycle” is intended to refer to one or more ...

Claims

1. A dishwasher appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction, the dishwasher appliance comprising:a wash tub that defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing;a door rotatably mounted to the wash tub for providing selective access to the wash chamber; anda utensil caddy operably positioned within the wash chamber, wherein the utensil caddy transitions between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the utensil caddy in the first configuration defines a first volume, and wherein the utensil caddy in the second configuration defines the first volume and a second volume.

2. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the first volume is greater than the second volume.

3. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, further comprising a rack moveably coupled with the wash chamber, wherein the utensil caddy is operably connected with the rack.

4. The dishwasher appliance of claim 1, wherein the utensil caddy comprises a moveable side wall.

5. The dishwasher appliance of claim 4, wherein the moveable side wall pivots away from the utensil caddy to partially define the second volume.

6. The dishwasher appliance of claim 5, wherein the moveable side wall pivots along a horizontal axis.

7. The dishwasher appliance of claim 4, wherein the moveable side wall translates away from the utensil caddy to partially define the second volume.

8. The dishwasher appliance of claim 7, wherein the utensil caddy further comprises a bottom wall coupled with the moveable side wall.

9. The dishwasher appliance of claim 8, wherein the bottom wall is disposed within the first volume of the utensil caddy in the first configuration.

10. The dishwasher appliance of claim 4, wherein the utensil caddy further comprises at least one edge wall coupled with the moveable side wall, wherein the at least one edge wall partially defines the second volume.

11. The dishwasher appliance of claim 10, wherein the at least one edge wall is disposed within the first volume of the utensil caddy in the first configuration.

12. The dishwasher appliance of claim 11, wherein the at least one edge wall comprises a shoulder, wherein the shoulder selectively engages the utensil caddy to retain the utensil caddy in the second configuration.

13. The dishwasher appliance of claim 4, wherein the utensil caddy further comprises a divider wall disposed within the first volume.

14. The dishwasher appliance of claim 13, wherein the utensil caddy further comprises a clip coupled with the moveable side wall, and wherein the clip is selectively coupled with the divider wall of the utensil caddy in the second configuration.

15. A utensil caddy for supporting articles within a wash chamber of a dishwasher appliance, the utensil caddy comprising:a shell defining:a plurality of apertures; anda main opening;a moveable side wall coupled with the shell, wherein the utensil caddy transitions between:a first configuration, wherein the moveable side wall is substantially flush with the shell; anda second configuration, wherein the moveable side wall is protruding from the shell.

16. The utensil caddy of claim 15, wherein the shell comprises:a top section;a side section coupled with the top section; anda bottom section coupled with the side section.

17. The utensil caddy of claim 16, wherein the moveable side wall is coupled with the side section of the shell and the bottom section of the shell.

18. The utensil caddy of claim 15, wherein the utensil caddy in the first configuration defines a first volume, and wherein the utensil caddy in the second configuration further defines a second volume.

19. The utensil caddy of claim 15, wherein the utensil caddy is generally rectangular.

20. The utensil caddy of claim 15, wherein the moveable side wall rotatably protrudes from the shell of the utensil caddy in the second configuration.

Images