EP2797480A1

EP2797480A1 - A rack suitable for use in the dishwasher and the dishwasher wherein the rack is used

Info

Publication number: EP2797480A1
Application number: EP12794286.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Erdem Akyildiz; Ahmet Aldag; Fatih Basaran; Hasret Gursoy
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2011-12-26
Filing date: 2012-11-26
Publication date: 2014-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2032-11-26
Also published as: WO2013098009A1; EP2797480B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rack (2), suitable for use in the dishwasher (1), comprising a base (3), more than one side wall (4) surrounding the base (3) and a shelf (7), providing the interior volume to be used efficiently, that can be opened and closed easily and safely, that can be stored without occupying much space by being taken out entirely when desired and the dishwasher (1) wherein the rack (2) is utilized.

Description

A RACK SUITABLE FOR USE IN THE DISHWASHER AND THE DISHWASHER WHEREIN THE RACK IS USED

The present invention relates to a rack comprising a shelf whereon the objects to be washed are placed and a dishwasher wherein the rack is used.
In dishwashers, particularly the small sized objects like forks and spoons are placed into a cutlery basket and the washing process is performed by disposing the cutlery basket into the rack. However, when the number of cutlery items to be washed is small, placing the cutlery basket into the rack prevents effective utilization of the rack volume. Similarly, when the number of cutlery items to be washed is too many, the capacity of the cutlery basket is insufficient. Therefore, solutions are required that enable the user to utilize the rack volume in accordance with personal requirements.
In the state of the art European Patent Document No. EP0186157, a cutlery basket is described that is mounted between the side walls so as to face the ceiling of the washing tub and on which items of cutlery can be placed for the purpose of washing.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a rack comprising a shelf enabling the interior volume to be used efficiently in accordance with user requirements and the dishwasher wherein the rack is used.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a rack comprising a shelf that enables easy and balanced placement of kitchenware with different geometric structures thereon and the dishwasher wherein the rack is used.
The rack realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, is suitable for use in the dishwasher and comprises a shaft mounted between its side walls, a shelf having a support surface, wound around the shaft in roll form in the closed position, and whereon the objects to be washed are placed in the open position. The support surface is attached to the shaft from one side. The shelf is provided not to occupy space in the rack when the shelf is in the closed position since the support surface is wound around the shaft in roll form. When the shelf is changed to the open position by pulling the support surface forwards, the support surface becomes stiff and suitable for placing objects thereon. Thus, when extra usage space is required inside the rack, the objects to be washed are loaded on the support surface by changing the shelf to the open position. The shelf can be taken out of the rack easily when not in use. Thus, flexibility of utilization is provided for the user.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the support surface is produced from a material suitable for preventing the sliding of the objects placed thereon for washing. Thus, the objects being washed are prevented from impacting and contacting one another by sliding and hence washing effectiveness is improved.
In a version of this embodiment, the support surface is produced from rubber clad metal material. By means of the metal, the strength of the support surface is increased, the objects being washed are provided not to slide by holding onto the support surface by means of the rubber with a high coefficient of friction.
In another version of this embodiment, the support surface has a pallet-chain shape. Thus, the support surface is enabled to make unidirectional movement. While the shelf is changed from the closed position to open position, the support surface moves around the shaft by rotating. When the shelf is in the open position, the movement of the support surface in the reverse direction is prevented, hence the support surface remains stationary in the changed position.
In another version of this embodiment, the support surface is produced from metal.
In yet another version of this embodiment, more than one recess is arranged on the support surface. Long, thin objects like forks, spoons are prevented from sliding on the support surface by being placed into the recesses.
In an embodiment of the present invention, one retainer is disposed on each of both ends of the shaft and on each of both ends of the free side of the support surface. The shelf is provided to be attached to the wires of the side wall by means of the retainers. When the shelf is changed from the closed position to the open position, the support surface is provided to remain fixed in the changed position by mounting the retainers on two ends of the free side of the support surface to the wires. The support surface is provided to be adjusted to the desired size by means of the retainers.
In a version of this embodiment, the retainer is shaped as an inverted U. The retainers are mounted on the side wall so as to clasp the wires on the upper side of the side wall from above.
In another version of this embodiment, the retainer is hook shaped. In this embodiment, the retainers are hung over the wires on the side wall.
In another embodiment of the present invention, more than one hole is arranged on the support surface, providing thin, long objects like forks and spoons to be inserted therethrough and to be placed in the vertical direction with respect to the support surface. Thus, a greater number of cutlery items can be placed on the support surface.
In another embodiment of the present invention, more than one protrusion is disposed on the support surface against which the objects placed thereon bear. Thus, the objects placed on the support surface are prevented from sliding and overturning.
By means of the present invention, a rack is realized comprising a shelf whereon various types of kitchenware are provided to be placed in a balanced manner by changing the position, thus providing effective utilization of the interior space.
The model embodiments relating to the rack and the dishwasher wherein the rack is used, realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, are illustrated in the attached figures, where:
Figure 1 – is the perspective view of a dishwasher.
Figure 2 – is the perspective view of the rack when the shelf is in the closed position relating to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 – is the perspective view of the rack when the shelf is in the open position relating to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 – is the perspective view of the rack when the shelf is in the open position relating to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 – is the sideways partial view of the support surface relating to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 – is the sideways partial view of the support surface relating to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 – is the top view of a portion of the support surface relating to another embodiment of the present invention.
The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

Dishwasher
Rack
Base
Side wall
Support surface
Shaft
Shelf
Retainer
Hole
Protrusion
Recess

The rack (2) is suitable for use in the dishwasher (1) and the objects to be washed are placed therein. The rack (2) comprises a base (3) and more than one side wall (4) surrounding the base (3) (Figure 1).
The rack (2) of the present invention, furthermore, comprises a shelf (7) having

a support surface (5), wound in roll form in the closed position, and enabling placing objects to be washed thereon by becoming stiff in the open position and
a shaft (6) disposed between two opposite side walls (4), around which the support surface (5) is wound around by being mounted from one side

(Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4).
The shelf (7) can be mounted/dismounted between the side walls (4) according to the preference of the user depending on the amount, dimensions and variety of objects to be washed . The support surface (5) is produced from material suitable both for winding by making a roll and also carrying load when stretched. One side of the support surface (5) is secured on the shaft (6). Thus, when the shaft (6) rotates, the support surface (5) is wound around the shaft (6) in roll form.
The objects to be washed are loaded on the support surface (5) by changing the shelf (7) that is mounted between the side walls (4) to the open position according to the user needs (Figure 3 and Figure 4). Thus, extra loading space is created inside the rack (2) besides the base (3). After the washing process or when the shelf (7) is not desired to be used, the support surface (5) is made into a roll by winding around the shaft (6) and the shelf (7) is provided not to occupy space inside the rack (2) (Figure 2). When in the closed position, the shelf (7) can either be entirely taken out or can be stored in the mounted position inside the rack (2). Consequently, the user is provided with flexibility in utilization of the rack (2) interior volume.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the support surface (5) is produced from a material suitable for preventing sliding of the objects placed thereon. In this embodiment, the thin, long objects like forks and spoons are placed longitudinally on the support surface (5) so as not to contact one another. By means of the support surface (5) material, the objects being washed are provided to be cleaned effectively by preventing them from sliding and contacting one another.
In a version of this embodiment, the support surface (5) is produced from rubber clad metal material. Thus, not only the objects placed on the support surface (5) are prevented from sliding when the shelf (7) is in the open position, but also the strength of the support surface (5) is increased. Consequently, when objects are placed on the support surface (5), the support surface (5) is prevented from becoming deformed.
In another version of this embodiment, the support surface (5) has a palette-chain shape (Figure 5 and Figure 6). By means of the support surface (5) configuration, the support surface (5) is prevented from slackening and sagging downwards due to weight of the objects placed on the support surface (5) when the shelf (7) is in the open position. Furthermore, the support surface (5) is provided to move in an unidirectional manner. In this embodiment, the support surface (5) can be wound around the shaft (6) by rotating while the shelf (7) is changed from the open position to the closed position, but it is not possible for the support surface (5) to rotate in the reverse direction. Accordingly, when the shelf (7) is in the open position, spontaneous movement of the support surface (5) is prevented.
In another version of this embodiment, the support surface (5) is produced from metal. The lifespan of the shelf (7) is prolonged due to metal being a material having high hardness and strength.
In another version of this embodiment, the shelf (7) comprises more than one recess (11) disposed on the support surface (5), suitable for inserting long, thin objects like forks and spoons therein (Figure 6). The objects to be washed are inserted into the recesses (11), thus providing them to be carried on the support surface (5) in a balanced manner and also to be cleaned effectively by preventing contact with one another.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the shelf (7) comprises more than one retainer (8) that is disposed at both ends of the shaft (6) and at both ends of the free side of the support surface (5) and that is mounted oppositely to the wires extending in the horizontal direction on the side wall (4) (Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4). The shelf (7) is provided to be placed in a fixed position between the side walls (4) by means of the retainers (8) at the ends of the shaft (6). When the shelf (7) is changed from the closed position to the open position, the support surface (5) is provided to remain stiff by mounting the retainers (8) at the ends of the free side of the support surface (5) to the side walls (4). The size of the support surface (5) area can be adjusted with the position wherein the retainers (8) at the ends of the free side of the support surface (5) are mounted to the side walls (4). Consequently, the user can determine the area size of the support surface (5) depending on the amount of objects to be placed thereon.
In a version of this embodiment, the retainer (8) is shaped as an inverted U (Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4). The width of the retainer (8) is almost equal to the width of the wire disposed on the side wall (4) and whereon the retainer (8) is mounted. Thus, the shelf (7) is provided to be fixed on the rack (2) both in the open position and the closed position by providing the retainers (8) to clasp the wire from above.
In another version of this embodiment, the retainer (8) is hook shaped. In this embodiment, the shelf (7) is placed on the rack (2) by hanging the retainers (8) to the wires on the side wall (4).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the shelf (7) comprises more than one hole (9) disposed on the support surface (5), suitable for inserting therethrough long, thin objects like forks and spoons placed therein (Figure 4). The forks and spoons are inserted through the holes (9) such that their wide sides stay at the upper side of the support surface (5). The cutlery items are placed in the vertical direction with respect to the support surface (5). Thus, a greater number of cutlery items is enabled to be placed on the support surface (5).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the shelf (7) comprises more than one protrusion (10) that is disposed on the support surface (5) and that prevents sliding of the objects placed on the support surface (5) (Figure 7). When the shelf (7) is in the open position, the objects placed on the support surface (5) are prevented from sliding on the support surface (5) and contacting with one another by bearing against the protrusions (10).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the shelf (7) comprises a spring mechanism disposed in the shaft (6) which is compressed by rotation of the shaft (6) during changing of the shelf (7) to the open position and which provides the support surface (5) to remain stiff while the shelf (7) is in the open position and provides the shelf (7) to automatically resume the closed position when released. When the shelf (7) is pulled by the user for opening, the shaft (6) rotates and the support surface (5) wound around the shaft (6) opens. The shaft (6), with this rotation in the opening direction of the support surface (5), also compresses the spring mechanism whereto it is connected. When the retainers (8) disposed at the ends of the free side of the support surface (5) are mounted to the side wall (4) for changing the shelf (7) to the open position, the spring mechanism pulls the support surface (5) providing it to remain stiff since the spring mechanism is compressed. When the user releases the retainers (8) by removing from the side wall (4) for changing the shelf (7) to the closed position, the support surface (5) pulled with the force applied by the spring mechanism is again wound around the shaft (6). Ease of utilization is provided for the user by means of the spring mechanism.
The dishwasher (1) of the present invention comprises a rack (2) as described in the above mentioned embodiments.
By means of the present invention, the interior volume of the rack (2) is provided to be utilized effectively by using a shelf (7) that can be selectively mounted in the rack (2) or dismounted therefrom and the surface area of which can be adjusted.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above and a person skilled in the art can easily introduce different embodiments. These should be considered within the scope of the protection postulated by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

A rack (2) suitable for use in the dishwasher (1), comprising a base (3) and more than one side wall (4) surrounding the base (3), characterized by a shelf (7) having

- support surface (5), wound in roll form in the closed position, enabling the placing of the objects to be washed thereon by becoming stiff in the open position and

- a shaft (6) disposed between two opposite side walls (4), around which the support surface (5) is wound by being mounted from one side.
A rack (2) as in Claim 1, characterized by the support surface (5) produced from material suitable for preventing sliding of objects placed thereon.
A rack (2) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the support surface (5) produced from rubber clad metal material.
A rack (2) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the support surface (5) having a palette-chain shape.
A rack (2) as in Claim 4, characterized by the support surface (5) that is produced from metal.
A rack (2) as in any one of the Claims 4 or 5, characterized by the shelf (7) comprising more than one recess (11) disposed on the support surface (5), suitable for inserting long, thin objects like forks and spoons therein.
A rack (2) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the shelf (7) comprising more than one retainer (8), disposed at both ends of the shaft (6) and at both ends of the free side of the support surface (5), mounted oppositely to the wires extending in the horizontal direction on the side wall (4).
A rack (2) as in Claim 7, characterized by the retainer (8) that is shaped as in inverted U.
A rack (2) as in Claim 7, characterized by the hook shaped retainer (8).
A rack (2) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the shelf (7) comprising more than one hole (9) disposed on the support surface (5) suitable for inserting therethrough long, thin objects like forks and spoons placed therein
A rack (2) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the shelf (7) comprising more than one protrusion (10) disposed on the support surface (5) and which prevents sliding of the objects placed on the support surface (5).
A rack (2) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the shelf (7) comprising a spring mechanism disposed in the shaft (6) which is compressed by rotation of the shaft (6) during changing of the shelf (7) to the open position and which provides the support surface (5) to remain stiff while the shelf (7) is in the open position and to automatically resume the closed position when released.
A dishwasher (1) comprising a rack (2) as in any one of the above Claims.