US3306463A - Cup rack - Google Patents

Description

L. MASLOW Feb 28, 1967 CUP RACK 3 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Feb. 19, 1964 "if Hai-.3 f4

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Feb. 28, 1967 L. MAsLow 3,306,463

CUP RACK Filed Feb. 19, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 L. MASLOW FehZS', 1967 CUP RACK 3 sheetsg-Sheet' 5 Filed Feb. 19, 1964 INVENTOR. 0d/5 M45! h/ United States Patent O The present invention relates generally to racks or trays and in particular to cup racks o-r trays of the type employed for holding a group of cups for use in connection with Washing, rinsing and drying machines or for storage.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cup storage rack or tray construction adapted for use in standard washing, rinsing and drying machines, the rack being preferably molded as a single unit from a suitable plastic material.

It is another object of the present inventio-n to provide means whereby the cup rack or tray may be utilized in different types of washing, rinsing and drying machines.

In connection with the foregoing object, it is another object of the present invention to provide a cup tray construction of the described type wherein the tray lis provided with means for use in guiding .or conveying the tray through the washing, rinsing and drying machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a relatively light-weight cup tray construction formed completely of a molded plastic wherein the tray assembly may be stacked vertically for greater portability and more compact storage.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a substantially plastic tray construction which is of simple construction, inexpensive to manufacture and in which the articles to be cleaned are positioned for maximum washing, rinsing and drying operation.

In accordance with the foregoingobject, it is another object of the present invention to provide the tray with means for directing the washing water to provide maximum efiiciency in washing and rinsing.

Other and furthe-r objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention;

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a rack or tray pursuant to the present invention;

FIG-URE 2 is an end view of the rack taken in the direction `of the arrow 2 in FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is a side view of the rack taken in the direction of the arrow 3 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken in the direction of the arrows 4 4 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken ton the line 5-5 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on the line 64-6 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the rack on an enlarged scale;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale taken on the line 8-8 of FIGURE 7;

FIGURE` 9 is a sectionalv view on an enlarged scale taken on the line 9 9 of FIGURE 7;

FIGURES 10 and 1l are perspective views of two types of elements used in connection with the racks for moving or conveying the latter through the washing, rinsing and drying machines;

FIGURE l2 is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the rack showing the latter provided with cups mounted therein, the view being on an enlarged scale;

Patented Feb. 28, 1967 FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary view taken on the line 13-13 of FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary view taken on the line 14-14 of FIGURE 12; and

FIGURE l5 is a fragmentary end view taken in the direction of the arrow 2 in FIGURE 1 on an enlarged scale with a portion broken away to illustrate the mounting of the element shown in FIGURE 1l in the rack.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, there is shown a rack 10 pursuant to the present invention. The rack or tray 10 is of unitary construction being preferably formed as by molding from a suitable plastic material to provide a relatively light yet sturdy rack which will have a relatively long life and will dry relatively fast. As here shown, the rack 10 is of rectangular conformation and is provided with the opposing end walls 20 and 22 and the yopposing side walls 24 and 26. As best shown in FIG- URES 4 and 6, each of said walls is provided with a plurality of laterally spaced shoulders or steps 28 so as to deiine an upper wall portion 30 and a lower wall portion 32 wherein the lower wall portion is offset inwardly of the outer wall portion. The walls are provided also with laterally spaced apertures 34 which serve both to decrease the weight of the rack 10 and also -to provide openings for the free flow of water through the walls. A continuous channel 36 is dened at the bottom of all four walls 20, 22, 24 and 26 of the rack. The roof of the channel 36 is defined by a continuous ledge 38 which extends along the inner surface of all four walls at the bottom end thereof as best shown in FIGURE 5. A plurality of laterally spaced apertures 40 are defined in the ledge 38 so that water may drain therethrough and also to decrease the weight of the rack. The rack is provided also with the four corner projections of extensions 42, 44, 46 and 48 which extend upwardly from the four bounding walls thereof as best seen in FIGURES l, 2, 3, 4 and 6. Provision is also made on the end wall 24 at the inner surface thereof for the pair of projections or extensions 50 and 52 which extend upwardly above the upper marginal edge of said wall between the corner pieces or extensions 42 and 44. Provision is similarly made at the inner surface of lthe opposing wall 26 for the projections or extensions 54 and 56 which extend upwardly above the upper marginal edge of the wall 26 between the corner extensions 46 and 48. It will be understood that the corner extensions 42, 44, 46, 48, the opposing Wall projections 50, 52, 54 and 56 and the wall shoulders 28 in combination with the outwardly offset wall portions 30 and the inwardly offset wall portions 32 permit for the stacking of the racks or trays one upon the other as will be readily apparent, the projections and corner pieces serving to space the stacked trays one above the other.

The tray 10 is provided with an open gridwork generally indicated by the reference numeral 58 which extends between the four walls thereof. The open gridwork is defined by the transverse parallel partitions 60 which extend between the opposing walls 24 and 26. As best seen in FIGURE 4, each transverse partition or strut 60 is provided with an integral upwardly extending portion 62 which functions as a water deilector.

Superimposed on the open gridwork 58, and integral therewith, provision is made for a cellular network generally indicated by the reference numeral 64. As here shown, the cellular network 64 is constituted by interior octagonal shaped cells 66 and by cells which extend along the four bounding walls of the rack. The cells along the four bounding walls include substantially rectangular cells such as at 68, a pair of opposing tive Wall corner cells 70 and substantially six wall cells 72. It will be noted that each cell overlies a pair of the transverse partitions or struts 60 and that the upwardly extending deilectors 62 of the struts 60 extend upwardly into each of the cells except for the rectangular cells 68 so that each of the cells except for the latter rectangular cells is provided with two water deilectors 62. The cells along the end wall 20* are provided with the cell walls 74 which ex- .end transversely of the struts 60 and the cells along the end wall 22 are provided also with cell walls 74 which extend transversely of the struts 60. As best shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, the cross pieces 60 extend through the cell walls 74 which have water deflector portions 76 between the companion struts 60 for the associated cell. Similarly, in the octagonal cells 66, the opposing linear walls 78--78 are also provided with depending deector portions 80 which extend between the paired ltransverse struts 60 as best shown for example in FIGURES 13 and 14. Consequently, it will be apparent that each of the substantially octagonal cells 66 is provided with four water deflectors, two of the deflectors extending downwardly from and in the plane of opposing walls 78 and two deflectors extending upwardly from the transverse struts 60 within the cells and extending transversely of and upwardly from the deflectors 80. The substantially live walled corner cells 70 are also provided with the pair of upwardly extending deiiectors 62 as well as with a downwardly extending deflector 80 on the cell wall 74. The substantially six walled cells 72 are also provided with the pair of upwardly extending deflectors 62-62 as well as with a single downwardly extending deector 80 on the transverse wall 78 thereof which is common to the adjacent octagonal cell 66 as will be apparent from FIGURE 1. It will be also noted that the octagonal cells 66, the substantially five wall corner cells 70 and the substantially six wall cells 72 are provided with locating recesses 82 which are defined at the upper edges of the nonlinear walls 84 thereof as best shown in FIGURES 12, 13 and 14.

The locating recesses 82, permit for the proper disposition of cups 86 and 88 within the respective cells for the washing, rinsing and drying operation. As best shown in FIGURES 13 and 14, the cups 86 and 88 differ in shape from each other. However, it will be noted that the cells are adapted to receive cups of both shapes and cups of various other shapes. In this connection, it will be apparent that in order to properly dispose or locate a cup within the respective cell, the cup is inserted therein and the fingerpiece or handle 90 thereof is positioned so that it will be received or rest within a recess 82 of the associated cell. This is accomplished by first inverting the cup so that it will face downwardly into the rack and be disposed as shown in FIGURES l2, 13 and 14. In said position, the cup in addition to resting so that the handle thereof is disposed within a -recess 82 also engages the opposing wall 84 of the cell and rests on the underlying transverse struts or barriers 60 which extend through the associated cell. When so placed within the cell, it will be noted that the cup is tilted or disposed at an angle within the cell and that the open side or mouth of the cup is similarly disposed at an angle within the ycell as best shown in FIGURES 13 and v14. As a result, cleaning and rinsing Water which is forced upwardly through the open gridwork 58 enters the interior of the cup as indicated by the arrows 92 in FIGURE 13. The water will then wash and rinse the cup as indicated by the arrow 94 and drain from the cup through the open grid as indicated by the arrow 96. It will also be understood that the cups positioned as shown in FIGURES 12, 13 and 14 may each be rotated by 180 from the respective position thereof shown in said figures so that 'the cup handle 90 will rest in the opposing recess 82 and the same results will occur, the angle at which the cup is disposed also being rotated by 180 from that shown in said figures. With the various cups disposed in the cells, as shown in FIGURE 12, it will be apparent that the cups do not interfere with ea-ch other so that no cup prevents the proper positioning of the adjacent cup and all of the cups may then be similarly subjected to the washing, rinsing and drying action of the automatic washing machines into which the rack containing the cups may be placed.

Pursuant to a highly novel feature of the present invention, provision is made to accommodate the racks 10 for utilization in various different types of washing machines and more specifically in order to accommodate the racks to the specific conveyor mechanism of the specific machines so that the 4racks may be moved into and out of the machine as :required during the dish washing operation. In this connection, provision is made for the conveyor engaging elements 98 and 100 as :shown in FIGURES 10 and 11 respectively. Referring now to conveyor engaging element 98 in detail, it will be noted that said element is of substantially right angular conformation having the unitary arms 102 and 104. Arm 104 terminates in a barbed tooth 106 which extends at right angles to the plane of the element 98. Arm 102 is provided with three laterally extending pointed lingers 108 which are in the plane of said arm 102, The element 98, which is preferably formed of a suitable metal is intended to be inserted from the underside of the rack 10 at a corner thereof. More specifically and as best shown in FIG- URE 7, the metallic element 98 is shown inserted in a corner ofthe rack within the channel 36 which is formed at the bottom of the rack. The element 98 may be readily inserted into the channel 36 by first engaging the barbed tooth 106 in the channel 36 at one side of a corner on the rack and then with the barbed tooth so engaged rotating the opposing arm 102 of the element in a direction toward the rack and urging said arm 102 into the channel 36 at the other side of the corner 110 so that the sharpened spurs 108 dig into the material of which the rack is formed to be fully engaged within the channel 36 as best shown in FIGURE 8. It will be apparent that with the barbed tooth 106 engaged in the material of the rack at one side of corner 110, as best shown in FIGURE 9 and with the sharpened spurs 108 engaged in the material of the rack at the other side of the corner 110, as best shown in FIGURE 8, the element 98 is securely seated within the channel 36 at the rack corner 110 and inwardlyof the outer edges 112 of the channel. As best shown in FIGURES 2, 3 and 4, the rack is provided with cutouts 114 adjacent the four corners thereof. These cutouts serve to expose the element 98. Consequently, with the element 98 so exposed, it can be conveniently used for engagement by the conveyor mechanism of an associated dishwashing machine whereby when such elements are engaged at the corners of the rack, the rack may be readily moved into and out of the associated washing machine.

The preferably metallic conveyor engaging element also serves the same function or purpose as the conveyor element 98. However, the conveyor engaging element 100 is intended to be used along the various walls of the rack and not at the corners thereof. More specifically, it will be noted that the conveyor engaging element 100 is also a unita-ry member as is the elemnet 98. The element 100 is provided with a main or body portion 120 which terminates at each of its opposite ends with an inwardly or downwardly directed barbed tooth 116. In order to engage the element 100 in the rack, it is only necessary to align the element 100 with the channel 36 inwardly of a corner thereof and then force the element 100 into the channel so that the barbed teeth 116 engage into the material of which the rack is formed as shown in FIGURE l5, the body of the element 100 being disposed inwardly of the outer marginal edges 112 of the channel. In this connection, it will be noted that the rack is provided also with cutouts 118 substantially centrally of the walls thereof at the bottom edges of said walls, as best shown in FIGURES 2, 4 and 15. When the elements 100 are disposed in the chanels so that they will be exposed at said cutouts as best shown in FIGURE 15, it will be readily apparent that said elements 100 will be accessible for engagement by the conveyor mechanism of the associated washing machine.

As previously indicated, and as shown in FIGURE 13, water sprayed upwardly into the cup, as indicated by arrows 92, washes the interior of the cup. An extra strong spray of water would tend to rotate the cup counterclockwise, viewing said figure. However, if this should occur, the lip 91 of the cup, opposite the handle 90, would engage grid 60 and its raised portion 62, to prevent the cup from turning over.

Each cup is provided with a conventional outer surface bottom recess 93. When a cup is inverted, wash -water would normally tend to collect in said recess thereof. However, it will `be apparent that the retention of water in such bottom -recesses is prevented by the rack of the present invention due to the fact that the normal tilted portion of the cups, as shown in FlGURES 12, 13 and 14 would cause any such water to run ofic from the recess.

In view of the foregoing, it will be apparent that there is described and illustrated herein a highly novel dishwashing rack which is well able to accomplish the objects of the present invention. It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing however from the inventive concept thereof as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A dishwasher rack comprising a substantially rectangular open gridwork having four bounding walls and defined by a plurality of laterally spaced parallel struts extending between an opposing pair of said walls and parallel to the other pair of said walls, and means defining a plurality of open cells superimposed on said struts so that the latter underlie said cells and support articles placed within said cells, and conveyor engaging elements provided on said bounding walls, said walls having a continuous open slot defined at the bottom edges thereof, and said conveyor engaging elements being engaged in said slot and accessible through said walls, said conveyor engaging elements being formed of a metallic material.

2. A dishwasher rack comprising a substantially rectangular open gridwork having four ybounding walls and defined by a plurality of laterally spaced parallel struts extending between an opposing pair of said walls and parallel to the other pair of said walls, and means de ning a plurality of open cells superimposed on said struts so that the latter underlie said cells and support articles placed within said cells, and conveyor engaging elements provided on said bounding walls, said walls having a continuous open slot defined at the bottom edges thereof, and said conveyor engaging elements being engaged in said slot and accessible through said walls, said conveyor engaging elements being provided at the corners of said rack, said conveyor engaging elements formed of a metallic material. n

3. A dishwasher rack comprising a substantially rectangular open gridwork having four bounding walls and defined by a plurality of laterally spaced parallel struts extending between an opposing pair of said walls and parallel to the other pair of said walls, and means defining a plurality of open cells superimposed on said struts so that the latter underlie said cells and support articles placed within said cells, and conveyor engaging elements provided on said bounding walls, said walls having a continuous open slot defined at the bottom edges thereof, and said conveyor engaging elements being engaged in said slot and accessible through said walls, said conveyor engaging elements being provided `between the corners of said walls, said conveyor engaging elements being formed of a metallic material.

4. A dishwasher rack comprising a substantially rectangular open gridwork having four bounding walls and defined by a plurality of laterally spaced parallel struts extending between an opposing pair of said walls and parallel to the other pair of said walls, and means clefining a plurality of open cells superimposed on said struts so that the latter underlie said cells and support articles placed within said cells, and water deilectors for said cells, said water deiiectors being raised portions of said struts, said raised portions constituting anti-tilt locking elements to prevent the overturn of tilted inverted cups by water sprayed upwardly through said struts.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS l1,461,473 7/1923 LBreer 134-182 2,240,572 5/1941 Poxon 134-182 2,775,360 12/1956 Phillips 220-97 X 2,907,470 10/1959 Abresch 211-126 2,982,420 5/1961 Wannemacher 211-74 2,997,155 8/1961 Muckler et al. 211`41 X 3,009,579 11/1961 Ettlinger 211-71 3,136,443 6/1964 Muckler 211-126 X CLAUDE A. LE ROY, Primary Examiner. FRANK L. ABBOTT, Examiner.

R. P. SEITTER, Assistant Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. A DISHWASHER RACK COMPRISING A SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR OPEN GRIDWORK HAVING FOUR BOUNDING WALLS AND DEFINED BY A PLURALITY OF LATERALLY SPACED PARALLEL STRUTS EXTENDING BETWEEN AN OPPOSING PAIR OF SAID WALLS AND PARALLEL TO THE OTHER PAIR OF SAID WALLS, AND MEANS DEFINING A PLURALITY OF OPEN CELLS SUPERIMPOSED ON SAID STRUTS SO THAT THE LATTER UNDERLIE SAID CELLS AND SUPPORT ARTICLES PLACED WITHIN SAID CELLS, AND CONVEYOR ENGAGING ELEMENTS PROVIDED ON SAID BOUNDING WALLS, SAID WALLS HAVING A CONTINUOUS OPEN SLOT DEFINED AT THE BOTTOM EDGES THEREOF, AND SAID CONVEYOR ENGAGING ELEMENTS BEING ENGAGED IN SAID SLOT AND ACCESSIBLE THROUGH SAID WALLS, SAID CONVEYOR ENGAGING ELEMENTS BEING FORMED OF A METALLIC MATERIAL.

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