WO2016192797A1

WO2016192797A1 - Dishwasher comprising a multipurpose stackable tray

Info

Publication number: WO2016192797A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/062469
Authority: WO
Inventors: Omer ARGINHAN; Ayla Kuran; Hasret GURSOY
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2015-06-04
Filing date: 2015-06-04
Publication date: 2016-12-08

Abstract

The present invention relates to an article rack accessory (1) for use in a dishwasher comprising a tub and extendable article racks (2). In the dishwasher of the present invention, each article rack (2) has adjustable spikes (3) which can be manually put to an upright position and collapsed to a horizontal position. The article rack accessory (1) of the present invention comprises one or more individual and stackable trays (4) each having a fine mesh base (5) and four side walls (6) for the secure reception of the relatively small articles (7) including cups (7), baby pacifiers and jar lids and for the installation onto the bottom (8) of either one of the article racks (2) when the respective spikes (3) have been collapsed.

Description

[Title established by the ISA under Rule 37.2] DISHWASHER COMPRISING A MULTIPURPOSE STACKABLE TRAY

The present invention relates to the treatment of relatively small articles, in particular to drinking containers, baby pacifiers, jar lids etc. in a domestic dishwasher.

Domestic dishwashers are commonly known in the art. A domestic dishwasher generally includes two article racks which are extendably disposed into the washing tub one above the other. The article racks are commonly made from a wire mesh which holds the kitchen utensils to be cleaned and dried. The user can load up the article racks with various kitchen utensils such as pots, pans, trays, dishes, bowls, cups, jars, and bottles. In general, the cutlery is vertically placed into the cutlery basket which is releasably mountable onto the lower rack. Alternatively, the cutlery can be horizontally placed onto the cutlery drawer which is extendably mounted into the tub. In addition, the drinking containers can be placed upside down onto the shelves which are pivotably mounted to the side walls of the upper rack. The articles which are loaded into the racks, the cutlery basket, the cutlery drawer and the shelves are generally washed and rinsed by means of the associated rotating spray arms that spray the washing/rinsing liquid through their nozzles into the tub. The pressurized washing/rinsing liquid hits the articles, removes the dirt, marks or stain from the articles, and drains down together with the dissolved dirt into the sump which is located on the bottom of the tub.

According to the feedback obtained from the customers, a common problem with the prior art domestic dishwashers is that the article racks, the cutlery basket, the cutlery drawer, and the shelves are in certain cases insufficient and/or inadequate for the articles. In particular, the customers frequently complain that the racks have a limited capacity for the articles such as drinking containers. The customers also frequently complain that the relatively small articles such as baby pacifiers, jar lids cannot be orderly placed into the tub, and impede operation of the rotating spray arms from time to time when they are dislocated for one reason or another. In such incidents, the articles do not suffiently receive the washing/rinsing liquid and remain dirty after the completion of the washing cycle. In general, the poor washing results decrease the user satisfaction, and thus the user needs to wash the unclean articles again.

WO 2010133674 (A1) discloses a prior art domestic dishwasher.

An objective of the present invention is to provide an article rack accessory for use in dishwasher and a dishwasher having the same which solves the aforementioned problems of the prior art in a cost effective way and which improves the cleaning performance and the efficient utilization of the tub space.

This objective has been achieved by the article rack accessory as defined in claim 1, and the dishwasher as defined in claim 12. Additional achievements have been attained by the the subject-matters as defined in the dependent claims respectively.

In the dishwasher of the present invention each article rack has one or more sets of adjustable spikes which can be manually put to an upright position for holding the dishes and collapsed to a horizontal position for the installation of the article rack accessory of the present invention.

The article rack accessory of the present invention comprises one or more individual and stackable trays each having a fine mesh base and four side walls adapted for the secure reception of relatively small articles including cups, baby pacifiers, jar lids and for installation onto the bottom of either one of the article racks when the respective spikes have been collapsed. Each tray has a size such that at least two trays can be installed, in the stacked state, into the same rack.

A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that by virtue of the individually usable and stackable trays, the user can load the articles into both racks more flexibly and thus personalize both racks to his/her exact requirements. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that by virtue of the individually usable and stackable trays, the user can load more articles into both racks, and thus utilize the space inside the racks more efficiently. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that by virtue of the individually usable and stackable trays, the user can load the articles more orderly into both racks, and thus the washing/rinsing performance of the dishwasher can be improved even at comparatively high loads. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that by virtue of the individually usable and stackable trays, the user can more securely load the relatively small articles such as baby pacifiers, jar lids and the like into both racks, and can have them intensively washed. Thereby, the risk that the small articles are dislocated by the thrust of the washing/rinsing liquid can be eliminated or reduced as much as possible. Thereby, the consumer satisfaction can be increased.

In an embodiment, a single tray or a stack of trays can be installed onto the bottom of each quadrant of either one of the racks. In alternative versions of this embodiment, the stack of trays may include two trays or three trays. The stacked trays define a box which safely encloses the articles. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the space inside each rack can be more efficiently utilized. Thereby, a large number of small articles including cups, pacifiers, lids and the like can be orderly and securely loaded into the racks by means of the fine meshed trays and effectively washed and rinsed.

In another embodiment, a single tray or a stack of trays can be installed underneath the shelves on the upper rack. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the trays extend the shelf area and also catch the articles which fall down from the shelf during the washing cycle, and thus prevent the spray arms from being impeded. In a version of this another embodiment, the tray can be releasably mounted to the side wall of the upper rack and utilized as a shelf.

In another embodiment, the tray can receive one or more arrays of cups, preferably at least six cups or more. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as a very large number of cups can be orderly orderly and securely loaded into the racks by means of the fine meshed trays and effectively washed and rinsed. In alternative versions of this embodiment, the base of the tray may be level or slanting. In the latter case, the rinsing liquid can more easily flow down and the risk that the articles, in particular the cups remain wet can be eliminated or reduced as much as possible.

In another embodiment, the tray has apertures for the vertical reception of cutleries. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the tray can be also used as a cutlery basket.

In another embodiment, the tray can be detachably engaged with the holding means of the cutlery drawer after the cutlery drawer has been removed. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the tray can be also used as a cutlery drawer.

In other alternative embodiments, a single tray or a stack of trays can be installed into the sterilization region of the dishwasher. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the articles inside tray can be disinfected in the sterilization region which is located on one of the racks. Ultraviolet light or ozone may be used as sterilization means.

In another embodiment, a relatively large kitchen utensil such as a pan can be leaned against the abutment of the tray. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the large kitchen utensils can be more flexibly placed, particularly into the lower rack.

In another embodiment, the tray is provided with handles. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the handles facilitate transportation of the trays.

In a version of this embodiment, the handles, the base and the side walls of the tray are adapted for interlocking engagement in the stacked state so as to prevent dislocations.

In another embodiment, all spikes can be collapsed for the installation of the trays. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the racks can be personalized to the exact requirements of the user in combination with the single trays and/or stack of trays.

In another embodiment, the tray is manufactured as a single piece from a durable plastic material. Alternatively, a light weight metal or a metal allow can be used.

Additional features and additional advantageous effects of the article rack accessory and the dishwasher according to the present invention will become more apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 - is a schematic perspective view of an article rack accessory which includes an individually usable and stackable tray according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 - is a schematic perspective view of the article rack accessory which includes two individually usable and stackable trays in the stacked state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 - is a schematic perspective view of two individually usable and stackable trays that are respectively installed onto the bottom in the two rear quadrants of the lower article rack of a dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the entire rear set of adjustable spikes have been collapsed;

Figure 4 - is a schematic perspective view of four individually usable and stackable trays that are respectively installed onto the bottom in the four quadrants of the lower article rack of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein one of the trays is aligned transversely;

Figure 5 - is a schematic perspective view of three individually usable and stackable trays that are installed onto the bottom of the lower article rack and also the upper article rack of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the entire left set of adjustable spikes in the upper rack have also been collapsed;

Figure 6 - is a schematic perspective view of an article rack accessory which includes two individually usable and stackable trays according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the stacked trays hold the cutleries;

Figure 7 - is a schematic perspective view of an article rack accessory which includes a two individually usable and stackable trays according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the stacked trays hold the cups;

Figure 8 - is a schematic perspective view of an article rack accessory which includes an individually usable and stackable tray that is detachably attached to the holding means of the cutlery drawer of the dishwasher according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cutlery drawer has been removed;

Figure 9 - is a schematic perspective view of the cutlery drawer prior to removing the drawer and attaching the stackable tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.

Article rack accessory
Rack
Spike
Tray
Base
Wall
Article
Bottom
Shelf
Wall
Aperture
Cutlery
Drawer
Holding means
Attachment means
Box
Abutment
Handle
Shoulder

The article rack accessory (1) is suitable for use in a dishwasher. The dishwasher comprises a tub (not shown), one or more extendable article racks (2) which are disposed into the tub one above the other.

In the dishwasher of the present invention, each article rack (2) has one or more sets of adjustable spikes (3) which can be manually put to an upright position for holding the dishes and collapsed to a horizontal position for non-use.

The article rack accessory (1) of the present invention comprises one or more individual and stackable trays (4) each having a fine mesh base (5) and four side walls (6) which are adapted for the secure reception of the relatively small articles (7) including cups (7), baby pacifiers (not shown) and jar lids (not shown) and for the installation onto the bottom (8) of either one of the article racks (2) when the respective spikes (3) have been collapsed. Each tray (4) has a size such that at least two trays (4) can be installed, in the stacked state, into the same rack (2).

In an embodiment, each tray (4) has a size such that at least one tray (4) can be installed into each quadrant of the rack (2) when the respective spikes (3) are collapsed. In a version of this embodiment, the fine mesh base (5) is rectangular and covers approximately the entire quadrant of the rack (2).

In another embodiment, the dishwasher comprises one or more pivotable shelves (9) which are mounted to the wall (10) of the upper article rack (2). Each shelf (9) can be manually put to an inclined position for holding the cups (7) and to an upright position for non-use. In this embodiment, each tray (4) has a size such that one tray (4) can be installed underneath at least part of one shelf (9) next to respective the wall (10) when the shelf (9) is in the inclined position.

In another embodiment, the fine mesh base (5) of the tray (4) is adapted for receiving one or more arrays of cups (7) each turned upside down. In a version of this embodiment, the fine mesh base (5) can support six cups (7) when arranged in two rows.

In another embodiment, the fine mesh base (5) of the tray (4) is level.

In another embodiment, the fine mesh base (5) of the tray (4) has apertures (11) each further adapted for the vertical reception of a cutlery (12).

In another embodiment, the dishwasher comprises a cutlery drawer (13) for the horizontal reception of cutlery (12), and a holding means (14) for extdandably and releasably holding the cutlery drawer (14) inside the tub. In this embodiment, each tray (4) comprises an attachment means (15) for detachably engaging with the holding means (14) of the cutlery drawer (13) in the state when the cutlery drawer (13) has been removed. In a version of this embodiment, the attachment means (15) comprises a pair of suspension members.

In other alternative embodiments, the dishwasher comprises a sterilization region (not shown) which is disposed onto the upper article rack (2) or the lower article rack (2) for sterilizing articles (7) with ultraviolet radiation or ozone. In this embodiment, each tray (4) has a size such that one individual tray (4) or two stacked trays (4) can be installed into the sterilization region. The two stacked trays (4) define a box (16) for the secure reception of the relatively small articles (7) to be sterilized.

In another embodiment, each tray (4) has an abutment (17) for supporting a lateral side of a relatively large kitchen utensil such as a pan (not shown) in the inclined state from below.

In another embodiment, the tray (4) has two opposing handles (18). In a version of this embodiment, the handles (18) of the trays (4) are adapted for interlocking engagement in the stacked state.

In another embodiment, each handle (18) comprises an upper abutment (17) and a lower shoulder (19). The abutment (17) of the lower tray (4) supports the counterpart shoulder (19) of the upper tray (4) in the stacked state.

In another embodiment, all spikes (3) are adjustable such that the bottom of each article rack (2) can be rendered entirely plane for the installation of the trays (4).

A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that by virtue of the trays (4), the user can load the articles (7) into both racks (2) more flexibly and thus personalize both racks (2) to his/her exact requirements. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that by virtue of the trays (4), the user can load more articles (7) into both racks (2), and thus utilize the space inside the racks (2) more efficiently. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that by virtue of the trays (4), the user can load the articles (7) more orderly into both racks (2), and thus the washing/rinsing performance of the dishwasher can be improved even at comparatively high loads. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that by virtue of the trays (4), the user can more securely load the relatively small articles (7) such as the baby pacifiers, the jar lids and the like into both racks (2), and can have them intensively washed. Thereby, the risk that these small articles (7) are dislocated by the thrust of the washing/rinsing liquid can be eliminated or reduced as much as possible. Other advantageous effects of the present invention can be taken from the aforementioned embodiments.

Claims

An article rack accessory (1) for use in a dishwasher comprising: a tub; one or more extendable article racks (2) which are disposed into the tub one above the other, wherein each article rack (2) has one or more sets of adjustable spikes (3) which can be manually put to an upright position for holding the dishes and collapsed to a horizontal position for non-use, the article rack accessory (1) being characterized in that one or more individual and stackable trays (4) each having a fine mesh base (5) and four side walls (6) adapted for the secure reception of relatively small articles (7) including cups (7), baby pacifiers, and jar lids, and for the installation onto the bottom (8) of either one of the article racks (2) when the respective spikes (3) have been collapsed, wherein each tray (4) has a size such that at least two trays (4) can be installed, in the stacked state, into the same rack (2).
The article rack accessory (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each tray (4) has a size such that at least one tray (4) can be installed into each quadrant of the rack (2) when the respective spikes (3) are collapsed.
The article rack accessory (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dishwasher further comprises one or more pivotable shelves (9) which are mounted to the wall (10) of the upper article rack (2), the article rack accessory (1) being characterized in that each tray (4) has a size such that one tray (4) can be installed underneath at least part of one shelf (9) next to respective the wall (10).
The article rack accessory (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fine mesh base (5) of the tray (4) is adapted for receiving one or more arrays of cups (7) each turned upside down.
The article rack accessory (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the fine mesh base (5) of the tray (4) is level or slanting.
The article rack accessory (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the fine mesh base (5) of the tray (4) has apertures (11) each further adapted for the vertical reception of a cutlery (12).
The article rack accessory (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dishwasher further comprises a cutlery drawer (13) for the horizontal reception of cutlery (12), and a holding means (14) for extdandably and releasably holding the cutlery drawer (14) inside the tub, the article rack accessory (1) being characterized in that each tray (4) comprises an attachment means (15) for detachably engaging with the holding means (14) of the cutlery drawer (13) in the state when the cutlery drawer (13) has been removed.
The article rack accessory (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dishwasher further comprises a sterilization region which is disposed onto the upper article rack (2) or the lower article rack (2) for sterilizing articles (7) with ultraviolet radiation or ozone, the article rack accessory (1) being characterized in that each tray (4) has a size such that one or two stacked trays (4) can be installed into the sterilization region, wherein the two stacked trays (4) define a box (16) for the secure reception of relatively small articles (7) to be sterilized.
The article rack accessory (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each tray (4) has an abutment (17) for supporting a lateral side of a relatively large kitchen utensil such as a pan in the inclined state from below.
The article rack accessory according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tray (4) has two opposing handles (18).
The article rack accessory (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that each handle (18) comprises an upper abutment (17) and a lower shoulder (19), wherein the abutment (17) of the lower tray (4) supports the counterpart shoulder (19) of the upper tray (4) in the stacked state.
A dishwasher comprising a tub, one or more extendable article racks (2) which are disposed into the tub one above the other, characterized in that the article rack accessory (1) as defined in claim 1 or 2, wherein each article rack (2) has one or more sets of adjustable spikes (3) which can be manually put to an upright position for holding the dishes and collapsed to a horizontal position for non-use.