GB2501888A

GB2501888A - A dishwasher basket

Info

Publication number: GB2501888A
Application number: GB1208038.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roxanna Short
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-08
Filing date: 2012-05-08
Publication date: 2013-11-13
Anticipated expiration: 2032-05-08
Also published as: GB2501888B; GB201208038D0

Abstract

A dishwasher basket comprises a plurality of generally tubular members 100, 150a, 150b, 200a, 200b, 200c, each of which defines a passage through which wash fluid may be ejected. Each of the plurality of tubular members 100, 150a, 150b, 200a, 200b, 200c, may communicate with at least one nozzle (250, fig 3a) to deliver the fluid, with the at least one nozzle (250, fig 3a) being directable. The tubular members may be in the form of crockery supports 200a, 200b, 200c which may be provided. Also disclosed is a cutlery basket (figure 6a) that includes a handle (500, fig 6a) formed as a hollow conduit that defines a passage for delivering the wash fluid.

Description

A Dishwasher, Dishwasher Basket, and Cutlery Container The invention relates to dishwashers, and in particular to environmentally-friendly dishwashers that can deliver water directly to the cutlery or crcckery held therein.

Conventionally, dishwashers deliver water from a rotating arm above a basket in which crockery is placed in a stacked arrangement. Crockery is typically stacked such that the individual items stand on an edge in a spaced apart manner and separated by pairs of supports.

The intention of such stacking is to provide a consistent space between adjacent items such that water delivered from above can pass unimpeded between, and thus onto the surfaces of, each item.

Since close packing of the items of crockery is desirable, it can often be the case that the items of crockery when not supported correctly can block the adequate flow of water therebetween. Furthermore, some items such as bowls have sufficient curvature that, even when stacked correctly, they prevent the passage of water onto their entire outer surfaces.

The prevention of water flow in this way hinders cleaning of the crockery.

It is also the case that cutlery is simply placed in a container, and often is not subjected to a sufficient flow of water.

The volume of water delivered must therefore be high in order to increase the likelihood that all items of crockery and cutlery will be cleaned, even when subject to insubstantial flows therebetween.

Since the water to be delivered must be heated, the provision of such large volumes of water is undesirable with respect to both water usage and energy efficiency and is thus damaging to the environment.

There is therefore a need for an improvement in the way water is delivered to clean items of crockery and cutlery in a dishwasher.

There is therefore provided various apparatus as defined by the appended claims.

A preferred embodiment of a dishwasher basket comprises a plurality of generally tubular members, each of which defines a passage through which fluid may be delivered. Preferably, at least six generally tubular members are provided.

The word tubular as used herein is not limited to cylindrical tubes and encompasses tubes with non-cylindrical cross-sections, such as square or hexagonal shaped cross-sections.

Embodiments of the invention can provide dishwashers that effectively clean items of crockery and cutlery and use and heat advantageously small quantities of water.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be brought into effect, reference is now made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a component for a basket for a dishwasher; Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of a support of the component of Figure 1; Figure 3a shows a cross-section of the support of Figure 2; Figure 3b shows an alternative cross-section of the support of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows an end view of a nozzle of the support of Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a cutlery container; Figure 6a shows a side view of the container of Figure 5; Figure 6b shows a cross-sectional view of the handle of the container of Figure 6a; Figure 7 shows a plan view of a dishwasher basket; and Figure 8 shows an alternative arrangement having a separate support and fluid delivery tube.

A component of a dishwasher basket is shown in Figure 1. The component is a means for delivering fluid to a plurality of locations. The component may form part of, or be connected to, a dishwasher basket.

As can be seen from Figure 1, a main supply tube 100 extends in a first direction. Two branched supply tubes 150a, 150b extend perpendicularly from the main supply tube 100.

In use, when installed in a dishwasher basket, the main supply tube 100 and the branched supply tubes 150a, 150b will lie in a horizontal plane. As will be described below, the supply tubes 100, 150a, 150b, can form part of the dishwasher basket, or can be provided in addition to a dishwasher basket.

The branched supply tubes l5Oa, lSOb are in communication with the passage through the main supply tube 100.

A first plurality of supports 200a, 200b, 200c extend generally upwardly from the first branched supply tube 150a.

The supports 200a, 20Gb, 20Cc are themselves tubes communicating with the first branched supply tube 150a.

A second plurality of supports 201a, 2Olb, 201o in an identical arrangement extends from the second branched supply tube 150b. In this way, supports 200, 201 are provided in pairs with a support 200 from the first plurality forming a pair with a corresponding support 201 from the second plurality.

Preferably, the supports are arranged so that items of crockery such as plates or bowls can be separately supported thereby. For example, one plate may be inserted between the pair consisting of support 200a and support 201a and the pair consisting of support 200b and support 201b. The plate's circular outer edge will abut the intersection of support 200a and the first branched supply tube 150a, and the intersection of support 201a and the first branched supply tube 150b. The plate's underside (the major planar surface that will rest upon a table when in use) will rest upon the end of the supports 200b and 201b.

Figure 2 shows a support 200 from the first plurality of supports 200 extending from the first branched supply tube 150a.

The support 200 preferably extends from the first branched supply tube 150a at an angle a in the range 45° to 90°.

The support 200 more preferably extends from the first branched supply tube 150a at an angle a in the range 60° to 85°.

The support 200 most preferably extends from the first branched supply tube 150a at an angle a of 76°.

Preferably, when in place in a dishwasher basket, the support will extend from the base of the dishwasher basket at an angle in the range 45° to 90°.

The support 200 more preferably extends from the base of the dishwasher basket at an angle in the range 60° to 85°.

The support 200 most preferably extends from the base of the dishwasher basket at an angle of 76°.

Preferably, all supports 200a, 200b, 200c, 201a, 201b, 201o each extend at the same angle from the branched supply tube from which they extend.

Preferably, the branched supply tubes 150a, 15Db extend in a generally horizontal plane when the dishwasher basket is in place in a dishwasher.

Figure 3a shows a cross-section of a support 200. The support comprises a nozzle 250. Preferably, the nozzle 250 is configured to produce a divergent spray of fluid.

An end view of the nozzle 250 is shown in Figure 4.

Preferably, the nozzle comprises a central bung 260 in an opening 280 in the end portion of the support 200. The bung 260 is preferably located in the opening 280 by way of stems 270 which extend radially inwardly from the opening 280 to the bung 260. In this way, a plurality of apertures is provided between the bung 260 and the opening 280.

Preferably, the opening 280 is tapered such that the outer width of the opening is greater than the inner width of the opening. Preferably, the bung 260 is complementary In shape thereby in use directing fluid outwardly as depicted by the arrows 261.

Other forms of nozzle 250 are considered; for example, a simple hole.

A plurality of holes or nozzles extending along the length of the support(s) 200 is also considered.

Whilst the nozzle is shown as being centered on the longitudinal axis of the support 200 such that fluid flowing through the support would be directed in the longitudinal direction upon exit, the nozzle 250 may be provided at an angle (as shown in Figure 3b) . This is advantageous, since the support may be angled itself. For example, the nozzle 250 may be provided facing in a horizontal direction in use. When the nozzle produces a divergent spray, the spray will diverge from a central spray axis 262 parallel with the horizontal direction.

Since a plurality of supports 200, 201 extends from each branched supply tube 150a, 150b, the fluid pressure will be greater nearest the main supply tube 100. To compensate for the pressure drop, the total area of the apertures of the nozzle 250 of each support will be larger the further from the main supply tube 100 it is located. That is, the total area of the apertures of the nozzle 250 of the support 200a furthest from the main supply tube 100 is greater than the total area of the apertures of the nozzle 250 of the support 200c closest to the main supply tube 100.

In use of the dishwasher, a plurality of bowls or plates will be stacked, supported by supports 200, 201 extending therebetween.

Preferably, in one direction, the support 200 makes an acute angle with the branched supply tube 150a, 150b. In the opposite direction, the support 200 will make an obtuse angle with the branched supply tube 150a, 150b. Preferably, the nozzle 260 faces in the direction in which the support 200 makes an acute angle with the branched supply tube 150a, 150b.

The base of a dishwasher basket is typically formed of a mesh of intersecting rods. The main supply tube 100 and the branched supply tubes 150a, 15Gb may form part of the base of the dishwasher basket, or may be provided in addition thereto.

When provided in addition to the dishwasher basket, it is preferable that they extend along the underside thereof.

Figure 5 shows a cutlery container 400. The cutlery container 400 comprises a cradle 450 and a handle 500. The handle 500 is preferably located generally centrally with respect to the cradle 450. Preferably, the cradle is divided into separate compartments as is conventionai in the art. The cradle may be divided into two halves by a wall 451 directly below the handle 500.

As can be seen from Figures Ga and 6b, the handle 500 is a conduit having a plurality of holes 505, i.e. a sparge pipe.

The holes are preferably formed in two lines 505a, 505b. The lines 505a, 505b extend generaily in the longitudinal direction of the handle 500. The first line 505a is arranged to direct fluid toward one half of the cradle 450. The second line 505b is arranged to direct fluid toward the other half of the cradle 450. Each line 505a, 505b direct fluid downwardly at an angle S in the range 0° to 45° either side of the vertical direction.

The handle 500 meets a supply conduit 550 at one end, which extends along an edge of the cradle 450. The supply conduit 550 extends downwardly to the base of the cradle 450 and terminates in an opening 555.

The opening 555 is arranged to connect with a connector 605 extending upwardly from the base of a dishwasher basket. The connector 605 is in communication with a supply tube 600.

It is conventional to provide two dishwasher baskets within a dishwasher, an upper basket and a lower basket. The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to either the upper basket or the lower basket.

Preferably, at least the lower basket is provided with the fluid delivery tubes described herein.

There are many ways of arranging a lower basket. Figure 7 shows an exemplary layout 800.

As can be seen from Figure 7, there may be four regions to a dishwasher basket. A rear region 850, a left front region 820, a generally central front region 830, and a right front region 840.

Preferably, in at least one of the left front region 820 and the right front region 840, a set of crockery supports is provided. Each set of crockery supports may include a plurality of pairs of supports for supporting plates.

Preferably, one set of crockery supports is provided in each of the left front region 820 and the right front region 840 and between six and eighteen supports are provided in each set of crockery supports.

Each set of crockery supports preferably comprises: a first plurality of supports 200 extending from a first branched supply tube 150a; a second plurality of supports 201 extending from a second branched supply tube 150b; and a main supply tube 100 in communication with each of the first and second branched supply tubes 150a, 15Gb. The main supply tube 100 extends to a rear edge of the lower basket.

Preferably, a cutlery container 400 is located in the generally central front region 830.

A connector 605 may be provided extending upwardly from the base of a dishwasher basket within the generally central front region 830. In this way, the opening 555 in the base of the cutlery container 400 may connect with the connector 605 when the cutlery container 400 is placed in the generally central front region 830.

The connector 605 may be in communication with a supply tube 600, whIch passes along the underside of the base of the lower basket to the rear edge thereof.

In Figure 7, there are two main supply tubes 100 extending from each of the left front region 820 and the right front region 840 to the rear edge of the lower basket, and a supply tube 600 extendIng from the generally central front region 830 to the rear edge of the lower basket. A number of rear regions 850 may also be provided.

As is conventIonal, the lower basket Is slidable into and out of a dishwasher 900. Preferably, wheels 880 are provided on the lower basket for this purpose.

Since the two main supply tubes 100 and the supply tube 600 for the cutlery container 400 extend to the rear edge of the lower basket, they can be connected to and disconnected from the water supply of the dishwasher 900 by sliding movement of the lower basket into and out of the dishwasher 900.

Connectors to the water supply of the dishwasher 900 can be provided in the dishwasher in positions corresponding with the location of the two main supply tubes 100 and the supply tube 600 for the cutlery container 400 when the lower basket is slid fuiiy into the dishwasher.

For this purpose, connecting means may be provided, on the two main supply tubes 100 and the supply tube 600 for the cutlery container 400, for connection with the connectors to the water supply of the dishwasher 900.

Such a connection wouid be similar to, or the same as, the conventional type of connector used to connect the water supply to the rotating arm of a conventional upper basket.

Alternatively, a single connector may be provided to connect each of the two main supply tubes 100 and the supply tube 600 for the cutlery container 400 to a single connector to the water supply of the dishwasher 900.

In preferred embodiments, each of the main supply tubes 100 would be provided with a valve for allowing or preventing the flow of fluid therethrough.

This allows separate regions of a dishwasher to be enabled or disabled for the provision of fluid between items. This is particularly of use when the dishwasher is not completely filled -crockery could be placed in, for example, only the left front region 820, such that this region is enabled for fluid delivery and the right front region 840 disabled for delivery.

Indeed it may be envisaged that individual supports 200, 2001 have valves.

The above described valves may be manually controllable by a user, or may be automatically actuated by the dishwasher. In the latter case, the region of activation can be determined using the user-interface of the dishwasher.

Manual valves may be provided with a visual indicator to show when the valve is open or closed.

The layout of Figure 7 is merely illustrative. In general, a plurality of regions for crockery may each include individually selectable sets of water providing members.

Additionally, a region for cutlery may be selectable for operation in accordance with the description above.

Accordingly, efficient use of water can be achieved even when the dishwasher is not fully loaded.

Although in the description above, the nozzle is formed on a support, embodiments are envisaged in which the nozzle is formed on a tube provided next to the supports and in between items of crockery. Such an embodiment is shown in Figure 8.

As can be seen, a stand 1000 having a plurality of supports 1200 can support items of crockery, whilst a plurality of fluid supply tubes 1010 extend between the Items of crockery.

In the description above, It is generally considered that water would be supplied between the items of crockery.

However, embodiments are envisaged in which cther fluids, such as detergents, are delivered between the items of crockery.

Whereas the nozzles described above are fixed in place, manually directable nozzles are considered. These could be used to individually direct the spray for the particular items of crockery stacked thereon.

The dishwasher described above, may be additionally provided with the conventional rotating arm.

In use, such a dishwasher may operate in the same manner as a conventional dishwasher with, in addition, a period in which the above-described fluid delivery system is activated to deliver fluid to individual items of crockery in one or more regions (and/cr the set of cutiery) Whilst supports are described above as generally upwardly extending simple tubular members, embodiments are considered in which a crcssbar is provided between each support of pairs of suppcrts 200, 2001, and in communication therewith. The crossbar of such a pair of supports 200, 201, may be a sparge pipe in communication with the two supports 200, 201 forming the pair.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A dishwasher basket comprising a plurality of generally tubular members, each of which defines a passage through which fluid may be ejected.
2. The basket of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tubular members communicates with a nozzle for delivering fluid.
3. The basket of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of tubular members terminates in a nozzle.
4. The basket of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein a nozzle is located along the length of each of the plurality of tubular members.
5. The basket of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least one of the nozzles is directable.
6. The basket of any one of claim 5, wherein the/each directable nozzle is rotatable about a tubular member.
7. The basket of any preceding claim, further comprising a main supply tube in communication with the plurality of tubular members, wherein the main supply tube is arranged to connect to a fluid supply means.
8. The basket of claim 7, wherein the main supply tube is arranged to slidably engage a connector of a fluid supply means.
9. The basket of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of crockery supports arranged to support items of crockery in a spaced arrangement, wherein: the plurality of crockery supports define therebetween a plurality of crockery supporting regions; and the tubular members extend between the crockery supporting regions for delivering fluid to the crockery supporting regions.
10. The basket of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the tubular members are arranged to support items of crockery in a spaced arrangement.
11. The basket of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more valves for allowing or preventing the flow of fluid through at least one of the tubular members.
12. The basket of claim 11, wherein the valves are manuallyactuatable.
13. The basket of any preceding claim wherein each of the plurality of tubular members extends generally upwardly from a base of the dishwasher basket.
14. The basket of any preceding claim comprising at least six tubular members, each of which comprise at least one nozzle.
15. A basket for a dishwasher, comprising: a plurality of tubular members, each of which define a passage through which fluid may flow; and a connector in communication with the passages, for connection to a supply of fluid, wherein: the tubular members are arranged to provide a plurality of supports for supporting items of crockery; and the tubular members each comprise one or more nozzle(s) for delivering water supplied through the passage.
16. The basket of any preceding claim, wherein the tubular members have a oiroular, sguare, or hexagonal cross-sectional shape.
17. A container for holding cutlery, comprising a carriage and a handle, wherein the handle is a hollow conduit which defines a passage through which fluid may be delivered.
18. The container of claim 17, wherein the handle comprises a plurality of nozzles for directing a flow of fluid at the carriage.
19. The container of claim 18, wherein the plurality of nozzles comprises first and second rows of nozzles, the first row directed at a first half of the cradle, the second row directed at a second half of the cradle.
20. The container of any one of claims 17 to 18, further comprising a supply conduit in communication with the handle, wherein the supply conduit is arranged to connect to a fluid supply means.
21. The container of claim 22, wherein the supply conduit is arranged to slidably engage a connector of a fluid supply means.
22. A dishwasher comprising the basket of any one of claims 1 to 16.
23. A dishwasher comprising the container of any one of claims 17 tc 21.
24. A dishwasher comprising the basket of any one cf claims 1 to 16 and the container of any one of claims 17 to 21.
25. A method of cleaning crockery, comprising the steps of: placing a plurality of items of crockery in a dishwasher basket; delivering water from a plurality of nozzles located between respective items of crockery.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein: at least one nozzle is located between a first pair of items of crockery; and at least a second nozzle is located between a second pair of items of crockery.
27. A dishwasher basket configured to hold multiple items of crockery, comprising a plurality of generally tubular members, each of which defines a passage through which fluid may be delivered, wherein the tubular members are arranged for delivering fluid between the items of crockery.
28. A dishwasher basket as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
29. A container for holding cutlery as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
30. A dishwasher as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.