US2891560A - Dishwasher construction - Google Patents

Description

June 1959 M. E. ULLMAN, JR, ET AL 2,893,560

DISHWASHER CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 11, 1956 I N VEN TORS ATTORNEYS June 23, 1959 M. E. ULLMAN, JR., ETAL 2,891,560

I DISHWASHER CONSTRUCTION Filed April 11, 1956 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 0 000 O 0 000 OO F ,2 v INVENTORS g M gran E. Ullmwzz, J1: By Eric M SiLver d gwaaw ATTORAEYS June 23, 1959 M. E. ULLMAN, JR, ETAL DISHWASHER CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 11, 1956 [NVENTORS Myron/E. Ulhzzagm/z: By EriaMSI/Lver d %w&&

ATTORNEYS V June 23, 1959 M. E. ULLMAN, JR., ET AL DISHWASHER CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 11, 1956 Tu W m m mM& 0 r. 9% W M m n ET AL 2,891,560

June 23, 1959 M. E. ULLMAN, JR.

DISHWASHER CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 11, 1956 56 i 67 i "W INVENTORS Myron E. l/Zl/mwn, J1:

Ero'cMSilvar 1: %w&

ATTORNEYS June 23, 1959 M. E. ULLMAN, JR., ET AL 2,891,560

DISHWASHER CONSTRUCTION 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed April 11, 1956 INVENTORS Myron E. Z/ZL J11 (1,

Eric M Sb'Lver '2 ATTORNEYS.

United States DISHWASHER CONSTRUCTION Myron E. Ullman, Jr., Canfield, and Eric M. Silver, Salem, Ohio, assignors to American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation, New Yorir, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Application April 11, 1956, Serial No. 577,484

19 Claims. (Cl. 134-58) Our invention relates to improvements in dishwasher construction, and more specifically to a dishwasher construction having a front opening door as distinguished from dishwasher constructions having top opening doors.

Front opening dishwashers provide certain advantages over top opening dishwashers, one of the more important being generally greater capacity for a given size of dishwasher tub and cabinet. That is to say, it is possible to load a greater volume of dishes in a front opening dishwasher having a given size of tub than in a top opening dishwasher having the same size tub, since the tub is more accessible and the dishes may be positioned on a series of horizontally slidable trays in a front opening construction. A further advantage is that generally better dish cleaning qualities are obtained in a front opening dishwasher, since the water spray means may be more efficiently positioned in a front opening construction and will more efllciently clean the dishes despite the greater volume.

A still further important advantage of a front opening dishwasher over a top opening dishwasher is that, with the front opening dishwasher, the top horizontal surface of the cabinet may provide additional counter space in a kitchen in which the dishwasher is installed, or the dishwasher may be mounted in a kitchen cabinet with only the front side portion thereof exposed. In the installa tion of a top opening dishwasher, however, it is necessary to provide clearance at the top of the dishwasher in order that the top opening door thereof may be opened. Further, since it is necessary to open this top opening door to gain access to the dishwasher, the top horizontal surface of the dishwasher may not be used as additional counter space in the kitchen.

It is necessary, however, in all dishwashers having a drying cycle, to remove the moist air from the tub of the dishwasher during this drying cycle, while the dishes are being dried. In a top opening dishwasher this venting of the dishwasher during the drying cycle is relatively simple, since it is only necessary to provide spring loaded hinges on the top opening door in combination with a latch which may be controlled by the dishwasher timer, so that it is only necessary to release the door latch at the start of the drying cycle and the spring loaded hinges on the door will open the same to vent the dishwasher tub.

In a front opening dishwasher, however, this presents a problem, since, if the door is unlatched at the start of the drying cycle, similar to the top opening dishwasher, the door will open completely by gravity and provide an inconvenient and dangerous obstruction in the kitchen where the dishwasher is installed. Attempts have been made to overcome this venting problem in front opening dishwashers by providing a separate venting tube opening outwardly of the top of the dishwasher, or by venting the dishwasher tub into the confines of the cabinet surrounding the tub. Venting into the confines of the cabinet has caused considerable corrosive damage to the cabinet, tub and electrical mechanisms making up the dishwasher construction.

2,891,560 Patented June 23, 1959 ice It is, therefore, a general object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher construction which overcomes the disadvantages of prior constructions.

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher construction having a front opening access door, thereby providing greater capacity for a given size dishwasher tub and cabinet, better cleaning qualities, and additional counter space in the kitchen in which the dishwasher is installed, all of these advantageous features being inherent in front opening dishwashers.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher construction of the front opening type in which the door thereof is automatically partially opened during the drying cycle, thereby providing an adequate vent for releasing moist air from the dishwasher tub to shorten the drying cycle.

It is still a further object of the present invention to" provide a dishwasher construction of the front opening type in which the door thereof is automatically partially opened during the drying cycle, but yet the door latch remains securely engaged with the latch engagement means, without danger of the door accidentally moving to a completely opened position.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher construction of the front opening type in which the door thereof is automatically partially opened during the drying cycle and securely remains in this partially opened position, but yet may be selectively moved at any time to completely open position by a positive movement of the door latch handle.

Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher construction having a three-position door handle requiring positive movements between the positions of open, lock and run, whereby danger of accidentally starting the dishwashing cycle is greatly diminished.

Still further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher construction having a three-position door handle requiring a minimum of movement, starting from a door opening position, to selectively place the handle in door locking position or a position starting the dishwashing cycle.

Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher construction having a door latch construction which includes cam means for simply and efficiently placing the door latch in open, lock or run positions.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dishwasher construction which satisfies all of the above objects, yet is relatively simple in construction, efiicient and durable in use, and may be fabricated at a minimum of both labor and material costs.

These and other objects are accomplished by the parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and sub-combinations comprising the present invention, the nature of which is set forth in the following general statement, a preferred embodiment of whichillustrative of the best mode in which applicants have contemplated applying the principles-is set forth in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and which is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims forming a part hereof.

In general terms, the improved dishwasher construction comprising the present invention may be stated as including a tub having an open front side and having a sump formed in the bottom wall thereof. The sump preferably has connected thereto water drain means, water overflow means and water outlet means. Still further, the sump preferably has an open heating coil positioned therein.

The tub further preferably includes water spray means,

water inlet means and dishholding tray means. The spray means preferably is a spraying pipe rotatably mounted on the back side wall of the tub extending horizontally toward the open front side of the tub, with the tray means including two trays horizontally positioned, one above and one below the spraying tower, and slidable horizontally between positions totally within the tub and positions at least partially extending through the open front side of the tub.

The dishwasher construction further includes circulating pump means connected to the sump 1' outlet means and tub spray means, for pumping water from the sump to the spray means. Additionally, drain valve means is connected to the sump drain means for selectively draining water from the sump or retaining the same therein. Also, water valve means is connected to the tub water inlet means for selectively admitting water to the tub from a source of water supply.

Still further, the dishwasher construction includes a door pivotally mounted at the open front side of the tub and pivotal between the extreme positions of extending vertically closing the tub front side in a water splashproof manner and extending horizontally of the tub providing access thereto. Preferably, a safety switch is mounted exterior of the tub and is controlled by latch means mounted partially on the door, said switch serving to initiate the dishwashing cycle, and also to interrupt at least the circulating pump means when the door is opened during the dishwashing cycle. Finally, the dishwasher construction includes a timer operably connected to all of said circulating pump means, drain valve means, water valve means and safety switch.

The latch means preferably includes latch engagement means operably connected to a kicker assembly, with both of said means and assembly being mounted exterior of the tub, and with the kicker assembly operable to selectively move the latch engagement means generally horizontal in reference to the tub to partially open the door. The kicker assembly is operably controlled in moving the latch engagement means in at least one horizontal direction by the timer. The latch means further preferably includes a control hnadle pivotally mounted on the door and operably connected to cam means. The cam means is operably connected to a latch, with said latch being selectively engageable with the latch engagement means.

The control handle cam means and latch are prefera'bly arranged for movement between three positions, termed open, lock and run. The open position completely disengages the latch from the latch engagement means, permitting the door to be pivoted in refer- I ence to the tub.

Further, the lock position engages the latch with the latch engagement means when the door is closed, retain ing the door closed but not actuating the safety switch. Finally, the run position engages the latch with the latch engagement means when the door is closed, and actuates the safety switch for preferably starting the dishwashing cycle when the cycle is not started, or permitting the circulating pump means to operate in the c cle when the cycle is in progress.

Thus, with the dishwasher construction comprising the present invention, the front opening door may be closed and the latch means placed in lock position for storing dirty dishes, but yet not starting the dishwashing cycle. Further, the door may be closed and the latch means placed in run position which, in turn, automatically starts the dishwashing cycle.

Still further, if the latch means is placed in either lock or open position while the dishwashing cycle is in progress, at least the circulating pump means will be stopped, preventing water from spraying out of the tub if the door of the dishwasher is opened. Finally, during the drying cycle, the kicker assembly automatically moves the latch engagement means horizontally, thereby partially opening the door to provide an adequate. vent for I.\ the dishwasher tub, but yet the latch and latch engagement means remain securely engaged, preventing the door from opening completely accidentally.

By way of example, an embodiment of the improved dishwasher construction of the present invention is illus trated in the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals indicate similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

Fig. l is a front elevation of the dishwasher construction compri the present invention, with the door 3i broken away, and with the latch means thereof 111 11' position;

Fig. 2 a sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 22 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 a sectional view, part in elevation, looking in ircctiou of the arrows 3-3 in Fig. 2;

4 a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, lookr 1,, in the directionof the arrows 4.4 in Fig. 2, and she ing the latch means in run pc asition;

. 5 a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, lo king in the direction of the arrows 5-5 in Fig. 4, and showing the latch means in run position;

Fig. 6 a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 66 in Fig. 5, and showing the latch means in run position;

Fig. 7 a view similar to Fig. 5 showing the latch means in run position and the kicker assembly moved horizontally to partially open the door;

Fig. 8 a View similar to Fig. 5 showing the latch means in lock position;

Fig. 9 a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 99 in Fig. 8, and showing the latch means in lock position;

Fig. 1-5) a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows ill-10 in Fig. 8 and showing the latch means in lock position;

Fig. ll a view similar to Fig. 5 showing the latch means in open position; and,

Fig. 12 a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 12--l2 in Fig. 11, and showing the latch means in open position.

The dishwasher construction of the present invention, as best seen in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, includes a cabinet generally indicated at 20, having mounted therein a tub generally indicated at 21. The cabinet 29 is preferably formed of sheet metal and the tub 21 may be formed of a rigid plastic material or sheet metal.

Tub 21 is generally rectangular in configuration and is provided with a top wall 22, a bottom wall 23, side walls 24, a back wall 25 and an open front 26. The bottom wall 23 has a sump 27 formed therein, with said sump having a water drain outlet28 and a water circulating outlet 29 preferably formed in adjoining side walls thereof.

Further, the sump 27 has a preferably open generally U-shaped heating coil 29:: mounted therein for a purpose to be hereinafter described. An overflow opening 30, having an overflow cap 31 mounted thereover, is formed in the bottom wall 23 adjacent the upper edge of the sump 27. Overflow cap 31 is formed so that water may pass laterally therethrough into the overflow opening 36, but this cap is covered at the top thereof, preventing water from falling vertically downwardly into overflow opening 31) from the main portion of tub 21.

An overflow pipe is mounted at the overflow open ing 39 and extends downwardly to a water drain pipe 33. Also, water drain outlet 28 is connected to the drain pipe 33 through a solenoid drain valve 34.

The circulating outlet 29 in sump 27 is connected to the inlet side of a preferably centrifugal circulating pump 35, and the outlet side of pump 35 is connected to a water circulating pipe 36. Circulating pipe 36 extends from pump 35 preferably beneath tub 21 and then upwardly outside of back wall 25 to a point intermediate the side walls 24 in tub .271 and preferably slightly nearer top wall 22 than to bottom wall 23. At this point pipe 36 is connected through the back wall 25 to a generally horizontally extending spray means 37.

The spray means 37 forms the water spraying means for the dishwasher construction, for spraying water against dishes contained in tub 21, and includes a stationary stand pipe 38 having a spray pipe 39 journaled thereon. Stand pipe 38 communicates with spray pipe 39, and spray holes 40 are formed in spray pipe 39. Further, these spray holes are'positioned in such a way that, upon water being pumped under pressure from sump 27 by the circulating pump 35 through circulating pipe 36, stand pipe 38 and ultimately into spray pipe 39, the water will spray from the holes 40, causing the spray pipe 39 to rotate around stand pipe 38, thereby spraying water to all parts of the tub 21.

Water is originally admitted to the tub 21 at the beginning of the dishwashing cycle and during the rinsing portions of the cycle from a main water line 41 through a solenoid water valve 42 into a water inlet line 43, and ultimately through a water inlet opening 44 formed near the top of the back wall 25 of tub 21. Opening 44 is preferably provided with a baflle 45 directing the water downwardly in tub 21, and also inlet line 43 is preferably provided with the usual air gap device 46 as required by the plumbing codes of many cities.

The open front 26 of the tub 21 may be selectively closed by a door 47 which is hingedly connected at the bottom horizontal edge thereof to the cabinet and tub 20 and 21. Door 47 and tub 21 are constructed and assembled so that when door 47 is in closed position, closing tub 21 in a water splash-proof manner, door 47 extends generally vertically, and when door 47 is in the extreme open position it extends generally horizontally, this latter position being important for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

Preferably two plastic covered wire dish holding trays 48 and 49 are slidably mounted in tub 21, so that these trays are movable from totally within the confines of tub 21 to a position extending horizontally outwardly from tub 21 through the open front 26. Tray 48 is constructed so that its horizontal outward movement is limited, but tray 49 and door 47 are constructed so that when door 47 is in its extreme open position, extending generally horizontally from tub 21, tray 49 may be slid outwardly of tub 21 and onto door 47 The dishwasher construction of the present invention is further provided with a latch assembly generally indicated at 50 and mounted partially on the door 47 and partially on flange 22a, above the top wall 22 of the tub 21. Also, the latch assembly 50 is operably connected to a kicker assembly generally indicated at 51 and a safety switch 52, with kicker assembly 51 and switch 52 also preferably being mounted on tub 21 above the top wall 22 thereof.

As best seen in Figs. 4, and 6, the latch assembly 50 includes a handle 53, a cam 54, a latch slide 55 and a latch member 56, all of which are preferably mounted on door 47, and a latch engagement member 57 preferably mounted on tub 21. Cam 54 is generally circular in configuration and is rotatably mounted on door 47 surrounding a mounting stud 58.

Cam 54 is mounted on stud 58 through a hub 59, which hub is formed at a point offset from the center of cam 54. That is to say, as hub 59 rotates on stud 58, the outer circumferential cam surface 60 of cam 54 at different points is at a different distance from the center point of rotation, so that the portion of the circumferential surface of cam 54 which is the greatest distance from the hub 59 or the center of rotation, describes a circle larger than the circular size of cam 54, making the surface 60 a cam surface.

Handle 53 is rotatably mounted surrounding the hub 59 of cam 54, with handle 53 being rotatable in reference to both door 47 and cam 54. An operable connection is formed between handle 53 and cam 54 through a pin 61 extending from the back surface of handle 53 and rotatably received through cam 54. Thus, upon rotation of handle 53, cam 54 will be rotated through pin 61.

Further, the handle 53 is provided with a hub portion 62 spaced outwardly from the hub 59 of cam 54 and the mounting stud 58. As best seen in Fig. 6, hub portion 62 is generally triangular in cross-section, having rounded corners providing a smooth triangular surface.

A preferably nylon material positioning bar 63 is mounted for vertical sliding movement beneath hub portion 62 by means of the mounting pins 64 received through the end portions of bar 63. Further, bar 63 is resiliently urged toward and into abutting relation with the outer surface on hub portion 62 by means of the springs 65 surrounding mounting pins 64.

Thus, the handle 53 is resiliently limited to three positions and upon being rotated to leave one position is resiliently urged into the next position by means of the resiliently urged positioning bar 63 passing over the rounded corners of hub portion 62 and bearing against the flat triangular sides thereof. As indicated on the handle 53 in Fig. 1, the three positions of handle 53 are open, lock and run.

Latch slide 55 is slidably mounted on door 47 preferably slidable vertically when door 47 is in closed position. It is preferable that slide 55 is formed of nylon and is slidably mounted on door 47 by means of the reception of slide 55 within the escutcheon plate 66, which plate encloses slide 55 over a portion of the length of said slide.

Slide 55 further has an oblong cam opening 67 formed therein at the lower end thereof, with said opening having a width greater than its height as shown in Fig. 6. The height of opening 67 is preferably only slightly larger than the diameter of cam 54, while the Width thereof is considerably larger than the diameter of said cam.

Latch slide 55 and escutcheon plate 66 are mounted on door 47 with the cam 54 received Within the cam opening 67 of slide 55. Thus, as cam 54 is rotated by handle 53, latch slide 55 will slide vertically or in a longitudinal direction in reference to the handle 53, earn 54, escutcheon plate 66 and therefore door 47.

Latch member 56 is pivotally mounted at the upper end of latch slide 55, that is, the end thereof opposite from the end in which the cam opening 67 is formed. Latch member 56 is generally L-shaped or hook-shaped in configuration providing the engagement portion 68 extending generally downwardly or vertically when door 47 is in closed position.

Further, latch member 56 is pivotally mounted on slide 55 by means of pin 69, which pin is surrounded by a torsion spring 70 resiliently urging latch member 56 to a position in which the engagement portion 68 thereof extends downwardly when door 47 is in closed position, as shown in Fig. 5. The particular position to which latch member 56 is urged by spring 70 may be adjusted by the adjusting screw 71 which is threadably received through slide 55 and bears against a downwardly extending tab 72 formed on latch member 56.

Latch member 56 is partially mounted within door 47 and extends from the inner side of door 47 as shown in Fig. 5. Thus, the engagement portion 68 thereof is positioned spaced from door 47 so that this engagement portion may be operably engaged in the latch engagement member 57.

Latch engagement member 57 is slidably mounting extending generally horizontally between the top wall 22 of tub 21 and the cabinet 20, and is positioned in horizontal alignment with latch member 56 when door .47 is in closed position. Further, latch engagement member 57 is provided with a latch engagement opening 73 adjacent the end thereof nearest the door 47.

Still further, the latch engagement member 57 is preferably provided with tapered end surfaces 74 at the end thereof toward door 47. Thus, as door 47 is closed the engagement portion '68 of latch member 56 may engage in the engagement opening 73 of engagement member 57, provided the lower end of portion 68 extends below the uppermost edge of engagement opening 73 of engagement member 57, since the lower end of portion 68 may engage the tapered surface 74, causing latch member 56 to pivot against the resiliency of spring 79 and thereby ride up the tapered surface 74 into opening 73 of engagement member 57.

Latch engagement member 57 is slidably received in the frame 75 of kicker assembly 5. Kicker as nbly also includes the catch member 76 and a solenoid 77.

Frame 75 is mounted on flange 22a on tub 21 properly positioning latch engagement member 57, with frame 75 enclosing the edge portions of engagement member 57 retaining member 57 slidably therein. Further, frame 75 is provided with the side slots 73 in which are positioned the tabs 79 which extend sideways from latch engagement member 57.

Tension springs till are connected to the tabs 79 of engagement member 57 and extend forwardly toward door 47, where they are connected to a portion of frame 75. Thus, springs 8i normally urge tab 79 toward the forward ends of slots 78 or toward door 47, thereby normally urging the engagement member 57 to extend from frame 75 within the limits of slots 78. The slidable movement of engagement member 57 is, however, limited by the sliding movement of tabs 79 within slots 7%.

Latch engagement member 57 is provided with a catch member engagement opening 81 which is formed at the rearward end thereof, or the end away from door 47 and latch engagement opening 73. Further, solenoid 77 is mounted on frame 75 spaced from the rearward end of engagement member 57.

Catch member 76 is pivotally mounted on the plunger 82 of solenoid 77 and is provided with a generally hookshaped engagement portion 33 which is engageable in engagement opening 81 in latch engagement member 57 when member 57 is in its rearmost or retracted position, that is, with the tabs 79 at the rearward ends of slots 73 in frame 75. Further, catch member 76 is urged toward such engagement position by the torsion spring 254 which surrounds a pin 35 on which catch member 76 is also pivoted.

Pin 85 is mounted in frame 75 so that catch member "id is pivotal in relation to frame 75 with such pivotal movement being controlled by the plunger 82 of solenoid 77. Thus, when solenoid 77 is actuated by an electrical charge, plunger 82 is drawn into solenoid 77 and pivots the catch member 7a around pin 85, causing the engagement portion 33 of member 76 to disengage the engagement opening 81 of latch engagement member 56 against the resilient urging of torsion spring 84.

in the operation of the kicker assembly 55. in combination with the latch assembly 5%), when the latch mem ber is engaged in the latch engagement opening 75 of the engagement member 57 and engagement member 57 is in retracted position with the catch member 76 engaged in the catch member engagement opening $1 of member 57, latch member 56 and engagement member 57 retain the door :7 closed in water splash-proof position over the open front 26 of tub 21, as shown, for instance, in Fig. 5. When, however, solenoid '77 is actuated by means of an electrical charge, the plunger 82 is with drawn into solenoid 77, pivoting catch member 76 around pin 65 connected to frame 75, causing catch member as to disengage latch engagement member 5'7, and permit ting the tension springs St to slide engagement member 57 in a direction toward door 47 until the tabs 79 reach the forward ends of slots 78.

This positions the door 47 in a partially open position, as shown in Fig. 7, while the latch member 56 and engagement member 57 remain securely engaged. If it is desired to return the kicker assembly 51 and latch assembly 5%) from the position of Fig. 7, with door-47 partially open, to the position of Fig. 5, with the door again closed water splash-proof, it is only necessary to apply pressure to position the door 4-7 to closed position, thereby sliding the latch engagement member 57 to retracted position against the resiliency of springs 80. As member 57 returns to retracted position, the catch member 76 will reengage in the catch member engagement opening 81, being urged to such engagement by the torsion spring 84.

The safety switch 52 is mounted on frame 75 of kicker assembly 51, above latch engagement member 57 and intermediate the length of frame 75. Safety switch 52 is preferably a miniature type snap-action switch having the actuating button 86, which button, when pressed inwardly, acts upon the switch, altering the electrical circuit therethrough.

A generally \l-shaped switch lever 87 is pivotally mounted on frame 75 of kicker assembly 51 over a pin 53. Pin 88 may also be conveniently used forattaching one end of the springs 8b to the frame 75, as shown and as above described.

Switch lever 87 is positioned on pin $8, so that pin 83 is received in the apex of lever 07, with one leg of the lever extending downwardly beneath and abutting the button 86 on switch 52, and with the other leg of the lever extending downwardly into the latch engagement opening 73 of latch engagement member 57. Lever 87 is formed so that when the engagement portion 68 of latch member 56 is received in the opening 73 in latch engagement member 57 a predetermined distance, the end of portion 68 will engage and bear against the one leg of lever 87, causing the lever to pivot around pin 88 and thereby cause the other leg of lever 87 to press the button 86 of safety switch 52 inwardly, changing switch 52.

Also, button 86 is spring loaded so that this button is normally urged outwardly to place the safety switch 52 in one alternate position, changing the electrical circuit therethrough. Thus, upon the engagement portion 68 of latch member 56 being moved upwardly out of engagement with the one leg of switch lever 37, the spring loading of the button 86 will cause button 86 to move outwardly, since no pressure is exerted by the other leg of switch lever 87. Finally, switch lever 87 is preferably formed of relatively thin resilient material such as thin spring steel, so that when lever 87 is pivoted to a position pressing button 86 inwardly by latch member 56, lever 87 will retain button 86 in this position by a resilient force, and also so that slight variations in the configuration of lever 8? or the pivoting of lever 87 by latch member 56 will not damage safety switch 52.

Finally, the dishwasher construction includes a timer assembly generally indicated at 89 having the usual timer dial 9i pre"erably ox riding partially through the front side of cabinet 2i) so that the phase of the dishwashing cycle may be indicated at any given time during such cycle. Timer 89 is operably connected to the heating coil 29a, solenoid drain valve 34, circulating pump 35, water inlet valve 42 and the solenoid 77 in the kicker as sembly 51. Also, at various times during the dishwashing cycle safety switch 52 is operably connected to the driving motor of timer 39 and at least the circulating pump 35 by timer 8%.

The wiring circuit of the dishwasher is constructed in such a way that the dishwashing cycle is started by actuation or closing of the safety switch 52 which starts the driving motor of timer 69. it is preferred that short-- ly after the timber 89 is started, circuits are changed by timer 89 so that the driving motor thereof is no longer actuated through safety switch 52. Thus, once timer 89 is started by safety switch 52, it will be disconnected therefrom and thereafter timer 89 will run through one complete dishwashing cycle before again automatically stopping itself, without regard for the positioning of safety switch 52-.

Further, the electrical circuit is constructed so that at the times during the dishwashing cycle when circulating pump 35 is actuated causing water to be sprayed from the spray means 37, the electrical circuit to this pump is connected through safety switch 52. Thus, at any time during the dishwashing cycle that the door 47 is opened, changing the electrical circuit through switch 52, the circulating pump 35 will be immediately stopped and no water will be sprayed from the spray means 37.

As before described, the handle 53 of the latch assembly 50 may be rotated to three set positions, namely, open, lock and run, as indicated on the face of handle 53, as shown in Fig. 1. The positioning of the latch assembly 50, when the handle is in these three set positions, is separately illustrated in the drawings with the open position being shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the lock position in Figs. 8, 9 and 10 and the run position in Figs. 4, and 6.

As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, when the handle 53 is moved to open position, the cam 54 is rotated so that the cam surface 60 thereof extends substantially its maximum distance upwardly, forcing the latch slide 55 to move to its maximum upward position. When latch slide 55 is in this maximum upward position, the latch member 56 is moved upwardly so that the lower end of engagement portion 68 is spaced above the uppermost edge of the latch engagement opening 73 in engage.- ment member 57.

Thus, when the handle 53 is in open position, the latch member 57 is completely disengaged from latch engagement member 57 and also from the switch lever 87 of safety switch 52. The door 47 may therefore be placed in its extreme open position, that is, extending generally horizontally of cabinet 20 and tub 21.

Further, when the door 47 is in its extreme open position, the dish holding trays 48 and 49 may he slid outwardly through the open front 26 of tub 21 for loading dirty dishes therein or for removing clean dishes therefrom. When the handle 53 is in open position, however, the door 47 will remain in closed position only through the balance of the door 47, since the latch assembly 50 is not engaged.

As shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10, when the handle 53 is moved to lock position, the cam 54 is rotated to move the latch slide 55 downwardly a first distance, which moves the latch member 56 downwardly and, if the door 47 is in closed position, the engagement portion 68 of latch member 56 will extend partially down into the latch engagement opening 73 of engagement member 57. In this position the engagement portion 68 of latch member 56 does not extend into engagement opening 73 a distance suflicient to pivot the switch lever 87, so that the safety switch 52 remains unchanged, not altering the electrical circuit therethrough.

Thus, by moving the handle 53 between the lock and open positions, the door 47 may be opened or closed and latched securely without starting the dishwashing cycle, so that dirty dishes may be collected and stored in the dishwasher construction over any desired period of time until a suificient number of dishes have been accumulated and it is desired to start the dishwashing cycle. Further, prior to the starting of the dishwashing cycle, the latch engagement member 57 will be in its retracted position, with the catch member 76 engaged in the opening 81 of engagement member 57, as shown in Figs. 8 through 12.

When it is desired to start the dishwashing cycle, the door 47 is placed in closed position and the handle 53 rotated to run position. Viewing handle 53 from the front thereof as in Fig. 1, the handle may be rotated to run" position either directly from open position counterclockwise, or from open position through lock position clockwise. Thus, if the handle is already in lock position, it is merely rotated clockwise to run position.

When the handle 53 is in run position the latch" assembly 50 is moved to the position shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6. When in this position, the cam 54 has been rotated so that the cam surface 60 thereof forces the latch slide 55 to its lowermost position, as shown.

This causes the latch member 56 to move downwardly, causing the engagement portion 68 to move downwardly substantially fully within the engagement opening 73 in engagement member 57. As latch member 56 moves this greater distance into engagement with engagement member 57, engagement portion 68 bears against and pivots the switch lever 87, causing lever 87 to move button 86 on safety switch 52 inwardly, altering the electrical circuit through switch 52. This starts the first phase of the dishwashing cycle by starting the drive motor of the timer 89.

As before stated, it is preferred that immediately after the starting of the timer 89, the timer actuates switches so that the electrical circuit to the timer motor is permanently closed until the end of the dishwashing cycle, despite the position of the safety switch 52. Also, the safety switch 52 at all times provides the electrical circuit at least for the circulating pump 35, any time that pump 35 is actuated by the timer 83. Thus, as the handle 53 is moved to lock or open position at any time during the dishwashing cycle, if the circulating pump 35 happens to be pumping water through the spray means 37, pump 35 will be immediately stopped, thereby pre venting water from being sprayed out of tub 21 when the door 47 is opened.

When the timer 89 is started by rotating the handle 53 to run position, this timer actuates the heating coil 29a, closes the drain valve 34, and opens the water inlet valve 42. This first phase of the dishwashing cycle is termed the water intake.

During the water intake phase, warm water enters the dishwasher tub 21 through the inlet opening 44 and immediately drops to the sump 27, where the water comes in contact with the heating coil 29a and is further heated. This water intake phase is continued until suflicient water has entered the tub 21, as desired, for the dishwashing phase.

Further, during the water intake phase, if too much water has entered the tub 21 so that the sump Z7 is filled and water overflows therefrom, this excessive water will drain into the overflow opening 30 and be eliminated through the water drain pipe 33 which remains open at all times. The sump 27, however, retains the proper amount of water for the dishwashing phase, since the drain valve 34 remains closed until it is desired to drain all of the water from the tub 21. I

At the end of the water intake phase the timer 89 automatically starts the dishwashing phase. At the start of the dishwashing phase the water intake valve 42 is closed so that no more fresh Water enters the tub 21, while the heating coil 29a remains actuated or energized and the drain valve 34 remains closed.

Further, the timer 89 starts the circulating pump 35 so that pump 35 withdraws heated water from the sump 27 through the water circulating outlet 29 and pumps this water through circulating pipe 36 to the spray means 37, where it is sprayed into the confines of the tub 21 by the rotating spray pipe 39. Thus, heated water is sprayed against dirty dishes which are retained in the trays 48 and 49.

Still further, prior to starting the dishwashing cycle, soap or other cleaning material may be placed in tub 21, so that as the hot water is circulated by the circulating pump 35 at the beginning of the dishwashing phase, soap or other cleaning material will be added to the water for aiding in cleaning the dishes. Thus, after a short period of the dishwashing phase all of the hot water contained in the tub 21 will contain soap or other cleaning material.

asanseo ill Thedishwashing. phase continues for a predetermined period of time for the complete cleaning of all of the dishes held on the dish holding trays 48 and 49. This cleaning is accomplished by the hot soapy water being sprayed from the spray means 37 in rotating sheets of water, which water remains hot at all times since, after it leaves the spray means 37, it strikes the dishes and immediately falls into the sump 27, where it is reheated by the heating coil 29a prior to being recirculated through the spray means 37.

At the end of the dishwashing phase the timer 89 automatically starts the first drain phase. At the start of the first drain phase the drain valve 34 is opened and the circulating pump 35 is stopped while the heating coil 29a remains actuated and the water inlet valve re mains closed.

Thus, the hot soapy water which has completely cleaned the dirty dishes in the dish holding trays 453 and 49 during the dishwashing phase is drained from the sump 27 through the drain valve 34 to the water drain pipe 33. This eliminates all of the soapy water from the sump 27 used during the dishwashing phase.

At the end of the first drain phase the timer 89 automatically starts the first rinse phase. At the start of the first rinse phase the drain valve 3 5 is closed and the water inlet valve 42 is opened, again permitting fresh water to enter the dishwater tub 21 through the inlet opening 44, while the circulating pump 35 remains stopped.

As before, immediately upon the water entering tub 21, it drops to the sump 27, where the water comes in contact with the heating coil 29a and is further heated, since the heating coil 29a remains actuated. Further, after sufilcicnt water has entered tub Zll, water inlet valve 42 is closed and the circulating pump 35 is again started, so that water is drawn from sump 27 and sprayed from the spray means 37 through the rotating spray pipe 39 and into the confines of tub 21.

in this manner any soapy water or foreign material which is still remaining on the dishes held in the dishholding traps 43 and 49 is rinsed therefrom by the hot rinse water. Thus, by continued circulation of this hot rinse water from sump 27, through the spray means 37 and back to the sump, the dishes on trays 48 and 49 are ultimately completely rinsed.

At the end of the first rinse phase the timer 89 automatically starts the second drain phase in which all of the parts of the dishwasher assume the same positions as in the first drain phase. Thus, the drain valve 3 is opened and the circulating pump 35 is stopped, while the heating coil 2% remains actuated and the water inlet valve 42 remains closed.

After the second drain phase is complete, it is preferable that a second rinse phase is started, with the second rinse phase being the same as the first rinse phase and followed by a third drain phase, identical to the first and second drain phases. After the second rinse and third drain phases the timer autcmatically starts the drying phase.

At the start of the drying phase the drain valve 34 is open, the circulating pump 35 stopped while the water inlet valve 42 remains closed and the heating coil 29a actuated. Further, momentarily, preferably at the very beginning of the drying phase, the solenoid 77 in the kicker assembly 51 is energized, causing the plunger to be withdrawn into solenoid 77.

This movement of plunger 82 toward and into solenoid 77 causes the catch member 76 to pivot around pin 85, as shown in dot-dash lines in Fig. 5. This pivotal movement of catch member 76 causes the engagement portion 83 thereof'to disengage from the catch member engagement opening 31 in latch engagement member 57.

Since engagement member 57 is disengaged from catch member 76, the springs 80 resiliently urge engagement member 57 in a direction toward door-d7. This causes engagement member 57 to slide within and in reference to frame 75 in a direction toward door 47, until the tabs 79 of engagement member 57 reach the forward limits of slots 78 in frame 75.

Thus, latch engagement member 57 assumes the position shown in Fig. 7, pivoting door 47 to a partially open position, while the latch member 56 mounted on door 47 remains securely engaged in the latch engagement opening 73 in engagement member 57. Also, as a result of this sliding movement of engagement member 57, the latch member as disengages the switch lever 87, thereby permitting lever 87 to pivot and relieve pressure from button 86 on safety switch 52. This causes safety switch 52 to alter the electrical circuit therethrough.

The alteration of the electrical circuit through safety switch 52 does not, however, affect the operation of the heating coil 29a during the drying phase since, as before described, at the very beginning of the dishwashing cycle, although the safety switch 52 originally starts the cycle by starting the timer 89, the timer 89 subsequently transfers the circuit to the timer motor from safety switch 52 to a permanent connection which is only interrupted by the timer itself at the very end of the total dishwashing cycle or the end of the drying phase thereof. Thus, with the door 47 popped out or partially opened to provide a vent for the tub 21 during the drying phase, the drying phase is continued with the heating coil 29:: continuing to provide heat for drying the dishes held on the dish holding trays 48 and 49.

During the drying phase the air at the bottom of tub l is heated by the heating coil 29a, causing this air to rise and circulate upwardly around the dishes in the trays 43 and d9, evaporating the moisture from these dishes. After picking up the moisture from the dishes, this warm air continues to rise and passes out of the tub 21 through the vent provided by the door 47 being held partially open by the extended latch engagement member 57 and latch member 56.

After the drying phase has continued for a predetermined length of time, completely drying the dishes on the trays 48 and 49, the timer 89 disconnects the electrical circuit to the heating coil 29a and simultaneously disconnects the electrical circuit to the timer motor, completing the dishwashing cycle. The door 4'7 may then be completely opened merely by rotating the handle 53 to open position, causing the cam 54 to move the latch slide 55 to its extreme upward position, disengaging the latch member 56 from the engagement member 57, as before described.

After all of the clean dry dishes have been removed from the tub 21, the latch engagement member 57 and kicker assembly 51 may be moved to the proper position, ready for the start of the next dishwashing cycle, merely by closing door 47, thereby sliding engagement member 57 to retracted position against the resilient force of springs 86, while the catch member 76 pivots sufficiently to permit the engagement member 57 to return to retracted position and also to permit the engagement portion 83 of catch member 76 to reengage in the opening 81, retaining engagement member 57 in re tracted position. Since the handle 53 has not been rotated back to run position, the latch member 5'6 will not engage the switch lever 87 of safety switch 52, even though engagement member 57 has returned to retracted position, and the dishwashing cycle will not be again started until the handle 53 is once again rotated to its run position.

By the provision of the kicker assembly 51 in combination with the latch assembly 50, the dishwasher construc' tion comprising the present invention automatically provides an adequate vent for the tub 21 at the beginning of and during the drying phase of the dishwashing cycle. This vent is provided by the kicker assembly 51 moving the latch engagement member 57 to a position partially opening the door 47, as shown in Fig. 7.

Further, even though the door 47 is partially open, any possibility of injuries to persons walking past the front of the dishwasher during and after the drying phase of the cycle is eliminated, since the door 47, even though partially open to vent the tub 21, is securely retained in such partially opened position by the continued complete engagement of latch member 56 with the latch engagement member 57.

Also, because of the unique construction of the latch assembly 50, it is not easy to accidentally start the dishwashing cycle, since a positive movement is required by the handle 53 to place the same in run.position. The movement of handle 53 is resisted by the positioning bar 63 being resiliently urged toward the generally triangular hub portion 62 of handle 53 by the springs 65, so that springs 65 must be compressed by the turning of handle 53, requiring a positive and definite movement.

Also, the door 47 may be closed and the handle placed in lock position without starting the dishwashing cycle, since the latch member 56 does not engage the switch lever 87 of safety switch 52 to start the dishwashing cycle until the handle is placed in run position. Thus, dirty dishes may be stored in the dishwasher tub 21 for any period of time, until a sufiicient number is collected to fill the trays 48 and 49 in tub 21, before the dishwashing cycle is run.

As before stated, it is preferred that the latch slide 55, the latch engagement member 57 and the positioning bar 63 are formed of nylon material because of the quietness, long wearing and self-lubricating qualities of such material. In this way these frequently moved parts will not need lubrication and will wear for an almost indefinite period and, further, will not wear the metal parts which are engaged therewith.

Thus, there is presented and described in the foregoing, a dishwasher construction which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior constructions, which has a front opening access door, thereby providing greater capacity for a given size dishwasher tub and cabinet, better cleaning qualities and additional counter space in the kitchen in which the dishwasher is installed, all of these advantageous features being inherent in front opening dishwashers; which is of the front opening type in which the door thereof is automatically partially opened during the drying cycle, thereby providing an adequate vent for releasing moist air from the dishwasher tub, but yet the door latch remains securely engaged with the latch engagement means without danger of the door accidentally moving to a completely opened position; which is of the front opening type in which the door thereof is automatically partially opened during the drying cycle and securely remains in this partially opened position but yet may be selectively moved at any time to completely open position by a positive movement of the door latch handle; which has a three-position door handle requiring positive movements between the positions of open, lock and run, whereby danger of accidentally starting the dishwashing cycle is greatly diminished; which has a threeposition door handle requiring a minimum of movement, starting from a door opening position, to selectively place the handle in door locking position or a position starting the dishwashing cycle; which has a door latch construction which includes cam means for simply and efliciently placing the door latch in open, lock and run positions; and which provides all of the above advantageous features, yet is relatively simple in construction, efiicient and durable in use, and may be fabricated at a minimum of both labor and material costs.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding, but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom, because such words are used for descriptive purposes herein, and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the embodiment of the improved construe tion illustrated and described herein is by way of example, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the exact details of the construction shown.

Having now described the invention, the construction, operation and use of a preferred embodiment thereof, and the advantageous new and useful results obtained thereby; the new and useful construction and reasonable mechanical equivalents thereof obvious to those skilled in the art are set forth in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a dishwasher, tub walls provided with a tub access opening, a front opening door mounted movably between a fully closed position extending generally vertically and closing the dishwasher tub access opening and a fully open position extending generally horizontally providing access to the tub opening, latch means including members mounted on the door and other mem bers operatively connected with the tub engageable normally to retain the door seated in splash-proof closure relation to the tub access opening during a portion of a dishwashing cycle, kicker means operatively connected with the latch means operative to release and open the door to partially open position thereby providing vent means for the tub during a predetermined portion of the dishwashing cycle, the latch means including retainer means holding the door while partially open from moving to its fully opened position, and means for actuating said kicker means.

2. The construction defined in claim 1 in which the kicker means includes devices operatively connected to the tub mounting certain of said other latch means members for limited movement with respect to the tub.

3. The construction defined in claim 1 in which the latch members include engageable hook devices, in which the kicker means is connected with one of the said devices, and in which the kicker-connected-device is mounted for movement in a generally horizontal direction to permit partial opening of the door when the kicker means is actuated to release the door.

4. The construction defined in claim 3 in which the hook devices include a hook member mounted on the door and a hook engaging member supported exteriorly of the tub, and in which the kicker is connected to the hook engaging member.

5. The construction defined in claim 4 in which the hook engaging member is mounted horizontally slidable between a retracted position and an extended position partially opening the door; and in which the kicker means includes resilient means urging the hook engaging mem her to extended position, a catch member normally retaining the hook engaging member in retracted position, and solenoid means for selectively releasing the catch member from the hook engaging member permitting the resilient means to slide the hook engaging member to extended position at a predetermined time during the dishwashing cycle.

6. In a dishwasher, a tub member, a door member mounted for movement between an open position and a position closing the tub, a latch engagement member operatively connected with one of said members and having an engagement opening formed therein, a latch operatively connected with the other of said members, the latch being mounted for selective movement into at least one engaged position engaged in the engagement member opening when the dishwasher door is closed, means for selectively moving the latch, safety switch means for controlling operation of at least certain portions of the dishwasher, the safety switch means extending into the engagement member opening, and the latch being engaged with the safety switch means in the engagement member opening actuating said switch means when the latch is in said one engaged position.

7. In a dishwasher, a tub member including tub walls provided with a tub access opening, a front opening door '15 member mounted movably between a fully closed position extending generally vertically and closing the dishwasher tub access opening and a fully open position extending generally horizontally providing access to the tub opening, a latch engagement member operatively connected with one of said members and having an engagement opening formed therein, a latch operatively connected with the other of said members, the latch beingmounted for selective engagement in the engagement member opening when the dishwasher door is closed normally to retain the door seated in splash-proof closure relation to the tub access opening during a portion of a dishwashing cycle, kicker means operatively connected with one of said latch and latch engagement member operative to release and open the door to partially open position thereby providing vent means for the tub during a predetermined portion of the dishwashing cycle, said one of said latch and latch engagement member including retainer means holding the door while partially open from moving to its fully open position, means for actuating said kicker means, handle means movable between three positions, means operatively connecting the handle means to the latch for positioning the latch in any of three positions, the latch being disengaged from the latch engagement member when placed in the first position, thelatch extending a selected distance into the latch engagement member opening when placed in the second position, and the latch extending a greater distance into the latch engagement member opening when placed in the third position.

8. The construction defined in claim 7 in which a safety switch is mounted adjacent the latch engagement member for controlling operation of at least certain portions of the dishwasher, in which a switch lever is pivotally connected with the safety switch movable to actuate the safety switch, and in which the latch engages the switch lever and moves said switch lever to actuate the safety switch when the latch is moved to said third position.

9. The construction defined in claim 7 in which the kicker means is connected with one of said latch and latch engagement member, in which said one of said latch and latch engagement member is mounted for movement in a generally horizontal direction to permit partial opening of the door when the kicker means is actuated to release the door, in which the operable connection between the handle means and latch includes cam means actuated by moving the handle means, and in which the cam means is operably connected to the latch for moving said latch between its three positions when the cam is actuated.

10. The construction defined in claim 7 in which the latch is mounted on the door member and the latch engagement member is supported exteriorly of the tub, in which the lcicker means is connected to the latch engagement member, in which the latch engagement member is mounted for movement in a generally horizontal direction to permit partial opening of the door when the kicker means is actuated to release the door, in which the operable connection between the handle means and the latch includes a cam member mounted movable with the handle means and a slide member having an opening formed therein and mounted for slidable movement in reference to the handle neans, in which the latch is operably mounted on the slide member, and in which the cam member is received in the slide member opening abutting portions of the slide member surrounding said opening for moving the slide member into any of three positions upon moving the handle means to its three positions.

11. The construction defined in claim 10 in which the latch engagement member is mounted horizontally slidable between a retracted position and an extended position paritally opening the door; in which the kicker means includes resilient means urging the latch engagement member to extended position, a catch member normally retaining the latch engagement member in retracted position, and solenoid means for selectively releasing the catch member from the latch engagement member permitting the resilient means to slide the latch engagement member to extended position at a predetermined time during the dishwashing cycle; in which a safety switch is mounted adjacent the latch engagement member for controlling operation of at least certain portions of the dishwasher; in which a generally V-shaped switch lever having an apex and angularly disposed leg portions is pivotally mounted with one of said leg portions extending into the latch engagement member opening and the other of said leg portions extending adjacent the safety switch; and in which the latch engages said one leg portion pivoting the switch lever and causing said other leg portion to actuate the safety switch when the latch member is moved to said third position.

12. In a dishwasher, a tub member, a door member mounted for movement between a fully open position and a position closing the tub, latch means including members mounted on the door and other members operatively connected with the tub, said door and tub latching means members being engageable normally to retain the door seated in closure relation to the tub during a portion of a dishwashing cycle, kicker means operatively connected with the latch means operative to release and open the door to partially open position with the latch means members remaining engaged thereby providing vent means for the tub during a predetermined portion of the dishwashing cycle, the latch means including retainer means positively holding the door engaged while partially open through the latch means members and positively preventing the door from moving to its fully opened position until the latch means members are disengaged, and means for actuating said kicker means.

13. In a dishwasher, a tub member, a door member mounted for movement between an open position and a position closing the tub, a latch engagement member operatively connected with one of said members and having an engagement opening formed therein, a latch operatively connected with the other of said members, the latch being mounted for selective engagement in the engagement member opening when the dishwasher door is closed, handle means movable between three set positions, said handle means including a triangular hub means having a generally triangular outer surface, a positioning bar being mounted resiliently urged toward the hub means outer surface, means operably connecting the handle means to the latch for positioning the latch in any of three set positions, the latch being disengaged from the latch engagement member when placed in the first set position, the latch extending a selected distance into the latch engagement member opening when placed in the second set position, and the latch extending a greater distance into the latch engagement member opening when placed in the third set position.

14. In a dishwasher, a tub member, a door member mounted for movement between an open position and a position closing the tub, a latch engagement member operatively connected with one of said members and having an engagement opening formed therein, a latch mounted operatively connected with the other of said members, the latch being mounted for selective movement into at least two engaged positions engaged in the engagement member opening when the dishwasher door is closed, means for selectively moving the latch, safety switch means for controlling operation of at least certain portions of the dishwasher, the latch being disengaged from the safety switch means in one of said engaged ositions, and the latch being engaged with the safety switch means actuating said switch means when in the other of said engaged positions.

15. The construction defined in claim 14 in which the safety switch means includes a safety switch and a pivotally mounted switch lever movable to actuate the safety 17 switch, and in which the latch engages the switch lever and moves said switch lever to actuate the safety switch when the latch is moved to the other of said engaged positions,

16. In a dishwasher, a tub member, a door member mounted for movement between an open position and a position closing the tub, a latch engagement member operatively connected with one of said members "and having an engagement opening formed therein, a latch mounted operatively connected with the other of said members, the latch being mounted for selective movement into at least two engaged positions engaged in the engagement member opening when the dishwasher door is closed, means for selectively moving the latch, a safety switch controlling operation of at least certain portions of the dishwasher, a pivotally mounted switch lever being movable to actuate the safety switch, the latch extending a first distance into the latch engagement member opening when moved into one of said engaged positions, the latch extending a second distance into the engagement member opening when moved into the other of said engaged positions, said second distance being greater than said first distance, and the latch engaging the switch lever and moving said switch lever to actuate the safety switch when the latch is moved to said other engaged position extending into the engagement member opening said sec ond distance.

17. In a dishwasher, a tub member, a door member mounted for movement between an open position and a position closing the tub, a latch engagement member operatively connected with one of said members and having an engagement opening formed therein, a latch operatively connected with the other of said members, the latch being mounted for selective engagement in the engagement member opening when the door member is in closed position, handle means movable between three set positions, the handle means including a triangular hub means having a generally triangular outer surface, a positioning bar mounted resiliently urged toward the hub means outer surface, a cam member rotatably mounted adjacent the handle means, a pin mounted on the handle means and extending therefrom, said pin being received in an opening in the cam member transmitting rotatable motion between the handle means and cam member, a slide member having an opening formed therein and mounted for slidable movement in reference to the handle means, the latch being operably mounted on the slide member, the cam means being received in the slide member opening abutting portions of the slide member surrounding said opening for moving the slide member into any of three set positions upon moving the handle means to its three set positions, movement of the slide member to its three set positions moving the latch to three set positions, the latch being disengaged from the latch engagement member when place in the first set position, the latch extending a selected distance into 18 the latch engagement member opening when placed in the second set position, and the latch extending a greater distance into the latch engagement member opening when placed in the third set position.

18. In a dishwasher, a tub member, a door member mounted for movement between an open position and a position closing the tub, a latch engagement member operatively connected with one of said members and having an engagement opening formed therein, a latch oper atively connected with the other of said members, the latch being mounted for selective engagement in the engagement member opening when the door member is in closed position, handle means movable between three set positions, cam means operably connected between the handle means and latch for positioning the latch in any of three set positions when the handle means is moved actuating the cam means, the handle means and cam means co-operating to retain the latch in each of its three set positions, the latch being disengaged from the latch engagement member when placed in the first set position permitting movement of the door member from said position closing the tub, the latch extending a selected distance into the latch engagement member opening when placed in the second set position with the door member in closed position retaining the door member in said closed position, the latch extending a greater distance into the latch engagement member opening when placed in the third set position with the door member in closed position retaining the door member in said closed position, switch means for controlling operation of at least certain portions of the dishwasher mounted for actuation by the latch when said latch is placed in said third set position, and the switch means being free of actuation by the latch when said latch is placed in the first and second set positions.

19. The construction as defined in claim 18 in which the operable connection between the cam means and latch includes a slide member having an opening formed therein mounted for slidable movement in reference to the handle means; in which the latch is operably mounted on the slide member; in which the cam member is received in the slide member opening for moving the slide member into any of three set positions upon moving the handle means to its three set positions; and in which the handle means and cam means and slide member co-operate to retain the latch in each of its three set positions.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,304,438 Bilde Dec. 8, 1942 2,618,282 Stanitz NOV. 18, 1952 2,624,352 Illian Ian. 6, 1953 2,671,037 Stoddard Mar. 2, 1954 2,707,961 Geiger May 10, 1955 2,722,225 Carson Nov. 1, 1955

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