Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a stackable basket for dishwashing machines according
to the preamble of claim 1.
Description of the prior art
[0002] It is known in the art to make stackable baskets for dishwashing machine, for example
having an open bottom with a rectangular or square grid surrounded by a peripheral
wall having four sidewalls, where the upper basket can be stacked on the upper edge
of the peripheral wall of the lower basket. Engagement elements preventing the upper
basket from slipping laterally on the lower basket are provided between the bottom
of the upper basket and the upper edge of the peripheral wall of the lower basket.
[0003] For example,
GB1101494 describes a basket whose engagement elements are arranged at the four corners of
the peripheral wall. To this end, the upper edge of the peripheral wall has, at a
first height, a plane defining the horizontal development of the sides of the peripheral
wall. The corners of the peripheral wall expand from this plane and end at a second
height, higher than the first one. In other words, referring to the plane of the basket
bottom, the corners of the upper edge of the peripheral wall are raised with respect
to the other side portions of the upper edge of the peripheral wall. Therefore, the
corners of the upper edge of the peripheral wall of the lower basket constitute engagement
elements, which are inserted into complementary seats formed in the bottom of the
upper basket. These engagement elements prevent the upper basket from moving laterally
with respect to the lower basket when they are stacked together.
[0004] The aforementioned dishwashing machines are used in the catering sector, e.g. in
bars and restaurants, and therefore must be as small as possible not to occupy too
much space once installed, due to the limited space usually available in the counter
area. These dishwashing machines have doors that open downwards, which are relatively
small if compared to the overall height of the machine. Moreover, these dishwashing
machines are equipped with universal crockery baskets allowing a simultaneous loading
of glasses, cups, cutlery and other items to be washed. For an optimal use of the
dishwashing machine, this latter is equipped with two crockery baskets. In fact, while
the dishwashing machine is washing a basket during a washing cycle, the items to be
washed can be loaded in the meanwhile in the second basket, thus preparing them for
a subsequent washing.
[0005] Usually, to prevent the dishware from spilling, and considering that the dishware
has mixed contents, the height of the basket must be greater than half the height
of the dishwashing machine door. However, if the basket actually has such a high wall,
there is the problem that, while transporting the dishwashing machine from the manufacturer
to the retailer, both stacked baskets cannot be simultaneously inserted in the dishwashing
machine compartment due to of their overall dimensions. Namely, the overall height
of two stacked baskets is higher than the height of the opening of the dishwashing
machine compartment. For this reason, the second basket must always be packaged and
delivered separately.
[0006] To solve this last problem,
EP1413242 describes a dishwashing machine basket, which allows reducing the overall dimensions
of the two baskets when they are stacked on each other. In fact, this document describes
a basket having slots formed in the upper edge of the peripheral wall, which extend
vertically towards the bottom of the basket. The bottom of the basket has ribs that
fit into the slots when the baskets are stacked. When two baskets are stacked, the
ribs of the bottom of the upper basket are inserted into the respective slots in the
upper edge of the lower basket. In particular, when the baskets are stacked, the lower
portion of the upper basket partially overlaps the corresponding upper portion of
the lower basket. In this way, the height of the two stacked baskets is shorter than
the sum of their heights thus allowing them to be packed into the dishwashing machine
compartment during its transport.
Problem of the prior art
[0007] The basket described in
EP1413242 allows improving the stacking of two baskets, and therefore allows reducing the volume
occupied by the two stacked baskets. However, the solution of
EP1413242 to make a basket having has slots and respective ribs that fit into these slots,
has the problem of trapping dirt residues in the slots during the washing cycles in
the dishwashing machine. In fact, since the slots are narrow and elongated, they are
an ideal seat where dirt can easily nestle during washing, with consequent risks related
to the lack of hygiene.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a stackable basket for dishwashing
machines capable of overcoming all the drawbacks of the known art.
[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a stackable basket for dishwashing
machines creating the smallest possible encumbrance when two baskets are stacked on
each other.
[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide a basket for dishwashing
machine that does not favour the accumulation of dirt during the washing cycle of
the dishwashing machine.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a basket for dishwashing
machine that is practically and easily stackable as well as resistant to the mechanical,
thermal and chemical stresses to which it undergoes during the washing cycles.
[0012] The specified technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved
by means of a basket for dishwashing machine comprising the technical characteristics
exposed in one or more of the appended claims.
Advantages of the invention
[0013] A possible embodiment allows obtaining a basket for dishwashing machine that is stackable
with another identical basket in order to get reduced overall dimensions. A possible
embodiment allows obtaining a basket for dishwashing machine that does not favour
the accumulation of residual dirt in its structure during the washing steps. A possible
embodiment allows obtaining a basket that ensures optimal hygiene conditions during
the washing cycle of the dishwashing machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The characteristics and the advantages of the present disclosure will be clear from
the following detailed description of a possible embodiment, shown as a non-limiting
example by the drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 shows a perspective view from above of a basket of the present invention,
- Figure 2 shows a perspective view from below of the basket of Figure 1,
- Figure 3 shows a detail of the basket of Figure 2 identified by the dashed square
silhouette of Figure 2;
- Figure 4 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a detail of Figure
3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The device shown in the accompanying figures is to be meant as schematically represented,
not necessarily in scale and not necessarily with the represented proportions between
the various components.
[0016] Even if not explicitly highlighted, the single features described with reference
to the specific embodiments are to be meant as ancillary and/or interchangeable with
other characteristics, described with reference to other embodiments.
[0017] The present invention relates to a stackable basket for dishwashing machines 1, globally
shown in the accompanying Figures 1 and 2.
[0018] The basket 1 is designed to be stably stacked on another preferably identical basket
1 so that the two stacked baskets can be inserted in the compartment of a dishwashing
machine used in the hotel industry, e.g. in bars and restaurants.
[0019] It should be noted that, in the engagement position in which the two upper/lower
baskets are stacked one above the other, their overall dimensions allow the insertion
of both stacked baskets in the compartment of the dishwashing machine.
[0020] As clearly shown by the following description, in the engagement position the overall
height of the two stacked upper and lower baskets is less than the sum of their respective
heights as they are partially inserted into each other. Therefore, the overall height
of the two stacked baskets in the engagement position is less than the height of the
opening of the dishwashing machine compartment into which they are to be inserted.
[0021] The basket 1 of the present invention comprises an open grid-shaped bottom wall 2
and four sidewalls 3 surrounding the bottom wall 2. In particular, the bottom wall
2 comprises a support grid 2a extending over a horizontal plane and a frame 2b surrounding
it.
[0022] For example, the supporting grid 2a comprises a plurality of rod-like elements, which
are suitably crossed and bound to provide a grid-shaped structure where the items
and dishware to be washed can be arranged.
[0023] Preferably, the bottom wall 2 has a substantially square shape.
[0024] Preferably, the four sidewalls 3 are substantially orthogonal to the bottom wall
2, i.e. they are orthogonal to its horizontal plane of development.
[0025] Even more preferably, the four sidewalls 3 form the sides of a square surrounding
the bottom wall 2.
[0026] The sidewalls 3 have a grid- or window-shaped structure, which, although ensuring
structural stability of the basket, allows reducing the overall weight of the basket
1 and the amount of material used to make the basket 1.
[0027] Furthermore, it is advantageous to provide sidewalls 3 having a grid-like structure
to facilitate the circulation and drainage of fluids (e.g. water and detergent soap)
used during the washing cycle of the dishwashing machines. In fact, this allows a
better cleaning of the dishware and of the basket.
[0028] Each sidewall 3 has an upper portion 4 and an opposite lower portion 5. The upper
portion 4 is more internal than the lower portion 4 in the direction of the central
part of the basket 1.
[0029] In other words, observing a sidewall 3 in section, the upper portion 4 is offset
with respect to the lower portion 5 having a vertical axis as a reference and is laterally
displaced with respect to this latter in the direction of the central part of the
basket 1. As previously stated, two baskets 1 can be stacked on each other in the
engagement position in which the lower portion 5 of the upper basket 1 at least partially
overlaps the upper portion 4 of the lower basket 1.
[0030] Each upper portion 4 of each sidewall 3 comprises at least one recess 6 extending
towards the bottom wall 2.
[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each recess 6 comprises a substantially
horizontal lower side 6a (with respect to, for example, the plane on which the basket
1 is arranged) and an upper opening 6b opposite the lower side 6a. Moreover, the recess
6 comprises two vertical sides 6c, 6d, which are mutually opposite and substantially
orthogonal to the lower side 6a and preferably parallel to each other.
[0032] As clearly shown in the embodiment in the accompanying figures, the recess 6 lacks
a fourth side, and in fact has an upper opening 6b, so that the perimeter of the recess
6 is actually delimited along three of its sides.
[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the two vertical sides 6c, 6d of each recess
6 are spaced from each other by a first distance D', which is comprised between 10%
and 30% of the length L of the sidewall 3, preferably corresponding to 20% or 15%
of the length L of the sidewall 3.
[0034] The upper opening 6b of the recess 6 has the same width as the lower side 6a, as
previously described.
[0035] In particular, the length L is evaluated along the same direction of horizontal development
as the lower side 6a, whereas the length L of the sidewall 3 is measured along the
horizontal direction between two corners 9 of the basket (described in detail hereinafter).
[0036] For example, if one side of the basket 1 measures 50 cm, then the distance D' will
be less than 15 cm (i.e. less than 30% of L), preferably equal to 10 cm (i.e. equal
to 20% of L) or even more preferably equal to 7.5 cm (i.e. equal to 15% of L) or possibly
equal to 5 cm (i.e. equal to 10% of L).
[0037] In other words, the recess 6 is not shaped like a slot or slit, i.e. it is not longer
than its opening.
[0038] The range of values of the distance D' (between 10% and 30% of the overall length
L of the sidewall) has been found to be an extremely advantageous range of values,
since it favours the passage of the washing fluids in the contact areas when the two
baskets are stacked. In other words, the dimension D' prevents any accumulation of
dirt in those areas where the two baskets come in contact, since the washing fluid
has no barrier or narrow areas preventing its passage. In fact, a value of D' lower
than 10% with respect to the length L would still cause an accumulation of dirt during
the washing step, while a value of D' higher than 30% with respect to the length L
would cause a relative movement between the baskets when stacked.
[0039] In order to allow the stackability between the two baskets 1 and the overall reduction
of their height in the stacked condition, each lower portion 5 comprises at least
one pair of ribs 7, spaced apart and connecting the lower portion 5 to the bottom
wall 2. In particular, each sidewall 3 comprises at least two pairs of ribs 7 and
at least two respective recesses 6.
[0040] Therefore, according to what shown in Figures 1 and 2, the basket 1 comprises eight
pairs of ribs 7 and eight respective recesses 6 (Figures 1 and 2). Preferably, the
recesses 6 are two for each side 4 and are symmetrically arranged with respect to
the middle of the upper edge 8.
[0041] Moreover, the recesses 6 are not formed at the four corners 9 of the basket 1. In
fact, the four corners 9 continuously connect the upper edges 8 of the upper portions
4 of two adjacent sidewalls 3, in which two adjacent sidewalls 3 correspond to the
two adjacent and orthogonal sides of a square.
[0042] It should be noted that the four corners 9 are substantially rounded and have a curvilinear
profile that continuously connects two adjacent sidewalls 3. Analogously, the upper
edge 8 following the profile of the corners 9 has a rounded curvilinear profile at
them, whereas the upper edge 8 has a substantially rectilinear profile in the other
free parts of the upper portion 4, i.e. where no recesses 6 have been made.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, also referring to Figure 1, the upper portion 4 of each
sidewall 3 comprises a free upper edge 8 alternating with at least one recess 6, so
that the lower side 6a of each recess 6 is offset towards the bottom wall 2 with respect
to the adjacent upper edge 8.
[0044] In other words, the upper edge 8 is spaced by a distance (measured along the vertical
to the bottom wall 2) from the bottom wall 2, which is larger than the distance between
the lower side 6a of the recess 6 and the bottom wall 2.
[0045] Thus, a crenelated pattern is obtained between the upper edge 8 of the sidewall 3
and the lower side 6a of the recess 6.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, each pair of ribs 7 connects the frame 2b to a respective
sidewall 3 of the four sidewalls 3. To this end, each rib of the pair of ribs 7 is
substantially orthogonal to the bottom wall 2. Preferably, each rib of the pair of
ribs 7 is orthogonal to the plane of horizontal development of the bottom wall 2,
and extends along the lower portion 5 of the sidewall 3 away from the bottom wall
2.
[0047] In other words, each rib 7 of each single pair is permanently fastened to the frame
2b and extends away from this latter, in a direction orthogonal to the plane of development
from the bottom wall 2.
[0048] In particular, each rib 7 is made as a rod-like element with a rectangular or square
section, extending longitudinally in relief along the lower portion 5 of the sidewall
3, in a direction orthogonal to the bottom wall 2 (Figure 3).
[0049] According to an embodiment shown in Figure 3, each rib 7 comprises an upper base
7a and a lower base 7d connected to each other by a connecting portion 7e, which extends
between the two bases thus identifying two opposite side faces 7b, 7c. The upper base
7a is arranged higher than the lower base 7d when the basket 1 rests on a supporting
surface.
[0050] The upper base 7a extends from the lower portion 5 of the sidewall 3 for a first
segment, whereas the lower base 7d extends from the frame 2b for a second segment.
The direction of extension of the first segment is perpendicular to the vertical direction
of extension of the lower portion 5 of the sidewall 3, whereas the second portion
has a direction of extension perpendicular to the vertical direction of extension
of the frame 2b.
[0051] It should be noted that the length of the first portion of the upper base 7a is smaller
than the length of the second portion of the lower base 7d, thus forming a step. In
particular, the connecting portion 7e is connected to the end of the upper base 7a,
not resting on the lower portion 5 so as to form a right angle, while it is connected
to the end of the lower base 7d, not resting on the frame 2b, by means of a curvilinear
section.
[0052] In another embodiment, shown in Figure 4, each rib 7 comprises the upper base 7a
and the lower base 7d connected to each other by the connecting portion 7e, which
extends between the two bases. In particular, the upper base 7a is at the same height
with respect to the lower base 7d when considering the basket 1 resting on a supporting
surface. As shown, the upper base 7a extends from the lower portion 5 of the sidewall
3 for a first segment, while the lower base 7d extends from the frame 2b for a second
segment, whereas the direction of extension of the first segment is perpendicular
to the direction of vertical extension of the lower portion 5 of the sidewall 3, and
the second portion has a direction of extension perpendicular to the vertical direction
of extension of the frame 2b. According to an aspect of this alternative embodiment,
the connecting portion 7e is connected to the end of the upper base 7a, not resting
on the lower portion 5, and with the end of the lower base 7d, not resting on the
frame 2b, by means of a curvilinear section, preferably shaped as a semicircle or
a saddle.
[0053] In the engagement position, i.e. when baskets 1 are stacked together, the pair of
ribs 7 in the lower portion 5 of the upper basket 1 is at least partially inserted
into a corresponding recess 6 in the upper portion 4 of the lower basket 1, passing
through the upper opening 6b.
[0054] It should be noted that the two ribs constituting the pair of ribs 7 are arranged
at a predefined distance D from each other.
[0055] Advantageously, the distance D' of the two vertical sides 6c, 6d of the recess 6
is greater than or equal to the value of the distance D thus respectively obtaining
a coupling with clearance or with interference between the pair of ribs 7 and the
recess 6.
[0056] The value of the predefined distance D is therefore selected based on the width D'
of the recess 6, and in particular based on the length of the lower side 6a of the
recess 6, so that, in the engagement position, each pair of ribs 7 in the lower portion
5 of the upper basket 1 can be at least partially inserted into a corresponding recess
6 in the upper portion 4 of the lower basket 1.
[0057] For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 3, when the two upper/lower baskets
1 are in the engagement position, the base 7a of each rib 7 in the lower portion 5
of the upper basket 1 contacts the lower side 6a of a corresponding recess 6 in the
upper portion 4 of the lower basket 1. The first side face 7b of the rib 7 at least
partially contacts a respective one of the two vertical sides 6c, 6d of the recess
6, whereas the second side face 7c of the rib 7 is free and faces the upper opening
6b (Figure 3).
[0058] It should be noted that, when stacked, the two baskets 1 allow an encumbrance reduction.
This is useful both in the transport phase and in the storage phase of the two baskets.
To this end, the lower portions 5 of the four sidewalls 3 of the upper basket 1 overlap
the upper portions 3 of the four sidewalls 3 of the lower basket 1 for at least 10%
of the overall height H of the sidewall 3 of the basket 1.
[0059] It should be noted that the overall height H of the sidewall 3 of the basket 1 (be
it the upper or the lower one) is measured along the vertical to the plane of development
of the bottom wall 2, in terms of distance between the bottom wall 2 and the upper
edge 8.
[0060] It should be noted that it is precisely due to the different distance between the
upper edge 8 of the sidewall 3 and the lower side 6a of the recess 6, together with
the fact that the pair of ribs 7 in the lower portion 5 of the upper basket 1 is at
least partially inserted into a corresponding recess 6 in the upper portion 4 of the
lower basket 1, passing through the upper opening 6b, that an overall height reduction
can be obtained in the engagement position, i.e. when the baskets 1 are stacked together.
[0061] In a preferred embodiment, the height of the two vertical sides 6c, 6d is between
5% and 20% of the overall height H of the sidewall 3 along the same direction of vertical
development of the two vertical sides 6c, 6d, i.e. along a direction orthogonal to
the horizontal plane of development of the bottom wall 2. Even more preferably, the
height of the two vertical sides 6c, 6d corresponds to 10% of the overall height H
of the sidewall 3.
[0062] According to an embodiment of the preferred form just described, the sidewall 3 has
a length L of about 50 cm and a total height H of about 15 cm, whereas each sidewall
3 comprises two recesses 6 having a lower side 6a with a length of about 10 cm and
vertical sides 6c, 6d with a height of about 1.5 cm, so that the predefined distance
D is less than the distance D', namely less than 10 cm, thus allowing, between the
two ribs of each pair of ribs 7 the stable engagement between the pair of ribs 7 and
the vertical sides 6c, 6d of the recess 6 in the engagement position of the two stacked
baskets.
[0063] It should be noted that each sidewall 3 comprises a connecting portion 10 between
the upper portion 4 and the lower portion 5, which is inclined at an angle between
30° and 70° with respect to a direction vertical to the bottom wall 2. In particular,
the connecting portion 10 should develop on a plane inclined at an angle between 30°
and 70° with respect to a vertical plane, which in turn is orthogonal to the horizontal
plane of the bottom wall 2.
[0064] Preferably, the lower portion 5 comprises a skirt 5a made on each sidewall 3 so as
to surround all four sidewalls 3 of the basket 1.
[0065] The skirt 5a defines a seat in the lower portion 5, thanks to the offset between
the upper portion 4 and the lower portion 5 as well as thanks to the presence of the
connecting portion 10. Therefore, the upper edge 8 of the upper portion 4 of a lower
basket is at least partially inserted in this seat when two baskets are stacked in
the engagement portion.
[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, the basket 1 comprises reinforcing ribs 11 formed
on the four sidewalls 3 to give greater stability and resistance to the structure
of the basket 1. Preferably, the reinforcement ribs 11 can be made along the sidewalls
3, in one or both the upper portion 4 and the lower portion 5. Even more preferably,
the reinforcing ribs 11 are made in the lower portion 5 so as to alternate with the
ribs belonging to the pairs of ribs 7 and having a similar arrangement on the sidewall
3.
[0067] For example, the reinforcing ribs 11 run on the lower wall 5 along a direction substantially
orthogonal to the horizontal plane of development of the bottom wall 2. It should
be noted that the reinforcing ribs 11 can also be formed in the upper wall 4, always
running along an orthogonal direction of the bottom wall 2. Still preferably, a reinforcing
rib 11 can be made in the upper portion 4 of each sidewall 3 to continuously run along
a horizontal direction around all four sidewalls 3, i.e. along a direction parallel
to the horizontal plane of development of the bottom wall 2, thus surrounding the
sidewalls 3 to reinforce their structure.
[0068] In order to facilitate, for example, the operations/movements of extraction/insertion
of the basket 1 from/into the dishwashing machine by the operator, the basket 1 comprises
a pair of gripping handles 12. The pair of gripping handles 12 is, preferably, made
on at least two respective of the four sidewalls 3, the two sidewalls being opposite
each other.
[0069] Preferably, each gripping handle 12 is formed in the upper portion 4 of the sidewall
3.
[0070] In other words, the two gripping handles 12 forming the pair of gripping handles
12 are made on two opposite sidewalls of the basket so as to be able to be firmly
gripped by a user by using both hands. More preferably, the basket 1 comprises two
pairs of gripping handles 12, i.e. each of the four sidewalls 3 comprises a respective
gripping handle 12.
[0071] According to a preferred solution, the basket 1 is made of a polymeric material,
preferably a plastic, which has adequate mechanical, chemical and physical (especially
thermal) resistance properties, thus ensuring its stability and durability for a very
high number of washing cycles in the dishwashing machine. In fact, the basket 1 must
have adequate mechanical properties to support the loading of crockery and items to
be washed as well as excellent resistance to high temperatures and to the chemicals
used during the washing cycles of the dishwashing machine.
[0072] Obviously, a person skilled in the art, in order to satisfy contingent and specific
needs, may make numerous modifications to the aforesaid variants, said modifications
being however all contained in the scope of protection as defined by the following
claims.
1. A stackable basket (1) for dishwashing machines, comprising:
- a bottom wall (2) and four sidewalls (3), each sidewall of said four sidewalls (2)
having an upper portion (4) and an opposite lower portion (5), said upper portion
(5) being offset with respect to said lower portion (4) in the direction of the central
part of said basket (1),
- each upper portion (4) comprises at least one recess (6) extending toward said bottom
wall (2),
- each lower portion (5) comprises at least one pair of ribs (7) spaced apart and
connecting said lower portion (5) to said bottom wall (2),
- wherein two baskets (1) can be stacked in an engagement position in which the lower
portion (4) of the upper basket (1) at least partially overlaps the upper portion
(5) of the lower basket (1) in said engagement position, and said at least one pair
of ribs (7) in the lower portion (5) of the upper basket (1) are at least partially
inserted in a corresponding recess (6) in the upper portion (4) of the lower basket
(1);
characterised in that:
- each recess (6) comprises a horizontal lower side (6a) and two vertical sides (6c,6d)
opposite to each other and orthogonal to said lower side (6a) and spaced apart by
a first distance (D') which is comprised between 10% and 30% of the total length (L)
of said sidewall (3).
2. The stackable basket (1) for dishwashing machines according to claim 1, wherein:
- said two ribs of said pair of ribs (7) are spaced apart by a second distance (D)
so that, in said engagement position, each pair of ribs (7) in the lower portion (5)
of the upper basket (1) can be at least partially inserted in a corresponding recess
(6) in the upper portion (4) of the lower basket (1);
- said upper portion (4) comprises an edge (8) that alternates with said lower side
(6a) so that the lower side (6a) of each recess (6) is offset toward the bottom wall
(2) with respect to said upper edge (8).
3. The stackable basket (1) for dishwashing machines according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein each rib (7) comprises an upper base (7a), a lower base (7d) connected
by means of a connecting portion (7e) that extends between the two bases, thus defining
two opposite side faces (7b,7c), said upper base (7a) being at a greater height with
respect to the lower base (7d) when the basket (1) is resting on a support plane.
4. The stackable basket (1) for dishwashing machines according to claim 3, wherein said
upper base (7a) extends from the lower portion (5) of the sidewall (3) for a first
segment, whereas the lower base (7d) extends from the frame (2b) for a second segment,
said direction of extension of the first segment is perpendicular with respect to
the direction of vertical extension of the lower portion (5) of the sidewall (3),
said second segment has a direction of extension perpendicular with respect to the
direction of vertical extension of the frame (2b).
5. The stackable basket (1) for dishwashing machines according to claim 4, wherein said
length of the first segment of the upper base (7a) is shorter than the length of the
second segment of the lower base (7d), said connecting portion (7e) is connected with
the end of the upper base (7a) not resting on the lower portion (5) so as to form
a right angle, while it is connected to the end of the lower base (7d) not resting
on the frame (2b) by means of a curvilinear segment.
6. The stackable basket (1) for dishwashing machines according to any one of the preceding
claims 1 to 3, wherein each rib (7) comprises an upper base (7a), a lower base (7d)
connected by means of a connecting portion (7e) that extends between the two bases,
thus defining two opposite side faces (7b,7c), said upper base (7a) being at the same
height with respect to the lower base (7d) when considering the basket (1) resting
on a support plane, said upper base (7a) extends from the lower portion (5) of the
sidewall (3) for a first segment, whereas the lower base (7d) extends from the frame
(2b) for a second segment, said direction of extension of the first segment is perpendicular
with respect to the direction of vertical extension of the lower portion (5) of the
sidewall (3), said second segment has a direction of extension perpendicular with
respect to the direction of vertical extension of the frame (2b).
7. The stackable basket (1) for dishwashing machines according to claim 6, wherein said
connecting portion (7e) is connected with the end of the upper base (7a) not resting
on the lower portion (5) and is connected with the end of the lower base (7d) not
resting on the frame (2b) by means of a semi-circular, curvilinear segment.
8. The stackable basket (1) for dishwashing machines according to claim 1 and 2, wherein
said first distance (D') is greater than or equal to the value of said second predefined
distance (D).
9. The stackable basket (1) for dishwashing machines according to claim 1, wherein in
said engagement position of two baskets (1), the lower portions (5) of the four sidewalls
(3) of the upper basket (1) overlap the upper portions (4) of the four sidewalls (3)
of the lower basket (1) for at least the 10% of the height (H) of said sidewall (3)
of said basket (1).
10. The stackable basket (1) for dishwashing machines according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein said bottom wall (2) comprises a supporting grid (2a), which extends
on a horizontal plane, and a frame (2b) surrounding said bottom grid (2a), said at
least one pair of ribs (7) connecting said frame (2b) to a respective sidewall of
said four sidewalls (3).
11. The stackable basket (1) for dishwashing machines according to any one of the preceding
claims, wherein each sidewall (3) comprises a connecting portion (10) between the
upper portion (4) and the lower portion (5), which is inclined at an angle comprised
between 30° and 70° with respect to a direction vertical to the bottom wall (2).