Rack mechanism attachable to a dish washing machine basket

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a multi-purpose racks used in dish washing machines, with the height thereof being adjustable.

Prior Art

[0002] A variety of racks and baskets are used in dish washing machines for the purpose of washing various dining set utensils. The most common are the baskets for forks-spoons-knives and racks for glasses-cups. Forks-spoons-knives having large bodies are usually placed in the spaces found within the upper plate rack. However, finding space to place items such as ladles that are both large and difficult to place is especially a problem. The case is similar for large and sharp items such as bread knives. Placing items of this sort is also difficult, and the sharp edges of such items damage the coating of the lower and upper baskets. Different rack mechanisms, therefore, have been developed in order to properly place kitchen utensils that are both large and difficult to place.

[0003] A dish washing machine rack such as the one disclosed in the published patent application EP1275336 belonging to the prior art may be provided as an example of such an apparatus. The rack disclosed herein is structured to be fixed to the upper basket and can rotate on a single axis. This rack, the height of which cannot be adjusted, is designed for placing various kitchen utensils on it.

[0004] As the height of the rack disclosed in the published patent application EP1275336 cannot be adjusted, this presents an obstacle for the items underneath. Furthermore, parts which extend toward the basket lead to a decrease in usable capacity even when closed in a rotary motion, due to its structure, which embodies protrusions and grooves. In addition, owing to its numerous parts, assembling the rack is time consuming and leads to an increase in costs.

[0005] Document WO-A- 01 87133 describes a rack mechanism attachable to a dish washing machine basket having a connection wire, a rack whose height can be adjusted, at least one connection slot and at least one resting surface.

Brief Description of the Invention

[0006] The rack mechanism provided by this invention, however, is one that takes up little space (compact) and which can be assembled with ease. This apparatus includes a wire used for assembly and a rack that is fixed to the said wire. The wire is designed to be easily detached when necessary and has the feature of being attachable to many current dish washing machines. In other words, the rack of the present invention is quite easily applicable to current dish washing machines.

[0007] The height of the rack that is attached to the connection wire is adjustable to at least two positions. It is closed when not in use, and the flexible hooked fastening elements found herein prevent it from deviating from this position by gripping onto the connection wire.

[0008] Between single rows on the rack may be placed large kitchen utensils such as forks-spoons-knives in a horizontal alignment. The mechanism provides a structure allowing for the safe placement and retraction of knives having a sharp edge without endangering the user. In addition, it may also be used as a cup-glass rack. The rack mechanism is made yet more convenient, as the connection wire may be attached and detached from the upper-lower baskets.

[0009] This mechanism, the use of which allows for an additional placement area within the machine, makes available a relatively large space, especially as used next to the plate rows in the lower basket. That the rack may be aligned in an open position provides for a more thorough washing of the cups-glasses placed within it.

[0010] A further important feature of the invention is that it can be assembled in a very quick manner. Fewer numbers of parts and the simple geometric structure thereof allow for easy assembly while also saving time. Furthermore, this makes the parts safer and more durable. The assembly process is completed easily and swiftly since additional parts and connection tools are no longer necessary.

Objective of Invention

[0011] The objective of the present invention is to provide an mechanism comprising a single piece rack which can be opened and closed and is height adjustable to allow for the placement in washing machines of large kitchen utensils such as forks-spoons-knives.

[0012] A further objective of the invention is to provide a rack mechanism that can also be attached to and detached from the present dish washing machine basket afterwards.

[0013] A further objective of the invention is to provide a rack mechanism that can remain in a closed position and does not, even in such a position, obstruct the available areas inside the dish washing machine.

[0014] A further objective of the invention is to provide a rack mechanism whose height can be adjusted to at least two positions.

[0015] A further objective of the invention is to provide a rack mechanism which increases the usable space through placement in different areas on the dish washing machine basket.

[0016] A further objective of the invention is to provide a rack mechanism that makes a more thorough washing of utensils such as cups-glasses possible by allowing for the rack to remain in an open position.

[0017] A further objective of the invention is to provide a rack mechanism, wherein the assembly processes may be easily carried out even by the user without having to resort to additional parts and connection tools.

[0018] A further objective of the invention is to provide a rack mechanism, wherein different kitchen utensils can also be placed.

[0019] A further objective of the invention is to provide a rack mechanism, wherein especially sharp edged knives may safely be placed and retracted without endangering the user.

[0020] A further objective of the invention is to provide a rack mechanism of which assembly is quick, safe and cheap.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] An example of the rack mechanism which is the subject of this invention is shown by illustration in the attached drawings, wherein;

Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of the rack mechanism as assembled on a dish washing machine basket.

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of the rack mechanism.

Figure 3 is a side view of the rack mechanism in an open position.

Figure 4 is a side view of the rack mechanism in an open position.

Figure 5 is a side view of the rack mechanism in a closed position.

Figure 6 is perspective view of the rack.

Figure 7 is another perspective view of the rack.

Figure 8 is a side view of the rack mechanism as assembled on a dish washing machine basket.

Figure 9 is a side view of the rack mechanism as assembled on a dish washing machine basket.

Figure 10 is a side view of the rack mechanism in an open position.

Figure 11 is a perspective view from above of the rack mechanism as assembled on a dish washing machine basket.

[0022] Each part in the drawings is numbered. The parts corresponding to the numbers are as follows:

Washing machine basket (1)

Connection wire (2)

Rack (3)

Plate (4)

Plate (5)

Knife (6)

Spoon (7)

Glass-Cup (8)

Notch (21)

Vertical wire (22)

Upper section (23)

Upper section (30)

Connection slot (31)

Separator (32)

Placement slot (33)

Hooked fastener (34)

Lower section (35)

Placement slot (36)

Resting surface (37)

Resting surface (38)

Rear surface (39)

Front surface (39')

Feeder (40)

Angle (A)

Detailed Description of Invention

[0023] 

Figure 1 shows a perspective view from above of the rack mechanism of the present invention as fixed to the dish washing machine basket (1). The said mechanism comprises at least one connection wire (2) that is assembled to the horizontal and vertical wires of the basket (1) and at least one single piece rack (3) which can be opened and closed in a rotary motion and whose vertical position can be adjusted on the said connection wire (2).

Figures 2-4 shows the rack (3) in an open position in order to increase the dish receiving capacity of the basket (1), while figure 5 illustrates the closed position. The open position is the position wherein the rack (3) has been placed to receive dishes by laying it down. The closed position is the position wherein the rack (3) has been placed vertically.

[0024] The connection wire (2) shown in: figures 1-5 is a part placed in such a way on the horizontal and vertical wires of the basket (1) so as to be flexibly attachable and detachable, and can remain, without slippage, in position on the basket (1) as placed, via notches on the horizontal and vertical wires.

[0025] Figures 6-7; wherein the rack(3) whose perspective view is provided; there is at least one connection slot (31), that is situated on the rear surface (39) and extends from the rear surface (39) so as to allow the rack (3) to be at a slanted angle in the open position, used for the upward and downward motion of the rack (3) on the vertical wires (22) found on the connection wire (2).

[0026] When the rack (3) is in the open position, on the rear surface (39) of the rack and beneath each connection slot (31) is a resting surface (37) in the form of a channel, on the inner surface of which rests the vertical wire (22). Apart from the said surfaces (37), there is at least one separate resting surface (38) that is linear so as to be able to rest against at least one vertical wire (22), or that has a channel form which can receive the wire (22). (In an alternative embodiment of the invention, at the said rear surface (39), there is provided at least one double-hooked fastener (not shown in the drawings) for firmly gripping the vertical wires to provide a stronger bond to the vertical wires (22) when the rack is in an open position.)

[0027] When the rack (3) is in the closed position, at least one double-hooked fastener (34) extends upwards from the upper part (30) of the rack (3) to the vertical wires (22) to prevent it from opening on its own (or to prevent a change in any present connection). The body of the rack (3) is in the form of a grill, with the parts connecting the front and rear surfaces (39', 39), the side edges, having on them aligned at certain intervals, at least one row of separators (32) that extend upward from the upper section (30). By placing kitchen utensils such as forks-spoons-knives between the separators (32), it is possible to keep them apart from each other while washing them more thoroughly.

[0028] On the upper edges of the rear and front surfaces (39, 39') of the rack (3), there is at least one placement slot (33, 36) into which the vertical wire (22) can be fastened. It becomes possible for the rack (3) to take up less space in the closed position as the wires (22) are inserted into these slots (33, 36) when the rack (3) is brought to the closed position.

[0029] In order to adjust the height of the rack (3) without completely disengaging from the connection wire (1) and to make the rack's (3) movements from the open to the closed position easier; the connection slot (31) is provided as "C" shaped and allows for a vertical wire (22) to pass into the channel (31') on the inside through an opening to the outside (31") that is located on its side. As the vertical wire (22) is inserted into the said channel (31'), the extended form of the channel allows the rack (3) to move in a rotary motion relative to the vertical wire (22). On the other hand, the relative left and right motion of the rack (3) to the wire (2) is prevented by maintaining the width of the said channel (31') at a measure close to the width of the wire (22) inside.

[0030] As can be seen in Figure 10, in order for the rack (3) to remain steady in an open position on the vertical wire (22), each connection slot (31) must be in a resting position on the upper section (23) of the notches (21) situated on the vertical wire (22). In this position, each resting surface (37) is in a resting position on its corresponding vertical wire (22). Because a force is inflicted on the notch (21) by the connection slot (31) (resting on the upper section (23) of the notch (21) in the attached drawings) and by the resting surface (37) on the vertical wire (22), upon a load being placed on the rack (3), the rack (3) can easily be suspended in this position. Each notch (21) is formed as a protrusion in a given direction on certain points of a vertical wire (22). The number of notches (21) on a vertical wire (22) defines the number of different heights at which the rack (3) will be positioned.

[0031] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the rack (3) as attached to the connection wire (2) in the lower position, while figure 4 shows a side view of the rack (3) as attached to the connection wire (2) in the upper position. The rack (3) is brought to the desired height by moving the connection slots (31) up and down on the vertical wires (22), and is then attached to the notches (21) by being brought to a fully open position at the desired height.

[0032] In order to prevent water accumulation on the dishes placed in the rack (3) and to allow the water to more easily reach inside of the items such as glasses-cups during washing; the rack (3) is formed to remain at a slanted angle (angle (A) is shown in figure 4) in the open position as shown in figure 4.

[0033] With the present invention, it is possible to adjust the height of the rack (3) attached to the connection wire of the dishwashing machine basket (1) in accordance with the size of the dishes to be placed underneath, without having to disengage the rack (3) from the basket (1) during the said adjustment process. Figure 8 shows the rack (3) with a large plate (5) placed under it, while figure 9 shows the rack (3) with a small plate (4) placed under it.

[0034] Furthermore, the resting surfaces (37), which rest against the vertical wires (22), being formed as channels, along with the width of the channel (31') inside the connection slot (31) being of a width similar to that of the wire (22), prevents the rack (3) from moving right or left in its attached position, which decreases the shakiness of the rack (3) and allows it to remain stable.

[0035] Figure 11 provides a perspective view from above of an example embodiment of the invention. This illustrates the knife (6) and fork (7) placed between the separators (32). In addition, it is possible, as illustrated in this figure, to place items such as glasses-cups (8) on the rack (3).

[0036] In another alternative embodiment of the invention, materials of high friction coefficient are used for areas that come in contact with the rack's (3) connection wire (2). This way, the possibility of the rack (3) slipping off the wire (2) in areas in between where notches (21) are not used is decreased.

[0037] In another alternative embodiment of the invention, more than one rack (3) (Figure 11 illustrates two racks) may be used side by side. In instances where kitchen utensils that are too long to fit on a single rack are used (as illustrated in figure 11), the facing edges of two racks (3) aligned next to each other are formed without a difference in their height adjustment. This way, it becomes possible to place long kitchen utensils on more than one rack at a time.

[0038] In addition, at least one feeder (40) (shown in figure 7) providing an elevation is provided on at least one side of the rack (3) of the invention in order to prevent the kitchen utensils from spilling out of the rack (3).

Claims

1. A rack mechanism that is attachable to a dish washing machine basket (1), characterized in that;
it comprises at least one connection wire (2) having flexible horizontal and vertical wires containing notches for attaching the basket (1) to the horizontal and vertical wires;
a single piece rack (3) which can be opened and closed and whose height can be adjusted on the vertical wires (22) on the connection wire (2);
at least one connection slot (31) at the rear surface (39) of the rack (3) that extends outward, each of which contains a vertical wire (22) inside;
at least one resting surface (37) formed as a channel that is positioned beneath the connection slot (31) and of which inner surface rests on the vertical wire (22) when the rack (3) is in the open position;
at least one notch (21) on the corresponding vertical wire (22) on which the connection slot (31) is suspended.

2. The rack mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that; each notch (21) is formed as a protrusion in a given direction at certain points on the vertical wire (22).

3. The rack mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that; at least one placement slot (33, 36) each is present on the edge of the front and rear surfaces (39, 39') of the rack (3), so as to be able to receive the vertical wire (22) when the rack (3) is in a closed position.

4. The rack mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that; at least a single row of separators (32) extending upward from the upper section (30) of the rack (3) is provided for the placement between them of various kitchen utensils.

5. The rack mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that; the connection slot (31) is formed as a "C" shape having an opening (31") to the outside on its side, through which the vertical wire (22) can pass into the channel (31') located on the inside.

6. The rack mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that; it comprises at least one double-hooked fastener (34) extending upwards from the upper section (30) of the rack (3) in order to firmly grip the vertical wires (22) when the rack (3) is in the closed position.

7. The rack mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that; the rack (3) remains at a slanted angle when in the open position.

8. The rack mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that; there is provided at least one double-hooked fastener on the rear surface (39) of the rack allowing it to firmly grip the vertical wires (22) when the rack is in the open position.

9. The rack mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that; materials of a high friction coefficient are present at points where the rack (3) comes in contact with the connection wire (2).

10. The rack mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that; the rack (3) comprises at least one resting surface (38), linearly formed so as to be able to rest against at least one vertical wire (22).

11. The rack mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that; the rack (3) comprises at least one resting surface (38), formed as a channel so as to be able to receive at least one vertical wire (22).

12. The rack mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that; there is no difference in height adjustment between the facing sides of two adjacent racks (3) in instances where numerous racks (3) are used side by side.

13. The rack mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that; at least a feeder (40) forming an elevation is present on at least one side of the rack (3).

Ansprüche

1. Ablagemechanismus, der an einem Spülmaschinenkorb (1) angebracht werden kann, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
er mindestens einen Verbindungsdrahtstab (2) umfasst, flexible horizontale und vertikale Drahtstäbe hat, die Rasten enthalten, um den Korb (1) an den horizontalen und vertikalen Drahtstäben anzubringen;
eine aus einem Teil bestehenden Ablage (3), die geöffnet und geschlossen werden kann, und deren Höhe an den vertikalen Drahtstäben (22) am Verbindungsdrahtstab (2) eingestellt werden kann;
mindestens einen Verbindungsschlitz (31) auf der Rückseite (39) der Ablage, der nach außen verläuft, wovon jeder einen vertikalen Drahtstab (22) in seinem Inneren enthält;
mindestens eine als Hohlkehle ausgebildete Anlagefläche (37), die unter dem Verbindungsschlitz (31) angeordnet ist, und deren Innenfläche am vertikalen Drahtstab (22) anliegt, wenn die Ablage (3) in der offenen Stellung ist
mindestens eine Raste (21) am entsprechenden vertikalen Drahtstab (22), an dem der Verbindungsschlitz (31) eingehängt wird.

2. Ablagemechanismus nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede Raste (21) an bestimmten Punkten am vertikalen Drahtstab (22) als Vorsprung in einer vorgegebenen Richtung ausgebildet ist.

3. Ablagemechanismus nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens jeweils ein Platzierungsschlitz am Rand der Vorder- und Rückseite (39, 39') vorhanden ist, um den vertikalen Drahtstab (22) aufnehmen zu können, wenn die Ablage (3) in einer geschlossenen Stellung ist.

4. Ablagemechanismus nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens eine einzelne Reihe von Abstandshaltern (32) vorgesehen ist, die sich aus dem oberen Abschnitt (30) der Ablage (3) nach oben erstrecken, und verschiedene Küchengegenstände zwischen diese eingelegt werden können.

5. Ablagemechanismus nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Verbindungsschlitz (31) als C-Form mit einer Öffnung (31") zur Außenseite an seiner Seite ausgebildet ist, durch die der vertikale Drahtstab (22) in die Hohlkehle (31') eintreten kann, die sich auf der Innenseite befindet.

6. Ablagemechanismus nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass er mindestens eine Doppelhakenbefestigung (34) umfasst, die sich aus dem oberen Abschnitt (30) der Ablage (3) nach oben erstreckt, um die vertikalen Drahtstäbe (22) festzuhalten, wenn die Ablage (3) in der geschlossenen Stellung ist.

7. Ablagemechanismus nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ablage (3), wenn sie in der offenen Stellung ist, in einem schrägen Winkel bleibt.

8. Ablagemechanismus nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens eine Doppelhakenbefestigung auf der Rückseite (39) der Ablage vorgesehen ist, die es ermöglicht, die vertikalen Drahtstäbe (22) festzuhalten, wenn die Ablage in der offenen Stellung ist.

9. Ablagemechanismus nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Materialien mit einem hohen Reibungskoeffizienten an den Stellen vorhanden sind, an denen die Ablage (3) mit dem Verbindungsdrahtstab (2) in Kontakt kommt.

10. Ablagemechanismus nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ablage (3) mindestens eine Anlagefläche (38) umfasst, die gerade ausgebildet ist, um an mindestens einem vertikalen Drahtstab (22) anliegen zu können.

11. Ablagemechanismus nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ablage (3) mindestens eine Anlagefläche (38) umfasst, die als Hohlkehle ausgebildet ist, um mindestens einen vertikalen Drahtstab (22) aufnehmen zu können.

12. Ablagemechanismus nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es in den Fällen, in denen mehrere Ablagen (3) nebeneinander verwendet werden, keinen Unterschied in der Höheneinstellung zwischen den einander zugewandten Seiten zweier benachbarter Ablagen (3) gibt.

13. Ablagemechanismus nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens eine Anlegeeinrichtung (40), die eine Erhöhung bildet, an mindestens einer Seite der Ablage (3) vorhanden ist.

Revendications

1. Mécanisme de tablette qui peut être fixé sur un panier (1) de lave-vaisselle, caractérisé en ce que :

il comprend au moins un fil de raccordement (2) ayant des fils horizontaux et verticaux souples contenant des encoches pour fixer le panier (1) sur les fils horizontaux et verticaux ;

une tablette d'un seul tenant (3) qui peut être ouverte et fermée et dont la hauteur peut être ajustée sur les fils verticaux (22) sur le fil de raccordement (2) ;

au moins une fente de raccordement (31) au niveau de la surface arrière (39) de la tablette (3) qui s'étend vers l'extérieur, dont chacune contient un fil vertical (22) à l'intérieur de cette dernière ;

au moins une surface de repos (37) formée comme un canal, qui est positionnée au-dessous de la fente de raccordement (31) et dont la surface interne repose sur le fil vertical (22) lorsque la tablette (3) est dans la position ouverte ;

au moins une encoche (21) sur le fil vertical (22) correspondant, sur laquelle la fente de raccordement (31) est suspendue.

2. Mécanisme de tablette selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que chaque encoche (21) est formée come une saillie dans une direction donnée à certains points sur le fil vertical (22).

3. Mécanisme de tablette selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une fente de mise en place (33, 36) est présente sur le bord des surfaces avant et arrière (39, 39') de la tablette (3), afin de pouvoir recevoir le fil vertical (22) lorsque la tablette (3) est dans une position fermée.

4. Mécanisme de tablette selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une seule rangée de séparateurs (32) s'étendant vers le haut à partir de la section supérieure (30) de la tablette (3) est prévue pour mettre en place différents ustensiles de cuisine entre eux.

5. Mécanisme de tablette selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la fente de raccordement (31) est en forme de « C » ayant une ouverture (31") vers l'extérieur sur son côté, à travers laquelle le fil vertical (22) peut passer dans le canal (31') situé sur l'intérieur.

6. Mécanisme de tablette selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend au moins une fixation à double crochet (34) s'étendant vers le haut à partir de la section supérieure (30) de la tablette (3) afin de saisir fermement les fils verticaux (22) lorsque la tablette (3) est dans la position fermée.

7. Mécanisme de tablette selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la tablette (3) reste dans un angle incliné lorsqu'elle est dans la position ouverte.

8. Mécanisme de tablette selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'on prévoit au moins une fixation à double crochet sur la surface arrière (39) de la tablette, lui permettant de saisir fermement les fils verticaux (22) lorsque la tablette est dans la position ouverte.

9. Mécanisme de tablette selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que des matériaux ayant un coefficient de frottement élevé sont présents sur des points où la tablette (3) vient en contact avec le fil de raccordement (2).

10. Mécanisme de tablette selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la tablette (3) comprend au moins une surface de repos (38), formée de manière linéaire afin de pouvoir reposer contre au moins un fil vertical (22).

11. Mécanisme de tablette selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la tablette (3) comprend au moins une surface de repos (38) formée comme un canal afin de pouvoir recevoir au moins un fil vertical (22).

12. Mécanisme de tablette selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il n'y a aucune différence du point de vue de l'ajustement en hauteur entre les côtés en vis-à-vis de deux tablettes (3) adjacentes dans des cas dans lesquels on utilise plusieurs tablettes (3) côte à côte.

13. Mécanisme de tablette selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'au moins un dispositif d'alimentation (40) formant une élévation, est présent sur au moins un côté de la tablette (3).

Drawing