STACKABLE BASKET FOR DISHWASHING MACHINES

Description

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] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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. 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.

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 (4) being more internal with respect to said lower portion (5) 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 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).

Ansprüche

1. Stapelbarer Korb (1) für Geschirrspülmaschinen, der Folgendes umfasst:

- eine Bodenwand (2) und vier Seitenwände (3), wobei jede Seitenwand der vier Seitenwände (2) einen oberen Abschnitt (4) und einen gegenüberliegenden unteren Abschnitt (5) aufweist, wobei der obere Abschnitt (4) in der Richtung des mittleren Teils des Korbs (1) mit Bezug auf den unteren Abschnitt (5) weiter innen liegt,

- jeder obere Abschnitt (4) umfasst mindestens eine Ausnehmung (6), die sich zur Bodenwand (2) erstreckt,

- jeder untere Abschnitt (5) umfasst mindestens ein Paar von Rippen (7), die beabstandet sind und den unteren Abschnitt (5) mit der Bodenwand (2) verbinden,

- wobei zwei Körbe (1) in einer Eingriffsposition, in der der untere Abschnitt (4) des oberen Korbs (1) mindestens teilweise den oberen Abschnitt (5) des unteren Korbs (1) in der Eingriffsposition überlappt, gestapelt werden können, und das mindestens eine Paar von Rippen (7) im unteren Abschnitt (5) des oberen Korbs (1) mindestens teilweise in eine entsprechende Ausnehmung (6) im oberen Abschnitt (4) des unteren Korbs (1) eingesetzt sind;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

- jede Ausnehmung (6) eine horizontale untere Seite (6a) und zwei vertikale Seiten (6c, 6d), die einander gegenüberliegen und orthogonal zur unteren Seite (6a) stehen und um einen ersten Abstand (D'), der zwischen 10 % und 30 % der Gesamtlänge (L) der Seitenwand (3) umfasst ist, beabstandet sind, umfasst.

2. Stapelbarer Korb (1) für Geschirrspülmaschinen nach Anspruch 1, wobei:

- die zwei Rippen des Paares von Rippen (7) um einen zweiten Abstand (D) beabstandet sind, derart, dass in der Eingriffsposition jedes Paar von Rippen (7) im unteren Abschnitt (5) des oberen Korbs (1) mindestens teilweise in eine entsprechende Ausnehmung (6) im oberen Abschnitt (4) des unteren Korbs (1) eingesetzt werden kann;

- der obere Abschnitt (4) eine Kante (8) umfasst, die mit der unteren Seite (6a) alterniert, derart, dass die untere Seite (6a) jeder Ausnehmung (6) mit Bezug auf die Oberkante (8) zur Bodenwand (2) versetzt ist.

3. Stapelbarer Korb (1) für Geschirrspülmaschinen nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei jede Rippe (7) eine obere Basis (7a), eine untere Basis (7d), die mittels eines Verbindungsabschnitts (7e), der sich zwischen den zwei Basen erstreckt, verbunden sind, wodurch zwei gegenüberliegende Seitenflächen (7b, 7c) definiert werden, umfasst, wobei sich die obere Basis (7a) mit Bezug auf die untere Basis (7d) in einer größeren Höhe befindet, wenn der Korb (1) auf einer Stützebene ruht.

4. Stapelbarer Korb (1) für Geschirrspülmaschinen nach Anspruch 3, wobei sich die obere Basis (7a) vom unteren Abschnitt (5) der Seitenwand (3) für ein erstes Segment erstreckt, während sich die untere Basis (7d) vom Rahmen (2b) für ein zweites Segment erstreckt, die Richtung der Erstreckung des ersten Segments mit Bezug auf die Richtung der vertikalen Erstreckung des unteren Abschnitts (5) der Seitenwand (3) senkrecht verläuft, das zweite Segment eine Richtung aufweist, die mit Bezug auf die Richtung der vertikalen Erstreckung des Rahmens (2b) senkrecht verläuft.

5. Stapelbarer Korb (1) für Geschirrspülmaschinen nach Anspruch 4, wobei die Länge des ersten Segments der oberen Basis (7a) kürzer ist als die Länge des zweiten Segments der unteren Basis (7d), der Verbindungsabschnitt (7e) mit dem Ende der oberen Basis (7a), das nicht auf dem unteren Abschnitt (5) ruht, verbunden ist, um einen rechten Winkel zu bilden, während er mit dem Ende der unteren Basis (7d), das nicht auf dem Rahmen (2b) ruht, mittels eines kurvenförmigen Segments verbunden ist.

6. Stapelbarer Korb (1) für Geschirrspülmaschinen nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei jede Rippe (7) eine obere Basis (7a), eine untere Basis (7d), die mittels eines Verbindungsabschnitts (7e), der sich zwischen den beiden Basen erstreckt, verbunden sind, wodurch zwei gegenüberliegende Seitenflächen (7b, 7c) definiert sind, umfasst, wobei sich die obere Basis (7a) mit Bezug auf die untere Basis (7d) auf derselben Höhe befindet, wenn der Korb (1), der auf einer Stützebene ruht, berücksichtigt wird, die obere Basis (7a) sich vom unteren Abschnitt (5) der Seitenwand (3) für ein erstes Segment erstreckt, während sich die untere Basis (7d) vom Rahmen (2b) für ein zweites Segment erstreckt, die Richtung der Erstreckung des ersten Segments mit Bezug auf die Richtung der vertikalen Erstreckung des unteren Abschnitts (5) der Seitenwand (3) senkrecht verläuft, das zweite Segment eine Richtung aufweist, die mit Bezug auf die Richtung der vertikalen Erstreckung des Rahmens (2b) senkrecht verläuft.

7. Stapelbarer Korb (1) für Geschirrspülmaschinen nach Anspruch 6, wobei der Verbindungsabschnitt (7e) mit dem Ende der oberen Basis (7a), das nicht auf dem unteren Abschnitt (5) ruht, verbunden ist, und mit dem Ende der unteren Basis (7d), das nicht auf dem Rahmen (2b) ruht, mittels eines halbreisförmigen, kurvenförmigen Segments verbunden ist.

8. Stapelbarer Korb (1) für Geschirrspülmaschinen nach Anspruch 2, wobei der erste Abstand (D') größer als oder gleich dem Wert des zweiten vordefinierten Abstands (D) ist.

9. Stapelbarer Korb (1) für Geschirrspülmaschinen nach Anspruch 1, wobei in der Eingriffsposition von zwei Körben (1) die unteren Abschnitte (5) der vier Seitenwände (3) des oberen Korbs (1) die oberen Abschnitte (4) der vier Seitenwände (3) des unteren Korbs (1) für mindestens 10 % der Höhe (H) der Seitenwand (3) des Korbs (1) überlappen.

10. Stapelbarer Korb (1) für Geschirrspülmaschinen nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Bodenwand (2) ein Stützgitter (2a), das sich auf einer horizontalen Ebene erstreckt, und einen Rahmen (2b), der das Bodengitter (2a) umgibt, umfasst, wobei das mindestens eine Paar von Rippen (7) den Rahmen (2b) mit einer jeweiligen Seitenwand der vier Seitenwände (3) verbindet.

11. Stapelbarer Korb (1) für Geschirrspülmaschinen nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei jede Seitenwand (3) zwischen dem oberen Abschnitt (4) und dem unteren Abschnitt (5), einen Verbindungsabschnitt (10) umfasst, der mit Bezug auf eine Richtung vertikal zur Bodenwand (2) in einem Winkel, der zwischen 30° und 70° umfasst ist, geneigt ist.

Revendications

1. Panier empilable (1) pour lave-vaisselle, comprenant :

- une paroi inférieure (2) et quatre parois latérales (3), chaque paroi latérale desdites quatre parois latérales (2) ayant une partie supérieure (4) et une partie inférieure opposée (5), ladite partie supérieure (4) étant plus interne par rapport à ladite partie inférieure (5) dans la direction de la partie centrale dudit panier (1),

- chaque partie supérieure (4) comprend au moins un évidement (6) s'étendant vers ladite paroi inférieure (2),

- chaque partie inférieure (5) comprend au moins une paire de nervures (7) espacées et reliant ladite partie inférieure (5) à ladite paroi inférieure (2),

- où deux paniers (1) peuvent être empilés dans une position d'engagement où la partie inférieure (4) du panier supérieur (1) chevauche au moins partiellement la partie supérieure (5) du panier inférieur (1) dans ladite position d'engagement, et ladite au moins une paire de nervures (7) dans la partie inférieure (5) du panier supérieur (1) sont au moins partiellement insérées dans un évidement correspondant (6) dans la partie supérieure (4) du panier inférieur (1) ;

caractérisé en ce que :

- chaque évidement (6) comprend un côté inférieur horizontal (6a) et deux côtés verticaux (6c, 6d) opposés l'un à l'autre et orthogonaux audit côté inférieur (6a) et espacés d'une première distance (D') qui est comprise entre 10% et 30% de la longueur totale (L) de ladite paroi latérale (3).

2. Panier empilable (1) pour lave-vaisselle selon la revendication 1, où :

- lesdites deux nervures de ladite paire de nervures (7) sont espacées d'une seconde distance (D) de sorte que, dans ladite position d'engagement, chaque paire de nervures (7) dans la partie inférieure (5) du panier supérieur (1) peut être au moins partiellement insérée dans un évidement correspondant (6) dans la partie supérieure (4) du panier inférieur (1) ;

- ladite partie supérieure (4) comprend un bord (8) qui alterne avec ledit côté inférieur (6a) de sorte que le côté inférieur (6a) de chaque évidement (6) est décalé vers la paroi inférieure (2) par rapport audit bord supérieur (8).

3. Panier empilable (1) pour lave-vaisselle selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où chaque nervure (7) comprend une base supérieure (7a), une base inférieure (7d) reliée au moyen d'une partie de liaison (7e) qui s'étend entre les deux bases, définissant ainsi deux faces latérales opposées (7b, 7c), ladite base supérieure (7a) étant à une plus grande hauteur par rapport à la base inférieure (7d) lorsque le panier (1) repose sur un plan de support.

4. Panier empilable (1) pour lave-vaisselle selon la revendication 3, où ladite base supérieure (7a) s'étend à partir de la partie inférieure (5) de la paroi latérale (3) pour un premier segment, tandis que la base inférieure (7d) s'étend à partir du cadre (2b) pour un second segment, ladite direction d'extension du premier segment est perpendiculaire à la direction d'extension verticale de la partie inférieure (5) de la paroi latérale (3), ledit second segment a une direction d'extension perpendiculaire à la direction d'extension verticale du cadre (2b).

5. Panier empilable (1) pour lave-vaisselle selon la revendication 4, où ladite longueur du premier segment de la base supérieure (7a) est plus courte que la longueur du second segment de la base inférieure (7d), ladite partie de liaison (7e) est reliée à l'extrémité de la base supérieure (7a) ne reposant pas sur la partie inférieure (5) de manière à former un angle droit, tandis qu'elle est reliée à l'extrémité de la base inférieure (7d) ne reposant pas sur le cadre (2b) au moyen d'un segment curviligne.

6. Panier empilable (1) pour lave-vaisselle selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 à 3, où chaque nervure (7) comprend une base supérieure (7a), une base inférieure (7d) reliée au moyen d'une partie de liaison (7e) qui s'étend entre les deux bases, définissant ainsi deux faces latérales opposées (7b, 7c), ladite base supérieure (7a) étant à la même hauteur par rapport à la base inférieure (7d) lorsque l'on considère le panier (1) reposant sur un plan de support, ladite base supérieure (7a) s'étend à partir de la partie inférieure (5) de la paroi latérale (3) pour un premier segment, tandis que la base inférieure (7d) s'étend à partir du cadre (2b) pour un second segment, ladite direction d'extension du premier segment est perpendiculaire à la direction d'extension verticale de la partie inférieure (5) de la paroi latérale (3), ledit second segment a une direction d'extension perpendiculaire à la direction d'extension verticale du cadre (2b).

7. Panier empilable (1) pour lave-vaisselle selon la revendication 6, où ladite partie de liaison (7e) est reliée à l'extrémité de la base supérieure (7a) ne reposant pas sur la partie inférieure (5) et est reliée à l'extrémité de la base inférieure (7d) ne reposant pas sur le cadre (2b) au moyen d'un segment curviligne semi-circulaire.

8. Panier empilable (1) pour lave-vaisselle selon la revendication 2, où ladite première distance (D') est supérieure ou égale à la valeur de ladite seconde distance prédéfinie (D).

9. Panier empilable (1) pour lave-vaisselle selon la revendication 1, où, dans ladite position d'engagement de deux paniers (1), les parties inférieures (5) des quatre parois latérales (3) du panier supérieur (1) chevauchent les parties supérieures (4) des quatre parois latérales (3) du panier inférieur (1) sur au moins 10% de la hauteur (H) de ladite paroi latérale (3) dudit panier (1).

10. Panier empilable (1) pour lave-vaisselle selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où ladite paroi inférieure (2) comprend une grille de support (2a), qui s'étend sur un plan horizontal, et un cadre (2b) entourant ladite grille inférieure (2a), ladite au moins une paire de nervures (7) reliant ledit cadre (2b) à une paroi latérale respective desdites quatre parois latérales (3).

11. Panier empilable (1) pour lave-vaisselle selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, où chaque paroi latérale (3) comprend une partie de liaison (10) entre la partie supérieure (4) et la partie inférieure (5), qui est inclinée à un angle compris entre 30° et 70° par rapport à une direction verticale à la paroi inférieure (2).

Drawing