DISHWASHER DETERGENT DISPENSER
First Claim
1. A dishwasher comprising:
- a tub defining a washing chamber accommodating kitchenware to be washed with washing fluid during a washing operation; and
a detergent dispenser including;
a housing mounted within the dishwasher and exposed to the tub, said housing defining a detergent chamber for receiving detergent to be dispensed into the tub during the washing operation and being provided with at least one washout port opening into the detergent chamber;
a lid mounted for movement between a closed position in which the detergent compartment is covered and an open position in which the detergent compartment is exposed;
a latch for releasably retaining the lid in the closed position; and
a shield member spaced from and extending across at least a portion of the lid to prevent the lid from being obstructed by kitchenware in the washing chamber, with the shield member enabling the lid to assume at least a partially open position between the closed and open positions during the washing operation and the at least one washout port enabling washing fluid to enter the detergent chamber through the at least one washout port to flush detergent from the detergent chamber.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
In a dishwasher having a washing chamber capable of accommodating kitchenware for washing, a detergent dispenser includes a housing defining a chamber for receiving detergent. A lid is pivotally connected to the housing for selectively pivoting between a closed position for sealing the detergent chamber and an open position which permits washing fluid to enter the detergent chamber in connection with dispensing of detergent. The detergent chamber is provided with at least one washout port enabling washing fluid to enter the chamber, even if the lid can only pivot through a limited range to a partial open position due to an obstruction. A raised shield guard, which is spaced from the lid, extends in front of the lid to ensure that a potentially obstructing object within the washing chamber does not prevent the lid from moving to at least the partial open position during a wash cycle.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A dishwasher comprising:
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a tub defining a washing chamber accommodating kitchenware to be washed with washing fluid during a washing operation; and a detergent dispenser including; a housing mounted within the dishwasher and exposed to the tub, said housing defining a detergent chamber for receiving detergent to be dispensed into the tub during the washing operation and being provided with at least one washout port opening into the detergent chamber; a lid mounted for movement between a closed position in which the detergent compartment is covered and an open position in which the detergent compartment is exposed; a latch for releasably retaining the lid in the closed position; and a shield member spaced from and extending across at least a portion of the lid to prevent the lid from being obstructed by kitchenware in the washing chamber, with the shield member enabling the lid to assume at least a partially open position between the closed and open positions during the washing operation and the at least one washout port enabling washing fluid to enter the detergent chamber through the at least one washout port to flush detergent from the detergent chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of loading and dispensing detergent in a dishwasher having a tub adapted to receive kitchenware to be washed during a washing operation and a detergent dispenser including a housing having a detergent chamber and a lid, said method comprising:
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rotating the lid to an open position in which the detergent chamber is fully exposed; adding an amount of detergent to the detergent chamber; shifting the lid to a closed position in which the lid is completely covering the detergent chamber; initiating the washing operation in the dishwasher; shifting the lid from the closed position to at least a partially open position during the washing operation; shielding the lid from being obstructed by kitchenware in the tub by a guard, which is spaced from the lid, extends along the lid and projects beyond the lid, thereby enabling the lid to assume at least the partially open position between the closed and open positions during the washing operation; and flushing the detergent from the detergent chamber by directing washing fluid into the detergent chamber through at least one washout port provided in the housing. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification