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 chamber is covered and an open position in which the detergent chamber 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 configured to enable washing fluid to enter the detergent chamber through the at least one washout port to flush detergent from the detergent chamber;
wherein the shield member is coupled to the housing such that the shield member does not move relative thereto.
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
20 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 chamber is covered and an open position in which the detergent chamber 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 configured to enable washing fluid to enter the detergent chamber through the at least one washout port to flush detergent from the detergent chamber; wherein the shield member is coupled to the housing such that the shield member does not move relative thereto. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. 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 chamber is covered and an open position in which the detergent chamber 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 configured to enable washing fluid to enter the detergent chamber through the at least one washout port to flush detergent from the detergent chamber; wherein the lid further has a hinge axis, the shield member being coupled to the housing at a position opposite the hinge axis of the lid and supported from the housing by a plurality of legs which define slotted regions through which washing fluid can flow from the at least one washout port. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification