Dishwasher vent arrangement
US4179821A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 1977 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47L15/488
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A vent arrangement for dishwashers for venting the hot humid air displaced from the interior of the dishwasher during drying cycles which minimizes the formation of condensate on the exterior surfaces in and about the vent exit opening. The vent exit opening is located in the uppermost region of the dishwasher door and of relatively large area to allow efficient convection drying action, while a plurality of vent exit opening ribs are disposed vertically within the vent exit opening, the vent exit ribs have a particular cross-sectional shape such as to minimize the formation of condensate. The cross-sectional shape includes flange portions laterally extending from a body portion along the frontal edge of each of the vent exit ribs, creating a T-shape to produce an air flow effect minimizing the contact of the vented air with the surface of the ribs and also acting to reduce the thermal mass of the ribs to further minimize condensation. The ribs are formed integrally with a molded plastic vent duct housing, the duct housing also having an upper interior surface and deflector lip configured to direct air flow downwardly as it exits through the opening to reduce condensation on the up…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.