Assisted-movement system for one of a rack and a door of an appliance
US8387634B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2009 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 10, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47L15/507
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An assisted-movement system is provided for an appliance, such as a dishwasher including a tub portion defining a forward opening, a door pivotally engaged therewith for selectively engaging the forward opening, and a rack movable into and out of the tub portion through the forward opening. A biasing device is operably engaged between the tub portion and one of the door, via a hinge mechanism, and the rack. The biasing device is extendable between contracted and extended positions. A position control device is operably engaged between the tub portion and one of the door, the rack, and the biasing device, and is configured to cooperate with the one of the door, the rack, and the biasing device to at least one of maintain the door in a closed position and maintain the rack within the tub portion, with the biasing device in the contracted position. Associated dishwashers are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.