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[0001] Dishwashers generally include racks for holding objects to be washed. The racks normally are supported on rails which allow the racks to move between a retracted washing position within the dishwasher and an extended loading/unloading position substantially outside of the dishwasher when the dishwasher door is opened. The rails are telescoping between the extended and retracted positions. The inner rails are formed with a channel to rollably support wheels on opposite sides of the rack. The forward ends of the rails must have a stop element or plug to prevent the racks from rolling off the inner rails. The rail stops are preferably removable from the rail channel so that the racks can be removed from the dishwasher, if desired. Many prior art rail stops are difficult to install and/or remove due to their construction.
[0002] Therefore, a primary objective of the present invention is the provision of an improved rail stop which can be quickly and easily installed or removed from the rail channel.
[0003] A further objective of the present invention is the provision of an improved rail stop having a one piece construction.
[0004] Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a rail stop having a plug portion insertable into the rail channel and a lock portion movable between open and closed positions when the plug portion is inserted into the rail channel.
[0005] A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a rail stop for insertion into a dishwasher rack rail and having a tab adapted to substantially matingly engage with a groove in the rack wheel so as to inhibit unintentional opening of the rail stop.
[0006] Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a rail stop for a dishwasher rack rail which is economical to manufacture, and durable and reliable in use.
[0007] These and other objectives will become apparent from the following description of the invention.
[0008] The rail stop of the present invention is adapted for use on a rack rail of a dishwasher. The rail stop includes a plug portion adapted to be inserted longitudinally into the channel of the rail. The rail stop includes a lock portion which is hinged to the outer end of the plug portion for movement between an open position when the plug portion is being inserted in to the rail channel, and a closed position after the plug portion is inserted into the channel. In the closed position, a post on the lock portion extends through an opening in the plug portion and into a hole in the rail to retain the rail stop in the rail channel. A tab on the lock portion has a projection which frictionally engages the plug portion to enhance retention in the closed position. The tab also includes a curved surface to substantially matingly engage with a circumferential groove in the rack wheels so as to preclude accidental or unintentional opening of the lock portion if the rack is slammed to the front of the rails.
[0009]
[0010]
[0011]
[0012]
[0013]
[0014] A dishwasher is generally designated in
[0015] The above construction of the dishwasher
[0016] The present invention is directed towards a rail stop
[0017] The lock portion
[0018] The outer end of the tab
[0019] The method of installing the rail stop
[0020] During transport or use, when the rack
[0021] The invention has been shown and described above with the preferred embodiments, and it is understood that many modifications, substitutions, and additions may be made which are within the intended spirit and scope of the invention. From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.